The Making of Amano
Since the moment Diego Oka approached us to collaborate with him on this project, the idea was clear: This wasn’t going to be just another tasting menu. It would be a celebration of craftsmanship - where food, ceramics, and design came together to create something timeless. With a clear vision from the start, we had the opportunity to work with him every step of the way to translate his vision into something that could stay with people forever.
During the creative process, we got to know him as an artist, as someone who appreciates what is done well and with care. Our role was to bring his idea to life by crafting a visual identity for the tasting menu, shaping the journey of the experience, and making strategic, well-considered decisions complemented by thoughtful and creative direction. At the heart of the experience was the food itself. Oka’s eight-course tasting menu takes you through his Nikkei cuisine, with ingredients and cooking techniques that transmit Diego’s cooking philosophy. Each plate is a story, inviting guests to immerse themselves into both the flavors and the artistry behind the dish. The ceramics, specially designed to complement each dish, elevated the food beyond simple sustenance. Chef Diego Oka’s journey to bring this vision to life was anything but traditional. He and his team transformed a hotel room into a ceramics studio, creating 400 handcrafted ceramic pieces, each one carefully designed to pair perfectly with his dishes. A crucial part of making this experience feel truly immersive was the integration of design elements.
These included the food and wine menus, the postcards accompanying each dish, and the labels and packaging of the take-home gifts. Even the smallest details were crafted to enhance the overall experience, never distracting from the food but always complementing it.
The art direction, particularly in the postcards and photography that accompanied the experience, sought to capture this sense of timelessness. The ceramics were photographed not just as a product, but as a piece of art in itself. Through a careful still-life approach, the photography sought to give the food a sense of permanence. One of the most exciting yet challenging aspects of this project was the use of color. Choosing colors that reflected not only the vibrancy of the dishes but also complemented the handcrafted ceramics added another layer to the setting. The result was both energizing and balanced where every element was part of a larger, cohesive whole.
The use of postcards, labels, and ceramics were functional and integral parts of the experience, designed with as much care and intention as the dishes themselves. These elements became symbols of the larger story, inviting guests to take home a piece of the experience, extending the journey beyond the confines of the restaurant. Chef Diego Oka’s tasting menu was more than just a meal - it was an experience that transcended the traditional boundaries of fine dining. It was an invitation to see food not as a simple act of nourishment but as a celebration.
Amano is an experience that is meant to be felt, remembered, and cherished long after the last plate was cleared. Our team had the privilege of experiencing the tasting menu, and it served as a powerful reminder of the deeper layers of meaning that food can hold—revealing that dining is as much about connection, creativity, and memory as it is about taste.
When you think of Chef Diego Oka, you think of more than just a mastermind in the kitchen - you think of an artist. Diego has always believed that being a chef is about more than just cooking - it’s about creating, serving, and crafting an experience. One of his greatest passions is ceramics, and that love for art came to life in a very special way at La Mar, where he created a tasting menu that wasn’t just about food.