Style File: Wine Theatre

WSVN -- You don't have to be a chef in training to experience the Miami Culinary Institute's gorgeous Food and Wine Theatre.

John Richards, Director, Miami Culinary Institute: "This is the most amazing part of our program. We get to share this with the public."

The stunning space on the third floor of the school is open to the public and offers everything you need to cook like a top chef or taste wine like a sommelier.

Shari Grunspan, Food Blogger: "I think it's beautiful. I feel like I'm in Kitchen Stadium on Iron Chef."

Stadium seating helps guests see everything a chef is cooking in the state-of-the-art kitchen, and TV monitors offer extra backup.

Toni Ravelo, Guest: "More than anything, what made it stand out was the monitors playing everything that was going on, so even when I couldn't see the chef, I could see the television."

There is a complete wine cellar surrounding the theatre, and each seat in the house is made for tasting vino.

John Richards, Director, Miami Culinary Institute: "All the stations have 50,000 lumine bulbs at each station, so everyone looking at a wine is looking at it through the exact same light. And it has this patoon at each station, which I have a very difficult time spitting out a perfectly good wine, but that's what we do."

You can rent out the space for a fabulous party or corporate events.

And the culinary school offers affordable classes for enthusiasts who want to learn more about food and wine.

John Richards, Director, Miami Culinary Institute: "On our website, we have a series called Culinarium, and that's where we post all of the events that we do. Our cooking classes are somewhere between $25 and $40 for a two- to three-hour session."

Graham Spenceley, Guest: "The chefs they get in here are amazing. The food is really, really good."

Casa Vinicola Zonin is even hosting free monthly Italian food and wine pairings featuring local Italian chefs, like Giancarla Bodoni from Escopazzo restaurant.

Who doesn't want to learn from a pro like Giancarla?

Jelena Meisel, Casa Vinicola Zonin: "We choose a different region to feature the wines, and we partner with a different chef, so we do five-course meals. Today, we visited Sicily with foods and wine pairings."

Woman: "I feel like I'm part of The Food Network, even though I'm an accountant."

So stop watching all those food networks and become your own top chef right here in the MIA.

Belkys Nerey: "You can also take a tour of the Miami Culinary Institute, or visit their restaurant, Tuyo."

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Miami Culinary Institute

Wolfson Campus

415 NE 2nd Avenue #9104

Miami, FL 33132

305-237-3276

www.miamidadeculinary.com