It’s only natural that a triple five-star hotel such as Mandarin Oriental, Miami {500 Brickell Key Drive, Brickell; 305.913.8358} would have restaurants helmed by some of the most talented chefs around. But it’s not every day that you can get an up-close-and-personal look inside the workings of these chefs’ kitchens.

But that’s exactly what the luxury hotel on Brickell Key is doing. Award-winning Chefs Benjamin Murray of Azul (above) and Diego Oka of La Mar by Gastón Acurio (below) are inviting both guests and locals alike into their culinary workspaces for a series of interactive cooking classes and demonstrations.

Learn what goes on behind the scenes in preparing world-class menu items, while picking up basic cooking tips and tricks to take to your own kitchen. For example: Did you know that the flavor you get from a lime’s juice depends on the way you slice it? Do you know which fish varieties have the least amount of fat? What about the best tools for sautéing meat over an open-flame stove?

At Azul, Chef Murray shows how to prepare the ultimate gourmet lunch in the restaurant’s marble-clad open kitchen. The session is followed by a three-course tasting menu matched with flights of premium wines by sommelier Dwayne Savoie. Classes are $175 per person and take place from 10am-1pm.

At La Mar, Chef Oka demonstrates how to create classic Peruvian dishes such as cebiche and a selection of causas. You’ll also learn how to create a traditional pisco sour at La Mar’s waterfront bar by Lef Kraounakis. Classes are $100 per person and take place from 6-7:30pm.

2016 Cooking Classes Schedule:

Saturday, April 23: Springtime Flavors with Chef Murray of Azul
Friday, May 6: Causa Tasting with Chef Oka of La Mar
Saturday, June 11: Japanese Techniques with Chef Murray of Azul
Saturday, September 24: Couples Cooking with Chef Murray of Azul
Saturday, November 12: Festive Ways to Prepare for the Holidays with Chef Murray of Azul
Friday, December 9: The Secrets of Leche de Tigre with Chef Oka of La Mar

Each student is given recipe cards and cooking notes for easy step-by-step reference. And upon completion, you’ll receive a certificate of participation and a signature apron, earning you bragging chef rights at your next big family dinner celebration.

—Sherri Balefsky | Miami Editor