Cleo, the great new Eastern Mediterranean restaurant at the iconic Balfour in Miami Beach’s South of Fifth enclave, invites food lovers to embark on a culinary journey through Old World cooking with the Cleo Mezze Masterclass Series. Led by award-winning Executive Chef Camila Olarte, this intimate workshop debuts on Aug. 30 from 5-7 p.m. and offers guests a chance to explore the art of mezze in a relaxed, social setting that celebrates the rich, diverse flavors from the Levant and beyond.
Held in Cleo’s semiprivate dining room on select Saturdays through October, each two-hour session includes instruction and guidance in preparing three seasonal mezze dishes, such as velvety hummus, spicy lamb cigars, juicy kabob skewers, smoky eggplant dips and other regional favorites.
Guests will receive a welcome cocktail at the start of the experience, followed by a hands-on cooking session with all tools and ingredients provided. Each guest will also receive a complimentary drink of their choice, as well as a shared meal of the dishes prepared during the class, served with fresh-baked pita and sides. Chef tips and recipes will be provided for guests to take home.
The experience is beginner-friendly and ideal for date nights, group outings, or anyone who loves mezze as much as they love making it. Classes are limited to 12 guests per session, and reservations are required.
With more than 15 years of experience at award-winning restaurants, including Francis Mallmann’s Los Fuegos and Thomas Keller’s The Surf Club Restaurant and The French Laundry, Olarte brings refined technique and soulful creativity to Cleo. A Colombian native and Le Cordon Bleu alum, Olarte blends deep culinary training with a passion for Eastern Mediterranean flavors, leading Cleo’s kitchen with a focus on seasonal ingredients and vibrant hospitality.
Photo: Chef Camila Olarte (Cleo)