Celebrate Flavor and Culture: Mezze Masterclass at Cleo with Chef Camila Olarte

Cleo, the Eastern Mediterranean restaurant at the iconic Balfour in Miami Beach, is introducing its Mezze Masterclass Series starting August 30. Led by Michelin-trained Executive Chef Camila Olarte, the hands-on class gives guests the chance to roll up their sleeves, learn classic mezze dishes and enjoy a night of cooking, sipping and sharing.

Each two-hour session - held in Cleo’s semiprivate dining room on select Saturdays through October - kicks off with a welcome cocktail before diving into an interactive workshop. Executive Chef Olarte guides participants through the creation of mezze staples like velvety hummus, smoky eggplant dips, spiced lamb cigars, kabob skewers and more. All tools and ingredients are provided, making the experience as approachable as it is immersive.

After class, all guests are invited for a sit-down meal featuring the dishes they’ve prepared, served alongside fresh-baked pita, seasonal sides and a complimentary drink of choice—wine, cocktail, or mocktail. Guests also leave with recipes and tips so they can recreate the experience at home.

Whether planning a date night, a fun group activity or simply love Mediterranean flavors, the Mezze Masterclass is a relaxed and flavorful way to spend an evening. Each session is capped at 12 people, keeping it intimate and engaging. The series spans several dates: August 30, September 27, and October 25, all from 5 to 7 p.m., with tickets priced at $40 per person. Reservations are required and can be booked through OpenTable Experiences.

At its core, Cleo is all about good food, good company, and the vibrant spirit of the Eastern Mediterranean. The Mezze Masterclass captures that essence seamlessly, blending culture, flavor and connection in the heart of Miami Beach.

By ML Staff. Content/images courtesy of Cleo.