Five Minutes with Chef Norman Van Aken

Chef, restaurateur and culinary superstar, Chef Norman Van Aken is a legend on the Florida food scene. Known as the godfather of ‘new world’ cuisine and one of the founders of fusion food, Van Aken creatively combines flavors from across the globe at his restaurant ‘NORMAN’S‘ tucked inside the posh and palatial Ritz-Carlton Grande Lakes in Orlando.

During the month of September, NORMAN’S will be participating in Orlando’s Magical Dining Month (read more here) with a stellar menu contribution. Among the many mouthwatering dishes on the $30, 3-course  prix fixe menu, Van Aken has selected Yuca Stuffed Crispy Shrimp, Key West Yellowtail, and a ‘Havana’ Banana Split to finish the experience off beautiful (hello rum flambeed bananas!).

Thanks, Chef Norman, for spending five minutes with NileGuide Orlando.

How do you go about creating a new menu item? What inspires you?
I get inspired by seeing the raw product and then letting my imagination and memories unite with the possibilities.

I see a lot of Florida influences infused into your menu.  Are you originally from Florida?
I moved to Florida when I was 21 and to Key West at that. Being in that I was so young I was, in effect, molded by the experience and it made me the chef I am.

What other regions make their mark on your cuisine?
Many! I love cuisines from all over the world. I am probably more drawn to ones with chilies, spices, fresh fish and fruits. Mexico and Vietnam are big favorites.

Why is the Ritz-Carlton such a perfect locale for your restaurant?
The setting is simply stunning! It is serene to the nth degree. It is almost like having a restaurant in a great “Chateau” in the French Vineyards.

What’s the best compliment you’ve ever received about your cooking?
One person was quoted in a newspaper article saying, “The food was so good at his restaurant it made me laugh out loud”.

What three ingredients can you absolutely not live without?
Honesty, humor and passion.

Norman Van Akan