Executive Chef Diego Oka Combines Craftsmanship and Cuisine; 400 One-of-a-Kind Handcrafted Ceramic Tableware Designed Exclusively for Eight-Course La Mar Dining Experience.
Hong Kong- – La Mar by Gastón Acurio, the casual fine dining restaurant at Mandarin Oriental, Miami, has announced AMANO by Oka, an eight-course tasting menu created by Executive Chef Diego Oka. Launching 17 October 2024, this multi-sensory dining experience will incorporate handcrafted ceramic plates made by Chef Oka himself. The La Mar dining experience combined with the Amano by Oka handcrafted ceramic plates will provide a unique dining experience for a limited number of guests three days a week.
Driven by a desire to make the ordinary extraordinary, Chef Oka saw a unique opportunity to unite his passion for cooking with his ever-growing pottery artistry. Supporting this vision, Mandarin Oriental, Miami quickly transformed multiple guest rooms into a ceramic studio, where he spent the
last year handcrafting 400+ plates and tableware exclusively for the AMANO experience. He began the artistic process by first envisioning a dish, and then designing the ideal plate specifically for that item. Made without molds, each piece is coated in a liquid glass finish, ensuring both beauty and functionality, reflecting a deep commitment to quality and attention to detail. This includes the shape, colour and functionality of the vessel to ensure it will showcase the cuisine beautifully, and influence how the meal is prepared. The colours vary in vibrancy and texture, elevating each dish to a work of art.
Bringing Peruvian cuisine to new heights, the eight-course menu highlights the Nikkei style of cuisine that has become Chef Oka’s signature and that is a unique characteristic of Peruvian cuisine. Underscoring the focus of art, creativity and world-class service AMANO by Oka will be available for reservations at La Mar starting 17 October. With an intimate setting of just 20 seats and only offered three days a week (Thursday, Friday and Saturday), the exclusive dining experience at AMANO by Oka is offered at an introductory price of USD210 per person (not including beverage, tax, or gratuity).
“Plateware is a canvas where my culinary ideas originate, making every dish special and transforming,” says Diego Oka. “I’ve been doing art for years that disappears in minutes; now, I am doing art in minutes that will last for years. I want to enhance the typical dining experience by merging culinary excellence with the finest artisanal handmade craftsmanship, creating a unique and memorable journey for every guest.”
“Since we opened our doors on Brickell Key 25-years ago Mandarin Oriental, Miami has set the bar for elevated hospitality, continuously crafting enriching experiences that transform the ordinary to the exceptional,” said Flavia Daudan-Caponi, General Manager and Area VP Operations. “We are excited to raise standards once again as we support Chef Oka in this truly distinctive dining experience.”
Each dish at AMANO by Oka is accompanied by a technical card that includes the details of its production. As a takeaway, guests will be given a handcrafted spoon from Chef Oka. The tasting menu journey unfolds with the following:
- Course 1: La Flor
- Course 2: El Tiradito
- Course 3: Los Fideos
- Course 4: La Papa
- Course 5: Escondido
- Course 6: Picante
- Course 7: Pachamanca
- Course 8: El Esparrago (dessert)
Mandarin Oriental, Miami has long set the tone for luxury hospitality in the Magic City. Known for its location and private island setting, the hotel has been a destination for guests and tourists alike with its top-of-the-line spa, stellar dining experiences and beautiful guest rooms. Recently, it was announced that the hotel would be redeveloped, with a slated 2030 reopening. Activations such as AMANO by Oka reflect the hotel’s commitment to delivering pioneering, master craft experiences and is just one of many exciting offers to go live before the planned redevelopment.
