Immerse Yourself in the Art of Dining: AMANO by Oka – A Curated Journey at La Mar by Gastón Acurio

AMANO by Oka is an exclusive eight-course tasting experience at La Mar, Miami. Step into a world where gastronomy meets artistry, where each course is a carefully crafted masterpiece, and every plate tells a story. Curated by Executive Chef Diego Oka, this experience goes beyond a meal—it is a gallery of edible art, a showcase of the artistic mind behind each meticulously crafted dish.

Curated for the discerning palate, AMANO by Oka promises more than a dining experience—it invites you to step into an intimate world where plates are more than vessels—they are stories, molded and glazed by Chef Oka’s own hands. Each of the over 400 handcrafted ceramic pieces were thoughtfully designed to harmonize with the dish it presents, ensuring that every bite is elevated by the visual and tactile artistry of these bespoke creations.

The essence of AMANO, meaning “by hand,” is reflected in every detail. Chef spent the past year transforming guest rooms at Mandarin Oriental, Miami into a ceramic studio, where he shaped and glazed each plate without molds, finishing them with a liquid glass coating to enhance their vibrant textures and colors. These pieces are more than functional—they are a visual and tactile representation of Chef’s vision, merging food and craftsmanship into one unforgettable experience.

This union of art and gastronomy continues in the Nikkei-inspired tasting menu. Each of the eight courses pays homage to Peruvian cuisine, with Chef Oka’s signature touch. From the delicate intricacy of La Flor to the bold flavors of Picante, every dish promises to engage all your senses, blending taste with visual beauty.

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

The first course, La Flor, is a celebration of simplicity, elevated by an elegant presentation evoking “ikebana,” the Japanese art of flower arranging. This dish is served on a bold statement piece representing the architectural style of “Brutalism” prevalent throughout Peru.

Course 2: El Tiradito

Next, the El Tiradito, is served in a round-shaped bowl that is inspired by a murano glass dish that Oka previously designed for the 2018 Milan Design Fair, with carved edges perfect for spooning up the nationally treasured dish.

Course 3: Los Fideos

A third course of Los Fideos features cured duck noodles, served with chopsticks in a vessel that draws inspiration from traditional Japanese clay plates, ensuring that each saucy bite is as flavorful as it is visually appealing.

Course 4: La Papa

The following course, La Papa, celebrates the 4,000 types of potatoes in Peru with a tray symbolizing the start of the Andes mountains and the region’s agricultural richness and beauty.

Course 5: Escondido

Course five, Escondido, pays homage to “Locro,” one of Oka’s favorite dishes by his grandmother.

Course 6: Picante & Course 7: Pachamanca

For the final two courses: Picante transforms a sauce with all the flavors of a carapulcra and over 30 ingredients into a molten lava-like presentation on a plate that resembles the fluidity of the liquid itself; and Pachamanca adapts the traditional underground cooking technique to reveal quinoa tamales.

Course 8: El Esparrago (dessert)

At the conclusion of the meal, guests will choose from a selection of beautifully handcrafted spoons to enjoy their final dessert course, El Asparrago. Then, each guest will receive a surprise memento to take home along with a gift of Peruvian pancakes to enjoy the next morning.

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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. The exclusive AMANO by Oka dining experience is an intimate setting of just 20 seats and only offered three days a week (Thursday, Friday and Saturday).

“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.”

Welcome to a new era of fine dining—where art, passion, and flavor unite.

We look forward to welcoming you soon!

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