The Sage Table
Categories: Education Specialty Schools Cooking Schools Food Farmers Market Cooking Schools, Farmers Market [Edit]
Oakland, CA 94609(510) 914-1142
- Price Range:
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$$
- Parking:
- Street
Book one class for your self and get %50 off on your second purchase! In participation group Thai cooking class. You can use for someone special on… read more »
6 reviews for The Sage Table
6 reviews in English
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Review from Christine G.
Scottsdale, AZ
9/11/2008
I live about 10 miles from "the Sage Table", but every class I've come to I feel as if I've traveled to another land. I learn so much! Dara's classes are nourishing experiences in so many ways! I enjoy being exposed to ways of cooking, nourishment and taste sensations that I otherwise would not experience. I also enjoy meeting such nice, interesting people - strangers just hours ago! The class itself is NOT often hands on - it's demo and tastings (yum), but I prefer to observe the first time and then let myself loose on the ingredients in the future! Basics and then - creativity. Exceptional fun!
After the demos...
the pièce de résistance - we all share the fruits of Dara's labors in a communal meal in her cozy dining room at her candlit table accompanied by good conversation. I just love it!
We leave with such simple yet delicious recipes in a handout which we are free to mark with suggestions/comments during the entire class.
OK, my confession...actually, I am apprehensive about leaving a glowing review on Yelp only for selfish reasons - if the classes become too popular , and the size expands, they might lose that magical cozy feeling, or if they stay the same size I might not get in if I wait too long!
BUT to hoard such a treasure would surely be what is meant by "a sin".
It's a magical evening, and I highly recommend it. She has SUCH passion for all that she is doing - how could a person not be entranced?
Sign up! You won't be disappointed!!! -
Review from Jenn C.
6/12/2008 1 photo
A month or so ago, I attended a fermentation and pickling class taught by Dara Merin right in my own neighborhood! The class was small - about four or five of us in her roomy kitchen. We went over all the recipes in her handout for fermented veg pickle (like kim chee), sourdough starter (I already killed mine), kombucha (I've got the mother now but not the time or the courage to make the kombucha!)... the class is more demonstration with some hands on prep to make the pickle. Everyone was super nice and I highly recommend Dara's classes.
Classes are in the kitchen a 1908 house in the Temescal neighborhood of North Oakland, a ten minute walk from the Rockridge Bart station. Each class is chock-full of cooking instructions, specific methods, and tips and includes a comprehensive handout with recipes and lots of other information and resources. The focus is always on how to make delicious food that is nourishing and nutritious too.
Classes all feature a relaxed and comfortable dinner in the lovely dining room after we finish cooking, with abundant food and wine to compliment the meal. This part of the class is a wonderful opportunity to connect with the group and feel the sweet community vibe that makes classes with The Sage Table so special.
Cooking is done with the highest quality ingredients possible, adhering to the idea of SOUL food: Seasonal, Organic, Unrefined and Local. As much as possible is purchased at local farmer's markets in the East Bay. Classes are vegetarian unless explicitly noted otherwise. -
Review from Laura C.
Emeryville, CA
2/3/2010
As a fellow food lover, chef and nutrition educator, I am thrilled with Dara's classes. She has a commitment to local, sustainable foods with her own hands in the dirt, the expertise of a fine chef, and the enthusiasm and joy to create fantastic classes! You will not be disappointed with The Sage Table, you will certainly be inspired.
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Review from Cherine B.
Oakland, CA
9/16/2008
For me, The Sage Table offered more than just a cooking class. The few hours I spent chez Dara delighted all my senses. I witnessed the preparation of an exquisite Indian meal and learned a multitude of tips on everything from what oil to use to how to chop cilantro. After following along with the recipes Dara provided and taking copious notes to ensure that her wisdom nuggets were not forgotten, I sat down to enjoy the four course meal with the other five guests. The conversation was as delightful as the feast. I highly recommend The Sage Table - as a gift to another or yourself. Dara's commitment to health, nourishment and delectable taste are undeniable - and in addition to enjoying an amazing meal in a charming environment, you will leave with recipes that you can recreate!
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Review from Peter S.
San Francisco, CA
10/21/2008
Dara literally turned my health around with a nutritional consultation a couple of years back. I was constantly sick with little colds, and she took a personal interest in my health. I had her come shopping with me (at Rainbow) and tell me what to buy to be healthier, and how often to eat various foods and supplements. She got me started on chlorella, barley grass, kim chee, pea shoots, and low-sugar cereals, yoghurt, quinoa, and miso, and off granola, soy milk, and pasta. My doctor afterward confirmed every one of Dara's recommendations. My health has been 1000% better ever since. Thanks, Dara!
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Review from Gemma P.
Sebastopol, CA
9/22/2008
I was very intrigued to take a cooking class at the Sage Table when I came across the website. It had some beautiful photos, nice design, and really tempting descriptions of its cooking classes. Dara did not disappoint! My experience there ended up being even more than I had expected! Dara's kitchen (not to mention the rest of the place) is super cute, very inspiring, and endlessly interesting (every time I go it seems there are new beautiful jars of herbs, spices, teas, etc.). And Dara is a wealth of information. I surprised myself with how many questions I was inspired to ask, and wonderfully surprised at how extensive and helpful her answers and suggestions were. If you are a beginning cook, The Sage Table will have you up and running with great recipes, techniques, and resources for cooking. If you are already a seasoned cook, you will be happy you came too--Dara is a pro and will really help you fill in anything that may be missing in your cooking skills and repertoire. Check out the website for what classes are coming up soon--and sign up to make sure you get a spot in one of her small, intimate classes.
