My nephew started the program he was on time engaged and really enjoying the experience almost…read morecompleted until they dropped him from classes saying he was not vocal enough to work in a kitchen. Really dropped from classes because not vocal enough. Don't recommend unless you don't mind being let down.

Great food, local celebrity chefs, good company, supporting local do-gooders, cooking class/demo,…read moreFresh Starts Culinary Academy graduates cooking in the kitchen while guests watch and are entertained by chefs doing their thing in the demo kitchen. Proceeds from the cooking demos go to support the nonprofit Homeward Bound. "I am your chef, not your doctor," Chef David Lawrence from 1300 on Fillmore was friendly welcoming funny and great at creating tasty French English Jamaican Southern comfort food. Traditionally prepared with island spice, southern warmth and lots of heavy cream and butter. He started with his signature Shrimp and Steel Cut Grits. That was creamy heaven in every bite. He then followed by another of his signature dishes, the Maple Syrup Short Ribs. With these he made a sweet dry rub and then seared the meat, added the mira poix, sautéed until caramelized, added broth, and some special ingredients and viola... (3 hours later if cooking at home). He finished with a Sweet Tea Pana Cotta. Between each demo Chef Lawrence walked around the room and answered questions, talked to guests and made for great company. The only thing that I would comment less than positively about the whole event was that I was scolded by the busser when I attempted to help by stacking my and my guests dishes. She said in a frantic whisper "don't stack your dishes I will get penalized". I don't know what that means but I wish her the best and hope she doesn't get "penalized" for my needing to get my plates out of my way.

When I first showed up on Suzanne's doorstep last fall, I didn't even know how to hold a knife,…read moremuch less use one. To me, an oven was 'that thing in the kitchen with lots of knobs on it, taking up space.' I blame a decade of living in Manhattan after college, a college cafeteria that was actually good, and even before that, lovely parents who probably took care of too many things themselves. Flash forward to six months ago, and there I was: a recent transplant to Marin--apparently, a land of dinner parties. I felt hopeless, and knew I'd soon have to start hosting guests at my house. Gulp. Then I found Suzanne! She is calm, kind, knowledgeable, and fun. Low-key, but somehow still high-energy. It's an excellent combination for a cooking instructor. Most of her classes feel like small gatherings of friends, even when no one knows each other--and that's really a credit to Suzanne. I've made lots of wonderful things in class, and successfully replicated them later, at home. I've also learned skills there--not just recipes--so I'm generally able to find my way around the kitchen much better than before. I haven't hosted a super fancy dinner party quite yet, but my oven is no longer something strange and vaguely scary. Learning how to cook properly is a true life skill--one I really wish I'd picked up earlier! So in a way, Suzanne has changed my life :) I'm not a beginner anymore, but I still go to her classes often. Lots of people who can already cook go, too--just to learn some new tricks and tips. I always learn something! I also just think they make for a fun evening. And if there's any other complete beginners out there... Trust me, if I can do it, you can!!

I had no idea what to expect with Cooking by the Bay. What I found was a welcoming atmosphere that…read moreencourages everything from beginner- to expert-level questions. The class provides all the equipment and foodstuffs, and ends with a fantastic meal; made more delicious because you can say it was your own handiwork! Suzanne is warm and attentive. Her home is perfect for hosting the small, private cooking lessons. With a total of 5 people attending our class, we worked as a group to create 4 dishes. She taught us some basic technique, as well as secret tricks of the trade. I highly recommend that you sign up for a class. You'll be glad you did!

Christa and her team at Marin Cooking are top notch professionals!…read more Recently, we hosted an intimate dinner party in our home and I wanted the menu and service to really shine for my guests. Christa made wonderful recommendations and gave me plenty of menu options to choose from. She and her team arrived promptly and proceeded to work their magic in the kitchen. The dinner was absolutely sumptuous and the service flawless. Our guests were so impressed and many asked for second helpings! Thank you Christa for making our dinner party such an easy and memorable occasion. Marin Cooking will be catering all of my events in the future!

I hired Christa to cater a small dinner party in my home. Christa was really great working with me…read morein the planning process and providing menu options to meet various dietary restrictions. On the night of the event I was blown away. The food and presentation surpassed my expectations. All of my guests commented on how the food was gorgeous and delicious. You can tell that Christa really loves what she does. Christa truly helped make the evening a special event. I would hire her again in a heartbeat. In fact, I may never cook again for a party!

Everything about Miyoko and the amazing businesses she operates are truly awesome, wholesome and…read moreloving to animals & earth. It's been a while since my wife and I participated in one of Miyoko's Kitchen cooking classes but we follow her on Instagram (@miyokoscreamery) every day. The same type of recipes and cooking instructions are being given out freely by this generous soul. I can't recommend checking them out or following her on Instagram enough. All of the recipes she's posted so far have been excellent and we continue to learn so much, just like we did in her in-person classes. The variety in our vegan menu has benefited greatly as a result of the knowledge Miyoko's been willing to share. We absolutely appreciate her and everyone that works with her companies to bring such amazing vegan products to the market. We love them all. I'm just so glad they're readably available in our area. Thanks to Miyoko all that you do for our planet and animals. You are admired and appreciated every day by my family and all of our friends that we've introduced your products to over the years.

Miyoko offers small group cooking and baking intensive instructional classes. You will be shocked…read moresenseless by the sheer magnitue of her cooking knowlege. Vegan dishes are the focus yet the food just tastes great. It tastes great for everyone's palette. The food doesn't taste like something is missing and the non-vegans in your family will love the food as well. You can visit her on fb of course. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Miyokos-Kitchen/174585105913598 The baking class was an intensive look at vegan baking; 6 each day for 5 days in row. At the end of each day, the students happily retreated with doggy bag filled with treats. You won't be dissappointed if you attend her class. Even the seasoned home chef will learn from Miyoko's tips and tricks. Miyoko Shcinner is a vegan author and owned of 'Now and Zen' restaurant in San Francisco. The since closed restaurant popularized the 'unturkey'. Miyoko is now working on her cooking show called 'Miyoko's Kitchen' that can be seen on You Tube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLPkUphyUaA and you can read her blog at www.miyokoskitchen.blogspot.com.

This cooking class was fabulous. Valerie is so nice, welcoming, and patient. My wife and I have…read moresome specific dietary needs, and Valerie offered to customize a class menu for us so that we could cook what we can actually eat! She was so friendly and accommodating, and the menu items she chose were delicious. She's a great instructor, and allowed us to take a hands-on approach and prepare the meals ourselves as she provided guidance. When the class was over, she gave us the recipes for the meals we cooked to take with us. Since the class, we have made every dish multiple times and love them. We will definitely schedule another session to soak up some more of Valerie's expertise. We highly recommend Valerie and Tutti Benvenuti!!

Some really great recipe education opportunities in a nice intimate setting. In my one class so…read morefar, I learned how to cook salmon properly and a great lentil dish. Both are regular additions to menus at home that my kids love. Definitely enjoyed the class and the recipes and would recommend!

Having sampled Shivie & Cemaaji's "RAW": 1. Key Lime Pie…read more2. Kale Chips 3. Strawberry Cheesecake 4. Macadamian, Banana, and Green Vegetable, Smoothies 5. Tacos 6. Pizzas 7. Granola 8. Chocolate 9. Crackers I can definitely say "Team Raw is as good as it gets!" So, yes, you can go to Whole Foods & spend your whole paycheck. Or you can go to Cafe Gratitude and pay approximately $14.00 for a shredded carrot. OR you can empower yourself and learn the art of cooking great tasting food "hands on" with Team Raw. Whether you want to start a "healthy cleanse" but don't know where to begin; don't have the time (because of your hectic work schedule) to prepare "heathy food;" want to become part of a healthy community; or just want toexperience something new - Shivie & Cemaaji will put you on the road to success & empower you with simple recipes you can create on your own ... I highly suggest signing up for one of their ongoing worshops - great people, great compassion, great knowledge. Team Raw is a great addition to the San Francisco Community. Check them out at: http://teamraw.com Wishing the best of all possible worlds, Iyengar Yoga Teacher, tony eason

So I have known Shivie and Cemaaj for years now and I can tell you that no one in the city makes…read morebetter raw food. They are not some new agers from Marin trying to make a buck off of a trend, they are loving kind peeps who really care about what goes in your body. Shivie is my inspiration: she lost pretty much a whole person in weight and by choice gave up a successful career that was slowly killing her. She turned her devotion to health and wholeness in the direction of food a few years ago, and I couldn't be happier ( though I miss my Kundalini classes). Her and Cemaaj's raw food is exceptional. Kale chips are light and spicy. Wraps taste like everything in them (not just one mushed up flavor). gRAWnola is wonderful with yogurt in the morning or just as a snack. Crackers, pizza...each is a mouthful of wonderful combinations of flavors. Even though I am quite versed in raw cuisine, I think I will take one of their classes in the new year. Next time you see them at the Farmers Market...go for it! Your stomach and body will be so proud of you.

I found this Pop-up event & thought its a nice idea. I t was a delightful evening, hands-on class &…read morethen we had dinner. The event held in the Chef's beautiful house & everything was well organized, well prepared & extremely flavorful! People at the group were very sweet & enjoyable to cook with. I highly recommend any event with Chef Mashav. She is really professional & knowledgeable!

What a fantastic tour by Mashav (the owner and the chef of Le Couloir)! Richmond neighborhood in SF…read moreis known for its mix of cultures, but Mashav masterfully uncovers all the hidden secrets and gems - Secrets only someone who lives in this community is familiar with. And she does that through food and hand-picked dishes that you will never uncover without a guide. Even though locations may change per tour, our group tasted a mix of cultures and got some stories behind the dishes, the restaurants, and their owners. Few examples - * Russian cuisine - Herring with a pickled onion on fresh bread * Indian street food - I was surprised how much I enjoyed this vegan street snack - I would have never ordered anything without meat, and I dislike spinach, but the fried spinach snack was mind-blowingly good. * Mexican - Quesadilla with plantain. Again, no meat but it was soooooo good. * Chinese - Glazed Pork and pork-filled bun I won't spoil the surprise for some of the other locations. And more, and more - Total of about 7-8 places. You won't stay hungry, guaranteed. The walk itself is not challenging; there are no hills to overcome, even though it's San Francisco. Don't wait - Just go!

I recently completed Maria Quintana-Pilling's Cellular Cleanse Dietary Program. I am pleased to…read moresay that I have lost weight. More importantly, I learned how to understand the food I eat and how my body works with this food. Maria taught me which foods encourage a healthier lifestyle and healthier living. Through Maria's program, I stopped thinking about weight loss and began thinking that I was learning to change my life. Maria is the utmost professional, yet she has a touching compassion and dedication to her clients. I am thrilled to recommend Maria to anyone who wants to create and enhance a healthy lifestyle.

Before I went to see Maria, I was still dealing with on and off joint pain and inflammation,…read moreoccasional headaches and a sensitive tummy. I had also been trying to conceive for over two years after an early (5 week) miscarriage. Maria looked at my complete medical history from birth to present to pinpoint my issues. She was able to figure out what was wrong with me after years of searching. Now my tummy is pretty much settled, I've maybe had two headaches in the last year, my joint pain and inflammation rarely flare up, and when it does,​ it's mild and doesn't alter my day. Now, I'm a new mom to a healthy baby boy. :) I wholeheartedly believe​ in functional nutrition. Nutrition shouldn't be about weight loss/gain; it should be about the whole body and whole person. Treating each person's needs is what it takes to get down to the root of the problem. I think everyone should start with functional nutrition to address health concerns.​ Maria is kind, loving and an all around genuine person with one goal in mind, for you to live your healthiest life. :)

A fun, interactive, and incredibly well done "Travel Around the World" Smart Cooking and Wine…read morePairing Event. My team and I had an amazing experience at Miggi's Kitchen. We learned to cook with the Thermomix while working in teams at different stations, preparing dishes from around the world. It was hands-on, interactive, and a lot of fun - every dish turned out delicious. Miggi is a fantastic teacher: clear, detailed, confident, and incredibly knowledgeable. She explains techniques in a way that's easy to understand, and we all walked away genuinely better cooks. We also paired the experience with wine tasting and learned how to taste and appreciate wine properly, which made the evening even more memorable. On top of that, Miggi's fun, warm personality really brings the whole experience together. My office team loved it and is still talking about it. Highly recommend for team events or anyone looking for a unique, engaging culinary experience.

Our group of 12 just completed an "around the world" cooking class with Miggi and we could not have…read morebeen happier. What a great environment - even better food, and Miggi was very entertaining and informative. We will definitely recommend this to friends. John S

Tony the driving training instructor in Marin County. He is very experienced Instructor. He taught…read moreall of my family and friends. He helped me with my driving training confidence. Keep up the good work sir and watch out the bad drivers of the road We really appreciate you Tony! ( Teshome )

Tony is terrific, got me successfully through my third senior driving test after flunking the first…read moretwo. Tony is a sociable, low-key guy. He knows his stuff. I didn't know what I was in for - - thought it would be a breeze. It was anything but. After two failures, my confidence was low. Tony restored it by correcting my mistakes, explaining new rules, and pointing out key things DMV was looking for. Don't go into the senior Driver's test cold. Get help from Tony first, especially if you think you don't need it.