Normans, Orlando, FL (Latin)
Chef: Norman Van Aken
“The fires of fusion are coming”. Written by Chef Norman Van Aken, embodies his take on the culinary arts. Van Aken is a widely well-respected American Chef, who is credited with the title of being “the founding father of New World Cuisine”. New World Cuisine is known as a blending of Latin, Caribbean, Asian, African, and American flavors. All these flavors are celebrated by Van Aken at his restaurant. A native Floridian, Van Aken was merging together ethnic flavors, and blazing the trail for a new type of cuisine long before others were attempting to do so.
Located on the ground floor of the Ritz Carlton Orlando, Norman’s makes you feel like royalty from the second you arrive. Guests can expect to be greeted immediately by many employees and seated quickly in the open, formal dining room, or the “wine cellar” with glass cases of wine serving as dividers for the tables. For dinner, Norman’s offers both an a la carte menu and a seasonal tasting menu. When dining from the a la cart menu, be sure to begin with the Royal Red Shrimp Ceviche. Prepared tableside, and customized to your liking, this dish is not one to be missed. For the first plate, guests can choose between options such as Masa Crusted Tuna and Yuca Stuffed Crispy Shrimp. For the main dish, be sure to order the Pan-Seared Filet of Yellowtail Snapper that is cooked to perfection and garlic whipped potatoes that will leave you wanting more. Norman’s has its own separate dessert menu. You will not be disappointed when ordering the profiteroles filled with hazelnut, white chocolate, and key lime custard. For guests preferring a tasting menu, Norman’s offers a six-course tasting menu that changes seasonally and can be accompanied by a wine pairing if requested. Norman’s offers an extensive wine list and hand-crafted cocktails, some of which are crafted tableside, to accompany your dinner. AAA 4 Diamond Award (2004-2017)
- Zagat 2016, Orlando’s Best Restaurants
- USA Today, 10 Best – Norman’s Orlando (2016)
Website: www.normans.com
Phone: (407)393 – 4333
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Tony Lagana
Chef Tony is a 42-year veteran of the food industry and is often known by his peers as “The New Product Guru.” Throughout his illustrious culinary career, he’s earned several notable titles and positions including Acquisition International’s “Most Influential Product Development Expert, U.S.” in 2019.
In 1997, Tony also founded Culinary Systems Inc., a group of culinary consultants that assist with culinary training, restaurant start-ups, concept development, and more. Since then, Tony and his team have generated over two billion dollars in sales for their clients in restaurants, retail, and manufacturing.
The strategic, technical, and culinary skills of Tony and his team can be seen on the menus of national chains, in the portfolio of national food manufacturers, and on the grocery shelves of products produced by major retail companies.