New Chef brought on to work alongside Chef Norman Van Aken in Orlando’s top-rated restaurant

by admin ~ April 21, 2010

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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NEW CHEF BROUGHT ON TO WORK ALONGSIDE CHEF NORMAN VAN AKEN IN ORLANDO’S TOP-RATED RESTAURANT

ORLANDO, FL - April 21, 2010 - Chef Norman Van Aken today announced the hiring of a new chef at his restaurant NORMAN’S at the Ritz-Carlton, Grande Lakes in Orlando. As Orlando’s premiere fine dining establishment, NORMAN’S will continue to produce the finest “New World Cuisine” as envisioned and created by its Founding Father, Chef Norman Van Aken.

“It is our pleasure to announce Chef Brandon Benack as our new Director of Culinary Operations in Orlando,” says Chef Norman. “We are poised for a period of unprecedented growth and are excited by the possibilities that Chef Brandon brings to NORMAN’S.”

With nearly fifteen years of knowledge and experience, Chef Brandon Benack comes to NORMAN’S from Emeril’s Miami Beach where he served as Chef de Cuisine. In his new role at NORMAN’S, Chef Brandon will be directed by Chef Norman Van Aken in all matters relating to the execution of the cuisine. Additionally, he will be under the guidance of Stacy Cofield, Director of Operations, regarding the restaurant’s fiscal and operations systems.

Known for his shared passion of the cultural diversity and fusion flavors of South Florida, Latin America and the Caribbean, Chef Brandon was a natural addition to the staff and will be integrated seamlessly into the NORMAN’S team. Chef Norman has been following the career of Chef Brandon for many months, including several special events where he observed the talent that best represents the NORMAN’S brand. In addition, both chefs share a mutual commitment to utilizing fresh, local ingredients and making regionally inspired culinary creations.

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work so closely with Chef Norman Van Aken, an American legend,” says Chef Brandon. “I am looking forward to expanding my responsibilities and to being a part of this talented team.”

Sous Chefs Misty Shores and David Hedger will assist Chef Brandon in the day-to-day execution of the menus and kitchen operations, while maintaining the high standards for which NORMAN’S is known.

“We have a dynamic and talented team in Orlando,” says Kim Wood, partner of NORMAN’S. “Everyone is excited about the addition of Chef Brandon, and his positive energy.”

Since 2003, NORMAN’S has been serving Chef Norman Van Aken’s acclaimed “New World Cuisine” as the culinary centerpiece which celebrates Latin, Caribbean and Asian flavors with traditional European technique - in a fine dining atmosphere. As one of the highest-rated restaurants in the Southeast, NORMAN’S continues to impress, entertain and satisfy world travelers and Central Florida residents alike who visit the restaurant.

NORMAN’S (www.normans.com) is located at The Ritz-Carlton Grande Lakes, Orlando, 4012 Central Florida Parkway, Orlando, FL 32837. For reservations please call 407-393-4333.
 

About NORMAN’S
NORMAN’S, at the Ritz-Carlton, Grande Lakes, Orlando serves Chef Norman Van Aken’s acclaimed “New World Cuisine” as the culinary centerpiece which celebrates Latin, Caribbean and Asian flavors with traditional European technique in a fine dining atmosphere. As one of the highest-rated restaurants in Florida, Norman’s continues to impress, entertain and satisfy diners from around the world. Chef Van Aken has received an impressive list of awards and accolades including being the only Floridian inducted into the prestigious James Beard list of ‘Who’s Who of Food and Beverage in America” and the recipient of the James Beard award, “Best Chef in the Southeast.” The New York Times deemed “Norman’s” the “Best Restaurant in Florida and Norman Van Aken its best Chef” and the Beard Foundation nominated “Norman’s” as “The Best Restaurant in America.” Chef Van Aken has also been hailed as a “culinary genius” by Johnson and Wales University and given an honorary doctorate.

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