Norman's
Chef and cookbook author Norman Van Aken has won every conceivable award for his work, and to some Floridians, he is an icon of local cuisine. His eponymous restaurant is certainly an Orlando institution, having spent 17 years at the Ritz-Carlton before moving to Sand Lake Road, near Universal, following the pandemic. Many of his beloved signature dishes arrived intact: The shrimp and mussel chowder unveils a new profile of saffron and coconut with every sip (you’ll wish you could have a gallon); the yellowtail sings with its citrusy glaze over garlic mash; the crab meat beignets are somehow fluffy and airy without losing meaty flavor. The Deco-inflected space is elegant and perhaps a little heady in a way luxury restaurants used to be—how lovely to be able to hear your dining companion moan softly in gustatory delight—as is the aesthetic wine list and professional staff, many of whom have been associated with Norman for years. After all this time, coming to Norman’s still feels like a special occasion. If you’re feeling more casual than all that, its covered outdoor Terrace (Thurs–Sat from 5:30pm; live DJ Fri–Sat; full menu) has no dress code.
Chef and cookbook author Norman Van Aken has won every conceivable award for his work, and to some Floridians, he is an icon of local cuisine. His eponymous restaurant is certainly an Orlando institution, having spent 17 years at the Ritz-Carlton before moving to Sand Lake Road, near Universal, following the pandemic. Many of his beloved signature dishes arrived intact: The shrimp and mussel chowder unveils a new profile of saffron and coconut with every sip (you’ll wish you could have a gallon); the yellowtail sings with its citrusy glaze over garlic mash; the crab meat beignets are somehow fluffy and airy without losing meaty flavor. The Deco-inflected space is elegant and perhaps a little heady in a way luxury restaurants used to be—how lovely to be able to hear your dining companion moan softly in gustatory delight—as is the aesthetic wine list and professional staff, many of whom have been associated with Norman for years. After all this time, coming to Norman’s still feels like a special occasion. If you’re feeling more casual than all that, its covered outdoor Terrace (Thurs–Sat from 5:30pm; live DJ Fri–Sat; full menu) has no dress code.
Details
Bookstore
Available as paperback
and as e-book.
