La Mar by Gastón Acurio at Mandarin Oriental, Miami announces new dining experience: AMANO BY OKA

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

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. This multi-sensory dining experience incorporates 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, color and functionality of the vessel to ensure it will showcase the cuisine beautifully and influence how the meal is prepared. The colors 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 is available for reservations at La Mar Miami, with 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.”

Each dish at AMANO by Oka is accompanied by a technical card that includes the details of its production. As a takeaway, guests are 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)

To reserve the AMANO by Oka tasting menu experience, please book HERE