Nrv in blue jean shirt

Norman Van Aken

author of the upcoming "My Key West Kitchen"

Last updated: May 18, 2013

Contact Information
More Details

Last updated: Feb 29 2012

Title(s)
, NORMAN'S at the Ritz-Carlton, Grande Lakes, Orlando
Summary

Legendary Chef Norman Van Aken is known internationally as “the founding father of New World Cuisine,” a celebration of Latin, Caribbean, Asian, African and American flavors. He is also known for introducing the concept of “fusion” to the culinary world in a symposium on American cooking in Santa Fe in 1988. He is the only Floridian inducted into the prestigious James Beard list of “Who’s Who in American Food and Beverage.” In 2006, he was honored as one of the “Founders of the New American Cuisine,” alongside Alice Waters, Paul Prudhomme, and Mark Miller at Spain’s International Summit of Gastronomy ‘Madrid Fusión’ event. Norman Van Aken is also Director of Restaurants at the brand new Miami Culinary Institute and is the Chef-Director of TUYO. ~~~ “Norman Van Aken is the Walt Whitman of American Cuisine” --- Charlie Trotter

Specialties

Whole animal, Canning/preserving, Housemade sausage, Farm-to-table, Butchery, Sustainable fish, Raw bar, In-house charcuterie, Housemade sodas, Housemade condiments, In-house ice creams, James Beard Winner, Published Author (Books), and James Beard Winner

Cuisine(s)

American (Regional): South

View Extended Profile (Education, Experience, Awards, etc)

Work Experience: Culinary

  • NORMAN'S at the Ritz-Carlton, Grande Lakes, Orlando
    Title:
    Employment: Current
  • The Miami Culinary Institute
    Title: Chef-Director
    Chef: Myself
    Cuisine: New World Cuisine
    Notes: The Miami Culinary Institute is the brand new 22 million dollar school that has been added to the Miami-Dade College. Our restaurant will open on the top floor, (8th) in the late Fall of 2011.
    Was on opening staff

    Employment: Jul 2011 - Present
  • Norman's at The Ritz-Carlton, Grande Lakes, Orlando
    Title: Chef-Founder
    Chef: Myself
    Cuisine: New World Cuisine
    Notes: Dinner/Private Parties

    Employment: Aug 2003 - Present
Last updated: May 19 2013

Work Experience: Non-Culinary

  • Mc Dermott Amusements
    Title: Ferris Wheel Operator
    Responsibilities: Made a lot of kids happy
    Employment: May 1971 - Sep 1971
Last updated: Aug 7 2011

Awards

  • James Beard, "Who's Who in American Food and Beverage" (2003)
  • Food Arts Magazine "Silver Spoon" (1999)
  • Madrid Fusion Award (2006)
  • The Ivy Award (2001)
  • James Beard "Best Restaurant in America" (nominated in 2005)
Last updated: Jun 16 2011

Accolades

  • "The Best Chef in South Florida", The New York Times June 2003 (National press)

  • One of the Founders of American Cuisine with Alice Waters, Paul Prudhomme and Mark Miller, "Madrid Fusion". June 2006 (National press)

Last updated: Jun 16 2011

Culinary Education

  • Johnson & Wales University
    Did not graduate
    Honorary Doctorate, Honoris Causa

Last updated: Jun 16 2011

Cookbooks

  • Feast of Sunlight

    Publisher: Random House/Ballantine Books
    Published On: Sep 26, 1988

  • The Great Exotic Fruit Book

    Publisher: Ten Speed Press
    Published On: Jun 16, 1995

  • New World Cuisine

    Publisher: Random House
    Published On: Jun 16, 1999

  • New World Kitchen

    Publisher: HarperCollins
    Published On: Jun 16, 2003

Last updated: Jun 16 2011