When Chef EJ Keller moved to Berkeley last fall, he was very excited to be living within walking distance of the Gourmet Ghetto.  It was on a gourmet expedition to Lush Gelato with his son, Gabriel, that he noticed the sign for Kitchen on Fire and went « ha, ha ».  He came in for a chat and since then has become a regular in our kitchen.  He has been assisting and teaching his own classes such as Sauces, French techniques, French vegetarian.  And there are more on the calendar: French hors d’œuvres in May, a market visit in June and slow-cooked dishes in July.  If you are wondering about the heavy French influence, Chef EJ learned his trade in Parisian restaurants after moving to France 16 years ago.

If you want a sneak preview of what he will teach in his upcoming classes, you can get a taste at Guest Chef, a new Rockridge restaurant with a new concept.  The chef changes every two weeks.  For the period of April 17 to 29, Chef EJ will be on the line, serving a prix fixe menu that will feature many of his favorite slow-cooked regional dishes such coq au vin, cassoulet and blanquette de veau.  This is a very special opportunity we aren’t going to want to miss, so we hope you can stop in for a delicious bite made personally for you by Chef EJ.  We promise you will love every bite!

Reservations can be made online at www.theguestchef.net.