I've always wanted to learn how to cook (in general, how to do it properly, and with the correct tools and techniques). I tried learning from a cookbook, but that just wasn't enough for me. I first learned about this store online after doing a Google search for cooking classes near my hometown (Cerritos). I had a feeling that this place would meet my need for learning how to cook just by reading the plethora of information the store had regarding classes for different types of cooking/specialty cooking. I decided then and there to visit the store in-person and enroll for my first class. My local adult community education school no longer offers any cooking classes, so this was the only alternative and I'm glad it was! The great perk about this place is its location because I'm familiar with the Los Alamitos/Rossmoor/Seal Beach area since my dad works there. The store is small: the front portion of the store has merchandise and the back portion is a kitchen with 3 cooking stations for the cooking classes. The cooking area is clean and there is plenty of tools to use according to what class you are taking. I just took a Sushi Class (my very first class at this store) taught by a master sushi chef who worked at the Kyoto Grand in Downtown LA. I must say I enjoyed the experience of learning how to make various kinds of sushi. Learning "sushi basics" made me appreciate the delicacy and the sushi chefs who spend many years learning how to make it. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable. They will greet you and are willing to help you find what you are looking for culinary-wise. The lady at the counter greeted me with a big smile and was very happy to know that I was the last person to enroll in the Sushi Class. Also, it helped that she knew that it would be a good class because the chef who would run that class is an excellent instructor. The lady who works in the Antica Olive Oil section of the store was more than happy for me to let me sample various Extra Virgin Olive Oils (EVOO) and Vinaigrette. I bought bottles of Almond Oil EVOO and Raspberry Vinaigrette after tasting a few samples. I just enrolled in the Learn to Cook (Beginners) Classes (3 Sessions, 1 Session each week) and I am looking forward to learning more cooking techniques! I would definitely recommend taking cooking classes here (especially if you are a beginner and want a "hands-on" approach/guidance to cooking in general) and also checking out/consider purchasing cooking tools here. I bought a lovely yellow apron adorned with dark pink/purple chrysanthemums and I have gotten a lot of compliments for wearing that apron! :-) The classes are be a bit pricey, but the cooking techniques that you will learn will outweigh the "tuition". Plus, you can take home handouts that contain the recipes taught at the classes. read more

Love, Love thier cooking classes! Elizabeth is the best, great teacher and tons of fun. Can't wait to go back!! read more

So much fun! This was a birthday present for my husband. He is a great cook, but even he learned a few new tricks!

The classes are good, but other cooking schools give you enough to take home with you. Also, the prices here are a lot higher than other stores, so it doesn't feel like I am getting a good deal. After paying $20 for a baking sheet that was $7 elsewhere, I am really wary of buying more expensive items there. read more

Really like this place its a little pricey but a good variety of fun kitchen things and gift ideas with a lot of flavored olive oils and mixes they even have cooking classes read more

I took a paella cooking class with Chef Martin, whose enthusiasm was so contagious! He made this a super fun learning experience. Alton Brown couldn't have explained anything better than Chef Martin. I would definitely love to take another class. The lady at the counter, (Gail?) was less than welcoming- no smile- no "hello"- no small talk- (there were no other customers in the store)- a real turn off when you are excited & looking forward to the evening. I have purchased their Antica oils & vinegars from Yasemin & they are wonderful! I'd give it a 5 star if it wasn't for the dark haired lady. read more

Attended another great class at Prep! Honed our knife skills in this instructional class. We learn something new at each time and Chef Rahm has helped me tremendously to not be so timid in the kitchen, lol. The food we prepared was amazing, as was his teaching. We usually bring wine to the classes but since they are selling wine now we decided to buy at the class. Great wines at reasonable prices. Looking forward to attending the next Fish On class. read more

Attended a cooking class. It is a must, if you are interested in cooking. Very informative and a good time. Chef Martin, was entertaining and informative. Remember, to bring a bottle of wine. read more

Chef Karla had the advanced artisan bread class really well organized. We were able to get all the breads made and in pretty close to the class time allotted. The class was pretty much non-stop until the final loaves made it into the oven. And what an aroma came out of those ovens. Each packed with fresh hand made bread. YUM! The second best part was taking home most of the bread we made in class. The best part was tasting the breads as they emerged from the ovens. MORE YUM! After this class it will be much easier and more successful to make these and other breads at home. We have been making homemade bread since we took the artisan breads class. Really a great take home the skills learning experience. read more

This is by far the best class I have ever taken. Very clean and bright atmosphere. Our host was awesome!!!!!

Great place! Fun, educational, entertaining and wonderful food! I've taken two classes here, the "Girls Night Out" and "Thai Favorites", both classes were taught by Chef Martin. I highly recommend this for anyone wanting a hands-on cooking class. Chef Martin was entertaining and attentive, he taught us tips and tricks throughout the night to better our cooking skills at home. The food was wonderful! I can't wait to try another class soon. read more

If you're visiting or live in the Orange County/Long Beach area this place is a must! Took two cooking classes and had a blast! Learned a lot of cool things and ate like a queen! They sell top o' the line kitchenware too! The first class was with Chef Dillon. A long class, but tons of fun and learned so much about everything! The next time was with Chef Rahm. THE BEST! He was so hands on, funny, charming and a true believer in having the best knives! Which I totally agree on. Can't wait to take another class with Chef Elizabeth as I've heard so many great things about her. Truly a fun, informative AND DELICIOUS alternative to going to the movies on a Friday/Saturday evening! And FIVE STARS to the new proprietor for making us feel like family! read more

I bought a Groupon for antica olive oil and vinegar products. Jasmine guided my tasting yesterday to help me decide. She was very knowledgable, patient, and interesting. The products are incredible...Run, don't walk and buy some! What a great store with unique products! read more

A friend and I just took Chef Rahm Fama's "Thai Favorites" cooking class. It was great from start to finish. Chef Rahm is very friendly and down-to-earth and he clearly is passionate about what he does. He has a laid back approach with a focus on fun and education. We had great people at our table which made working together on all the food prep a breeze. Oh, and the food was delicious, too! I'd definitely take other classes from Chef Rahm. I know other people have had commented about problems using their Groupons, but everything went smoothly for us. read more

I don't really know anything about their cooking class, only that their business sense is critically lacking. I bought a Groupon to try out the school, but they didn't have any available classes during the window allowed by the certificate. Even though they were unable to fulfill their side of the arrangement, they refused to honor the voucher beyond the expiration date. While some of their offerings are interesting, I don't want to be the chump they get $79 from for a class, when I know the person next to me only generated an $18 income for them (Groupon gets the other half). read more

Signed up for pastry cooking class 5/26/18 10:30-1:30 Items on the menu: Eclairs, Puff pastry and tart. Of the items listed, we prepared the Pate a Choux for eclairs. The chef prepared the pastry cream, whipped cream and glaze for the eclairs. 17 people in the class, 3 stations to work. Utensils provided and 2, maybe 3 mixers and pans to mix and cook pate a choux. So, several people trying to get to ingredients, utensils, mixers and pots at close to the same time to measure, cook and mix. Chaotic and unorganized from my point of view. And, in the end, all that was produced-eclairs. We did not get out of class until 2:30. When I called to share my experience, it was explained there were a number of coupons for discounts that were to expire at end of May. I was told "Sydney"(owner or manager?) would reach out, which she did once and did not return my call back. Between 3 members of family, we paid close to $300 to prepare eclairs. That is totally unacceptable. However, I did enjoy the time with family even though it was somewhat stressful and the chef did have some tidbits to share. read more

Thanks Martin!! I'll be remaking your salad for sure!! Not to mention all the great culinary pointers and recipes!! will definitely stop by for some truffle oil and vinegar! read more

I can't speak for the retail side of this place however I did take the six-week professional chef series with Chef Martin and it was phenomenal! He is not only extremely well-qualified, he's engaging and fun to learn from! He's also very encouraging and positive though he does sprinkle in some of that East Coast humor. From stocks to cuts, trussing to fabricating, sauteeing to braising, he made me want to sign up for another session, even if it's the same thing all over again! Needless to say, I'm sad that it's over :( read more

We took the steaks and chocolate class with Chef Martin. We had so much fun! We learned lots of new techniques and tips, and the food was to die for. We will definitely be back! Make sure you bring a bottle of wine with you :) read more

This was SO much fun. We had a class with Chef Rham Fama who was hilarious. I took the Thai Food course. Chef Fama gave a great knife demo where I certainly picked up a few new tricks, a meat searing 101 demo, as well as guided us through 5 recipes. The owners (managers?) were professional and fun. I'd do it again in a heartbeat. read more

I had the pleasure learning from Chef Karla. I took the pro series 6 weeks baking class and I have to say it was worth every penny. Chef Karla is amazing and has such great knowledge when it comes to baking and I have learned so much in such short period of time. The staff there was very friendly I just had the best time!! I recommend the classes to all my friends and Coworkers!!! read more

This was my first time taking a cooking class, and I was a little nervous about it. Thankfully, I had nothing to worry about. To address some of the other reviewers' comments, I used a Groupon and had no trouble at all getting the class I wanted. I even had to reschedule because I had a conflict on the original date I reserved. They were very accommodating. I ended up taking the cheesemaking workshop with Chef Martin. It was so fun! Who knew it was so easy to make fresh cheese? Cherf Martin moved at a quick pace, but not so quick that we couldn't keep up. He explained the "why" behind man yof the processes, which is good for someone like me. It will do me no good to know that you have to add ingredient X if I have no idea why it's important to the recipe. The "classmates" in my group were friendly and I had a great time. I would highly recommend this place for a cooking class. The only reason it didn't get 5 stars is because the size of the actual store is so small. I love browsing in cooking utensil stores and looking at bakeware. After a 5-minute browse I had pretty much seen everything, and I only walked away with a cast iron skillet. read more

I have taken nine classes (including a 6 week professional course). They have all been great---Chef, Elizabeth for fish; the owner, for Thai Cooking, and the Prof. Series w/ C. Winthrop. They have all been fantastic, and I highly recommend Prep Kitchen classes to improve your cooking skills or preparing ethnic foods. Staff is helpful and knowledgeable. read more

The chef was friendly and knowledgable and the food was delicious. This review is for the experience. We were supposed to be there from 6:30 to 9pm. We didn't eat until 10:30pm. It was disorganized, and a lengthy explanation on things that a beginner doesn't need to know, which took A LOT of time. Everyone was starving, and by 9pm, people stopped paying attention. Most of us didn't get to cook a single thing, which could be attributed to the amount of people that were there. Unfortunate, because I have been here before with another chef and it stayed on track with more hands on cooking. read more

Took the seafood basics class with Ryan Wagner and it was great!! He teaches at culinary school and did great job teaching us different skills, throwing out creative recipe ideas and making sure everyone got a chance to shuck an oyster. I would definitely recommend his class. And get there early so you can taste the numerous amazing oils and vinegars they make themselves! read more

My husband and I took the Succulent Steaks and Dark Chocolate class with Chef Martin Gilligan. We had so much fun! We just made that dinner for some family..BIG HIT!!! Even better the second time. We'll be back for another class soon! read more

This was my first cooking class. Ever. I thoroughly enjoyed the entire class from beginning to end. The dynamic of the group was relaxed and pleasant, and some people brought wine to enjoy during our cooking. Chef Rahm made a 30-minute introduction, providing some biographical information as well as an overview of what we were going to cook that evening. It was less about what was said and more about how it was presented--his enthusiasm and passion for food is absolutely palpable. I couldn't wait to cook! Our class was split into 3 groups and we were each assigned different tasks to complete the entire menu. Lots of teamwork, lots of camaraderie, and a really HOT kitchen! We learned how to properly cook steaks (no idea how to do that before), tricks for mincing garlic, how to make a basic tapenade and how to keep a kitchen orderly. Once we ate the food, oh my! Every single dish was DELICIOUS. This is not an exaggeration; everyone at my table was "Mmmming" and licking their fingers. We were incredibly well-fed. All in all, I thought this was a fantastic experience that was well worth the money. I'd recommend this for anyone who's open to new experiences, to expand their cooking and who's just down for a good time. Seriously considering this for private parties, birthdays, dates, etc. read more

Me and my friend recently took the Surf n Turf cooking class and it was so much FUN!!! A lot more fun then we thought we were going to have, we learned a lot of good stuff too like chopping skills and the food was delicious, I highly recommend taking a class here. read more

I've been to Prep at their old location and new to take several of their cooking classes, and I've been nothing but impressed. Most cooking classes in the area are the sort where the chef demonstrates and you get a recipe, but Prep is all about hands-on learning. Each class is structured so that you learn the recipes and science behind the dishes, then break up into teams to make them. The classes end with a meal where you eat your creations. The classes I've taken there include: A Fish and Seafood -specific class (at their old location.) The recipes were easy to recreate at a later time with the exception of how to bone and prepare a whole fish. (I wish I had a video camera during that part!) We made crab-corn chowder as well as several preparations of fish and dressing, finished with a lemon torte. French Bistro Classics -- taught by Chef Elizabeth Whitt: This was the best birthday activity ever imagined. A friend and I learned how to make excellent grilled ribeye, bacon-cheese souffle, and for dessert cherry clafoutis. The best thing about Elizabeth is that she teaches the science behind the recipes well enough that you can recreate them later with substitutes/seasonal ingredients. The clafoutis, for example, was excellent with pears and cranberries at Thanksgiving. Yum! Learn-to-cook Kitchen Basics: This is a three-week course taught one evening a week by Chef Elizabeth Whitt for about 2.5 or 3 hours each week. On the website, it looks as if each class is separate and while you could possibly take them that way -- I'd highly recommend taking the entire set. The bonus of signing up for all at the same time is that you get a discount. At first I found this class to be a little on the basic side -- great for anyone who doesn't know the first thing about knife skills, cutting veggies, etc. I cook quite often, but was mainly interested in the class in terms of expanding those skills. I was happy to find that the class offered something for me, as well - learning how to make pan sauces, and how to roast/braise different cuts of meat. And even when it comes to cutting an onion -- something I've done a zillion times -- I learned a few new tricks as well. I would highly recommend this class to the beginning cook as well as anyone on the range of intermediate. All in all, I have to say my experiences at these classes have been excellent and I look forward to using the skills learned going forward. I truly enjoyed the teacher and think she has a fantastic capability for patience with us! read more

Over the past 2 years I have spent in excess of 1500.00 on cooking classes and retail merchandise at this business. Although I initially came as a Groupon customer, I soon become a regular because I enjoyed Chef Martin, Chef Rahm, Song from the back kitchen staff and the other cooking students. The problem I have with this business is with the owner Lisa and the business culture that I believe she displays and breeds into the front staff that you have to deal with in order to get to the kitchen or to purchase something in the retail end. Time after time I have observed customers being treated rudely and over heard her and the front staff making disparaging comments about cooking students, customers who have just left the store or us lowly Groupon people. I have to ask why they repeatedly chose to work with these social media marketing sites like Groupon. It is obvious that it upsets and angers them that you are not a full paying customer regardless of the future cash infusions that you give to the running of this business. I want to feel welcome at a business regardless of how I got there. Regularly, scheduling mistakes are made and there is never any consideration for your lost time and inconvenience. In fact, I have observed that they are more rude and quick to assign blame to you when it is obvious they have yet made another error. I found myself walking on egg shells as to not ruffle their feathers when in reality I am the customer who is here to enjoy the experience along with the fact that it is my money that helps keep this business afloat. In my opinion and that of other students that have been in the classes with me, Lisa acts irrational and her and this front staff are totally out of touch with customer service, showing respect for others and appreciation for your influx of money into the business. On that note, I have decided to take my business to establishments that are glad I am there supporting their business. Once I started attending other schools, I realized how poorly this business is run from the top. There are too many great cooking schools/retail stores in Southern California to settle for abusive behavior by this owner and front staff. It is definitely not the norm out there. read more

Chef Elizabeth rocks.! I have attended several classes including modern french and learn to cook series. Love her menus and her calming presence. Also appreciate how she does a good job explaining why we are performing each step and what to do if something goes haywire (which is helpful for a cooking rookie like myself) Menus are delicious and impressive to make at home. read more

i took the spanish tapas class here and it was great. the chef was elizabeth whitt and she was awesome. very friendly, relaxed, and approachable. there were two rectangular tables with about 7 people at each table and each table worked as a team to make all the dishes. so, one person might be chopping onions for the paella and skewers while someone else is cutting up the meat, and another person is prepping the salad. i went with my friend and everyone else at the table was super outgoing and it made the experience more fun. chef elizabeth made two types of sangria at the beginning of class and all of us had fun drinking our sangria and cooking. recipes were passed out at the beginning of class and also emailed to us afterwards. she told us cooking tips along the way, like the best way to cut up fruit/vegetables. everyone at the class seemed like they were already home cooks so not too much instruction needed. i've always wanted to work with puff pastry but i've been too intimidated but we made tuna empanadas with it and they turned out great. to me, these classes seem more like a fun, social activity to do with friends. than a hard-core cooking class. for that, i think you should sign up for the 3 or 6 week skills classes that they offer . i had a super enjoyable time and i'll definitely be back. read more

Wonderful experience in Elizabeth's 3week course! Such a pleasure and GM Bobby is a hoot and knows all of the inventory. Bought tons of great items and can't wait to go back for more classes! read more

My boyfriend and I took the Spanish tapas & paella cooking class for our anniversary date. While the food and menu were fun, we were expecting a lot more hands-on action than what we got. We unknowingly volunteered for the easiest dish.. basically frying shrimp in olive oil and pouring more olive oil and salt on top (super unhealthy).. the instructors also said in the beginning that they would let us know when exciting things were happening so that we could come watch.. that didn't happen either. We were expecting a tapas-style presentation, but instead the food basically all came out at once and we served ourselves in a buffet line. Again, my boyfriend and I were near the end of the line and didn't get a full serving, while the staff were eating the food too as we waited. I was disappointed in the chaotic feel of the class and the very minimal cooking we got to do. I don't think I'll come back. read more

I took a baking class on August 6 which included fruit tarts, banana creme and lemon merangine. So the class packs in 16 people. The Chef actually used stored bought puff pastry!!! I understand you cant make puff pastry in such a short amount of time but maybe make it before class instead of using from the market? Heck, who cant buy pastry line a pan put in filling and bake it. What a joke. The tarts were ONE pastry that six people got to knead one time each... we divided the one pastry and made VERY little tart boats with sliced up peachs which she told us to leave the skin on. Sung baked them and burned them and guess what NOT one person ate them they were gross. So burnt tarts, store bought puff pastry we walked away with recipes that we could have got on line.... The classes are too crowded and they are very stingy with the products... save your money buy PUFF PASTRY get the filling recipe on line It is interesting eading the reviews and the owner responds to the post in such a hostile manner??? read more

My daughter just finished taking a summer "cooking" class last week. We were both extremely disappointed in the class. There was no actual cooking taking place. On one particular day, my daughter shredded kale, peeled a cucumber, shaped a cookie (out of dough already prepared), then later frosted the cookies (with frosting already prepared). She never made anything herself. The rest of the time, while the staff is cooking the real food, the kids can draw on the tables with markers. At the price we paid ($299 for four, two hour days. Class starts at 11:00 and they tell you to come back at 1:15), I expected much, much more. When I contacted the owner about some concerns I had, she responded quickly but was very defensive. I would not recommend this class to anyone unless your child wants to spend a couple hours drawing on a table while lunch is made for them. read more

We liked everyone we came into contact with. We've definitely taken cooking classes where we've gotten to do more and learn more, but the chef was entertaining. Our biggest complaint was that we were there for the cooking class, but it felt like we were being pressured to buy kitchen products the whole time (it got especially bad at the end). We have a whole kitchen filled with products we rarely use. We wanted to learn how to cook, not feel like we were watching an infomercial for kitchen knives, cutting boards, nonstick baking mats, etc. read more

So far I have only taken the Learn to Cook beginner's class at Prep. I thought the class was great. They had a good variety of recipes and taught everyone the basics of cooking, which is what I was looking for. The staff was great and was always open to answering all of our questions. I would definitely recommend this place to any newbie cook or even a more advanced cook. They have a great variety of different classes for all ranges of abilities and cuisines. I can't wait to go back and try more classes! read more

admittedly i have yet to take a class here... but i have been through the place and can't wait to take a class or four. the shop has a excellent selection of kitchen supplies at (yes) pretty reasonable prices. PREP rocks! read more

Biggest waste of time!!! This place is totally lame except maybe for people who have no idea how to hold a knife and cut a potato. They hardly let you do any cooking and they expect a team of SIX people to cook an item together. I took the meat and potatoes class and the chef did all the cooking/slicing while we watched. Why wouldn't he show us a technique and then let others try? LAME!!! They don't even try to regulate the other psychopaths that sign up and try to hog all the cooking responsibilities the chef does allow you to do. Good thing I went to the class on an empty stomach and got buzzed on the wine I brought or I might have walked out like one of the other girls that took the class. Do not go here if you have one iota of a clue on what to do in the kitchen. I think my cat could put together a better cooking class. The only thing Prep Kitchen preps you for is major disappointment and for your bank account to be short $75. read more