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. read more

I have taken 4 cooking classes so far. from The Sage Table. The cosmic raw chocolate 101 class was the most exhilarating as we ate and drank amazing dark rich and healthy chocolate all night. It took my current cacao skills to a new level. The fermentation class was excellent. I feel confident fermenting foods and drinks. My partner, having watched me make traditional kombucha, began making his own experiments, so we are a super fermenty household now. The vegetarian soup making class opened my mind and palate up to legumes in a new way, and I have yet to try those recipes. The bones, broths and braising class, taught me how to make chicken soup and beef stew, that could have my Jewish ancestors rolling over in shame. The soups/stews we feasted on at the end of the class were nothing short of off-the-BLEEP-hook fantastic. My belly was in pure bliss. Dara was great about answering all my how to cook meat related questions too. There were a lot of things about meat and cooking meat that I did not know before. As a soup lover I can easily say that these were the best tasting liquid meals that have passed through my taste-buds in a long while. I am dairy-free, gluten-free (except for ghee) and so appreciated that these recipes are not dairy dependent. Thank you Dara, for your amazing culinary expertise. read more

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. read more

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!!! read more

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! read more

Dara is amazing and so is her food. I just took her Indian Cooking class and fell in love with her and her stunning home and beautiful kitchen even before she started cooking. And then the smell of sizzling ginger and exotic Indian spices filled the room and I was hooked. She does an amazing job of thoroughly explaining her recipes and ingredients, sharing cooking techniques and including helpful hints for healthy eating along the way. And the food ... some of the best Indian cuisine I've ever had. I don't know if I'll ever be satisfied with Indian restaurant fare again. Can't wait to take another class! read more

Loved, loved, loved the Cosmic Raw Chocolate Making class. I came home so high and glowing on chocolate and medicinal herbs. Dara offered lots of tips, samples, and thorough explanations - all in a convivial environment with wonderful people. Can't wait to take more of Dara's classes and enjoy the camaraderie around learning, cooking, and eating healthy sustainable food in that fabulous and inspiring kitchen. read more

Dara is a wonderful and inspired teacher. I took the fermentation class which seriously changed my life ! I went home with the tools to make fermented vegetables, a SCOBY formatting Kombucha, Kefir, Beet Kvas. We had a chance to sample may delicious recipes and then she cooked us an amazing meal with exotic and marvelous flavors. i just took her Cosmic Chocolate class and again, it was an illuminating, exciting, delicious and a life changing experience. Dar is knowledgeable, passionate and its sheer delight to sit in her kitchen and soak all the deliciousness. I can't wait until her next offering !! read more

I've just been feeling so much gratitude for you and your teachings. That cleansing class was exactly what I was needing, who knew? I've been putting lots of the teachings into action. I feel great. I feel grateful. I've been spreading your knowledge around. I LOVE your classes! They are so empowering. Knowledge is power and I am feeling it! read more

Ever want to have a friend with a beautiful kitchen who can cook incredibly well, then sit down with them, plus a few other passionate but unpretentious foodies, for a wonderful meal? Now you do. Dara Merin's cooking classes are wonderful affairs which have inspired my cooking, eating, and blogging (cookingwillsaveyourlife@blogspot.com) quite a bit. From the first class I took (A Sunday Roast Chicken Dinner) to the last one about fermentation, I left each night with a warm glow on my face and a very full belly, and holding a wonderful recipe packet full of information as well... This is cooking class with a really personal touch, don't miss out on The Sage Table. read more

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! read more

Talking to Dara about anything related to diet or supplements, you realize how knowledgeable she is. She's clearly done the research and it shows in her own health - she is a vibrantly healthy and radiant woman! She has SO MUCH information to share about anything and everything health-related and has always guided me towards protocols that have a positive effects on my health and well-being. Her knowledge of cooking and nutrition is beyond anyone I have ever encountered. Her absolutely delicious cooking is informed by her professional culinary background, plus studies and research into every diet fad from Weston Price to raw food nutrition - impressive! She can make simple, plain ingredients taste incredible, and she'll teach you how to do the same in your own kitchen. I am so appreciative of all her advice and guidance with diet and health. When I spend time with Dara in her kitchen, which is chock full of incredible spices, herbs and more, I feel totally inspired me to make better decisions about my health! Highly recommend "Kitchen Sessions" with Dara! read more

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. read more

Although it's sadly been months since my last class with Dara, I still not only salivate at the memory of her cooking, I'm able to re-create the tasty experience whenever I want to! Her Easy Indian Flavors class is, just that, easy and delicious. I loved learning about the sources of these intriguing and delicious ingredients and getting a handle on using them myself. It has been so inspiring to explore the culinary possibilities Dara has opened me up to. She makes everything easy, accessible, approachable, and FUN. Her classes make a great girls night out, or a super fun and interesting date. Besides that, I'll never chop an onion the same way again. Thanks Dara, for you have forever enlightened my cooking experience! read more

The first class i took from the Sage Table literally TRANSFORMED my experience & expression in the kitchen!!! i feel incredibly FREE to cook, thanks to Dara's encouragement, effulgence of cooking tips and 3 hours of watching a master chef playfully create nourishing food. i will certainly be taking more classes!!! read more

I really enjoyed the class with Dara. She is full of energy, information and at the end a delicious meal in a relaxed but beautiful atmosphere. I consider myself a fairly experienced cook but still felt there was plenty to learn. I already used one of the recipes the next day. Our class was on soups, salad, dressing and apple crisp. read more

I recently took a class that Dara taught together with an experienced herbalist on the magic of healing soups. I walked away with a fabulous handout of inspiring and easy-to-replicate recipes and with a renewed commitment to prepare my own meals. Dara is so enthusiastic and knowledgeable about food; it's such a joy to be in her presence when she transform a bunch of ingredients into yummy and tasty concoctions. I like the small-group format and the chance to observe and ask questions. I am looking forward to Dara's next class! read more

I took Dara's raw chocolate class on Valentine's day with my sweetie, and man oh man was it delicious! I loved every minute of it, and continue making raw chocolate for my very lucky friends. Highly recommend! read more

My husband and I were clueless about nutrition and health, but knew that we needed to make changes so that we could have the energy and vitality we desired. We were ready to THRIVE. A friend recommended we hire Dara Merin, for private cooking/nutrition lessons to help us get on track. WOW!!! From the first moment she arrived in our home, we knew that we stumbled upon an angel! Her passion and joy were contagious!!! Her outpouring of nutritional knowledge seems ENDLESS. We all cooked together, as she told stories and shared her wealth of nutritional wisdom. She left us with so many recipes and useful facts, and also helped us tap into our own creative freedom in the kitchen. Not only did we learn a ton, but we also had a BLAST!!! We've had about four sessions with her so far, and are feeling AMAZING. We are actually cooking delicious, nourishing meals for the first time ever! (and having so much doing it) Thanks Dara! If you have been wanting to learn to cook, and/or skyrocket your health and vitality, Dara will ROCK YOUR WORLD! I also hired her to cook for a women's healing retreat next month! Can't wait to taste the genius she cooks up... Surely it will be heavenly. read more