Bio

Norman Van Aken is a chef, author, and teacher, best known for introducing the concept of “fusion” into the lexicon of global cuisine. He is also known as “the founding father of New World Cuisine” – a celebration of Latin, Caribbean, Asian, American, and African flavors, thus pioneering a new, visionary way of cooking in America. He is the only Floridian Chef inducted into the prestigious James Beard Foundation’s list of “Who’s Who in American Food and Beverage.” 

He has immortalized his cooking career by authoring six cookbooks and a memoir.  He was inducted into the 2016 Menu Masters Hall of Fame and is a James Beard semi-finalist for “Best Chef in America.” His namesake restaurant, NORMAN’S, in Coral Gables, was a finalist for “Outstanding Restaurant in America”.  He has also appeared on CNN’s “Parts Unknown” with Anthony Bourdain and “Jimmy Kimmel Live”.

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Expertise in solving these types of problems:

• Award-winning Chef. Internationally recognized as the founding father of New World Cuisine
• Best of class in new, modern fine dining concepts
• Restaurant Menu design and creation
• World-class Chef, restaurateur, prolific author, and TV personality