Course
Japanese Bento Box CEXTN32-202680
Oct 7, 2026 - Oct 7, 2026
Instructor: dominic ainza
Full course description
Japanese Favorites: Bento Box Classics
Wednesday, 10/7/2026, 6:00-9:00pm.
Location: Ocean Campus, Statler Wing 012
Instructor: Dominic Ainza
Join us for a fun, hands-on introduction to Japanese home cooking! In this one-day class you'll learn to prepare a selection of beloved bento box classics — glossy, sweet-savory teriyaki, crispy golden katsu, light and delicate tempura, pan-fried gyoza, and refreshing wakame salad. Through guided instruction and hands-on cooking, you'll discover the techniques, flavors, and essential ingredients that make Japanese cuisine so satisfying and approachable. By the end of class, you'll gain the skills and confidence to recreate these restaurant favorites at home, take home a collection of recipes to delight family and friends, and leave with a deeper appreciation for the rich culinary heritage of Japanese cooking. Perfect for cooks of all levels — no experience necessary! Enrollment includes $25 material fee for meals and recipe book.
All tools and supplies will be available for this class. However, if you would like to bring your own apron and chef knife, you are more than welcome to.
Comfortable, closed toe shoes and for anyone with long hair, hair tie or a hat. Hair nets will be provided if needed.
Instructor Bio: Meet Chef Dominic Ainza, a seasoned chef and instructor with a passion for sharing the joy of food. A graduate of the California Culinary Academy, Chef Dominic has honed his skills in top Bay Area kitchens, with a deep specialization in diverse Asian cuisines and including a past role as a tech corporate chef where he mastered the art of cooking a completely different global menu every day. With a unique background in youth counseling, he brings a patient, encouraging, and community-centered approach to teaching. Chef Dominic specializes in working with absolute beginners—if you know nothing about cooking or feel intimidated by the kitchen, his goal is to make sure you walk out feeling confident, capable, and excited. Infusing his classes with warmth and simple, honest techniques, he welcomes students of all backgrounds to City College of San Francisco for a fun, stress-free cooking adventure.