Giasas! Welcome!
Maria Benardis, founder of Greekalicious, is an internationally recognized culinary expert and wellness educator who has taught across Australia and the United States. Her teaching portfolio includes renowned institutions such as the Intuitive Well in Sydney, as well as leading New York venues including The Brooklyn Kitchen, The Natural Gourmet Institute, Cozymeal, Cocusocial, and Haven’s Kitchen.
A Gourmand Award–winning cookbook author, Maria has trained and worked in prestigious kitchens, including alongside acclaimed Australian chef Neil Perry. She has also provided private chef services for high-profile families in The Hamptons, New York, and curated exclusive dining experiences, including events for the wives of United Nations Ambassadors.
Maria’s influence extends beyond the kitchen. She was named No. 1 on the list of “The Top 10 Females Disrupting the Health Industry in 2023” and was honored with inclusion in the Marquis Who’s Who 2025 edition. These distinctions reflect her pioneering work in blending ancient healing traditions with modern nutritional science to create deeply transformative wellness experiences.
The Greekalicious Philosophy
At Greekalicious, food is more than nourishment—it is medicine for the mind, body, and spirit. Maria’s philosophy is rooted in simplicity, purity, and intention. Each dish is created using fresh, certified organic ingredients wherever possible, infused with agapi—unconditional love—and guided by intuition. Health and Wellness Tips and Ancient Greek wisdom is also shared!
Her approach empowers you to reconnect with your senses, trust your inner wisdom, and rediscover the joy of cooking as a healing, creative practice. Sit back, relax, enjoy the journey and energy immersion therapy.
The cooking classes are in person or online. You can take these classes from the comfort of your own home or workplace.
You can book Maria by contacting her on our contact page.
IN PERSON
What the culinary experience includes:
-Mezze Platter on arrival accompanied with a glass of Greek (where available) wine
-Energetically structured Hawaiian water and sparkling water
– A sit-down menu which includes four dishes
-Menus are selected by the client in consultation with the chef, Maria
-Recipes are provided
-At Greekalicious, we care about your health. We cook with ingredients that are respectful and loving to you and the environment. We use seasonal and locally sourced certified organic ingredients wherever possible and ingredients that are GMO-free. We source from local farmers and my lanai garden (handpicked that day).
-Culinary Experience runs for 3 hours
This is not merely any ordinary culinary cooking experience. Maria shares her health and wellness expertise and incorporates Ancient Greek practices and wisdom.
The culinary experience class size is kept small and intimate with a maximum of 6 people. More can also be accommodated upon request.
The venue is located in Waikiki, Honolulu, Hawaii
The Experience Cost:
5-6 people – $330 USD per person
4 people – $399USD per person
3 people – $499 USD per person
2 people – $660 USD per person
You can book Maria by contacting her on our contact page.
ONLINE CULINARY EXPERIENCES
Our online culinary experiences will be featured on LEARN IT LIVE after the Live Sessions.
Maria offers immersive online cooking classes designed for those seeking a refined, wellness-focused culinary experience. Join from the comfort of your home or workplace and be guided through recipes that are both nourishing and elevated. Each class is more than a cooking lesson—it is a holistic experience. Maria shares health and wellness insights, along with ancient Greek wisdom, while guiding you to cook intuitively, allowing your senses and energy to lead the way. This is your invitation to slow down, reconnect, and transform your relationship with food. Sit back, relax, and enjoy a truly nourishing journey—an experience that goes beyond cooking into energy, healing, and self-discovery.
You will receive the recipes, information on what equipment you will need and the ingredients list required to cook along with the Chef Maria. Classes are vegan, and vegetarian-friendly. Alternatives are suggested for gluten-free cooking. Ingredient Substitutes can be provided. No prior knowledge or skills required. Live, fun and interactive. Come and Meet new people! Prepare your ingredients, grab some refreshments, and let’s get cooking!
Class sizes are kept small and intimate.
Upcoming online classes:
High Vibration Kitchen: Healing Through Food – Eat to Heal & Elevate (4-part series)
Step into a new way of nourishing your body and soul. These online cooking classes are designed to help you create high-vibration, anti-inflammatory meals that support healing, energy, and overall wellbeing.
You’ll learn how to prepare simple, delicious recipes using clean, nutrient-rich ingredients that help reduce inflammation, restore balance, and elevate your frequency. This is more than cooking—it’s a pathway to feeling lighter, clearer, and more aligned with your highest self.
Class 1: Cleanse & Reset – 2-hour class – Sunday 26th April 2026 at 4PM EST/ 1PM PT
Maroulosalata
Crisp Greek lettuce & fresh dill salad with a vibrant lemon elixir dressing
Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Pesto Soft, pillowy bites with grounding, earthy flavors
Sacred Bliss Bites
Chocolate & coconut energy balls to satisfy and uplift
Mocktails & Elixirs
Lemon, Cucumber & Mint Detox Elixir (A refreshing, cleansing tonic to hydrate and restore) & Strawberry, Basil & Lime Spritz (A vibrant, uplifting refresher)
Class 2: Nourish & Restore – 2-hour class – Sunday 3rd May 2026 at 4PM EST/ 1PM PT
Easy Spanakopita
Spinach, Feta & dill wrapped in golden, flaky filo
Golden Zucchini Fritters with Fresh Herbs
Light, crisp fritters infused with healing herbs, served with a cooling, probiotic-rich yogurt dip
Mixed Berry Yoghurt Ice Cream
Creamy, probiotic-rich indulgence
Pineapple Tepache
A traditional Mexican fermented gut-healing tonic
Class 3: Energize & Elevate – 2-hour class – Sunday 10th May 2026 at 4PM EST/ 1PM PT
Italian Gazpacho
Chilled Tomato & Herb Elixir
Rainbow Frequency Salad
Beetroot, carrot, arugula & more with a Dijon balsamic dressing
Handcrafted Vegetarian Pizza
Rustic red sauce base with nourishing, plant-forward toppings
Class 4: Sustain & Thrive – 2-hour class – 17th May 2026 at 4PM EST/ 1PM PT
Fresh Handmade (No pasta maker needed) Pasta with Pomodoro Sauce
A simple, soulful Italian classic. No pasta maker is needed for this class!
Arugula & Parmesan Salad
Peppery greens with a clean, elegant finish
Avocado Chocolate Mousse
Rich, silky & guilt-free indulgence
The Experience Cost: Learn 3 delicious, high-vibration, inflammation-busting recipes in a 2-hour class – just $45 per person per class; or 4-class bundle: $160 per person.
Payment methods:
Venmo:@Maria-Benardis
or PayPal:
https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/mariabenardis
Please let us know which class you are enrolling in when you are making your payment.
If you have booked and unable to attend a link to the class will be provided to you.
Other classes you can enjoy on the LEARN IT LIVE website include: Classic Greekalicious Greek Spanakopita & Hand-Made Filo Pastry making 101, Fresh Hand-made Pasta 101, Fresh Handmade Gnocchi and & Delicious Sauces and Fresh Handmade Traditional & Gluten Free Pizza.
You can Purchase your GREEKALICIOUS aprons and more HERE.
(Image: Epoch Times Article featuring Maria Benardis)
At Greekalicious we care about you and your health.
We use certified Greek organic extra virgin olive oil from Greece the origins of olive oil making in all our cooking and not the unhealthy cotton seed, canola, soy and vegetable oils that many other eating establishments use.
We strive to be and to provide the best cooking classes when it comes to the use of quality ingredients, good energy and service.
Above all we practice an Ancient Greek tradition of cooking with “agapi” (Unconditional Love) and harmony. We cook all our dishes adopting the healing Ancient Greek wisdoms and philosophies that lead to harmonious health and longevity.
Please advise us of any dietary requirements so that we can accommodate. Many of our dishes can be accommodated to be vegetarian, vegan friendly and gluten free.
Here are what some people have to say about Maria and Greekalicious
This was my first cooking class. I came by myself and was very nervous because my cooking skills need polishing. The instructor was out of this world amazing and made me feel comfortable throughout the process – please give her a raise 🙂 The food was the best I ever had! All attendees were super friendly and cordial as well. I’ll definitely be back! – Sierra M.
Maria is a delight! She offers high level skills tailored with encouragement, perfect for our family. The results were delicious! We look forward to perfecting and improvising on the recipes as she suggested. Many thanks for working with us to design the perfect event! – Cheryl K
Maria was an amazing instructor! I appreciated her ability to share both general and task-specific cooking tips while guiding the group in an engaging way. Officially a fan! – Charlotte H
Great experience! Our instructor was knowledgeable and very helpful. She made it so fun. We’ve recommended to many friends. Thanks for offering virtual classes! – Alaina B
Maria was excellent as always. She makes you feel like you’re in her kitchen sitting on a stool chatting away about whatever you’re cooking with her. I love that she calls her students chef. Thanks for the free class. I’d gladly pay for online classes. Cheers! – Paula N
Wonderful Class! Maria was great. A lot of fun. I would take another class in a heartbeat- Lisa K.
Teacher was amazing. The professor was very knowledgeable and funny which kept the class interesting. She covers everything from the history of pizza, making the dough, sauce and the assembly. The best part is that you get to eat the wonderful pie you made. I really recommend a class with her. – Denise D
Chef Maria was excellent. Her story and the experience were one of a kind. Highly recommend this for friends, couples, families, teams… – Brandon R
Maria Benardis was an absolutely amazing instructor. She was able to accommodate my party of 16 people without a hitch. The class was truly informational and fun. Not one person in my party had any complaints and all would love to return for more of your classes. Thank you for making my wife’s birthday an unforgettable one! – James V
We had an amazing time celebrating our anniversary with Maria’s cooking class. Not only was the class made to be simplistic and entertaining, but we took away skills that we are excited to keep practicing in our own home and tricks of the trade we can use for years to come. Thank you for a fun night! – Kaitlyn K
We had so much fun! Not only did we learn how to make an authentic meal, but we also gained a greater appreciation for the art of cooking. Really eye opening, even life changing. – Kelly M.
You can view more testimonials here.
