Legendary Chef Norman Van Aken Opens Norman’s 180

by admin ~ June 22, 2010

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Press Contact for Norman’s 180:
Megan Raphael, Mediashop PR
megan@mediashoppr.com or (212) 867-8778 x232

LEGENDARY CHEF NORMAN VAN AKEN OPENS NORMAN’S 180

New World Cuisine Comes to Downtown Coral Gables in Latest Van Aken Incarnation

MIAMI, FL - June 22, 2010 -Chef Norman Van Aken, is proud to announce the opening of his new restaurant Norman’s 180 (www.Normans180.com) on Tuesday, June 29. Marking Chef Van Aken’s much anticipated return to Miami, the restaurant is located in the heart of Downtown Coral Gables at the Westin Colonnade, 180 Aragon Avenue.

Chef Norman Van Aken is known internationally as “the founding father of New World Cuisine,” a fusion of Latin, Caribbean, Asian, African and American flavors that continues to be the most emulated style of cooking in the region. Building on the successes of the original Norman’s in Coral Gables and Norman’s Orlando at the Ritz-Carlton Grande Lakes, Norman’s 180 is an extension of the classic Van Aken brand. Accessible yet sophisticated, the dining experience at Norman’s 180 will showcase Chef Van Aken’s unparalleled abilities to please the palate and inspire the senses with a signature style and energy.

According to Chef Van Aken, the Norman’s 180 menu will be more broadly American than his previous restaurants and will feature deeply flavored items that are truly a reflection of his life’s culinary journey. Expanding on New World Cuisine, the menu also draws inspiration from Chef Van Aken’s Midwestern roots and his time spent in the American South. The menu is comprised of small plates, sharing platters, soups, salads, pizzas, sandwiches, entrees, sides, and desserts, as well as an impressive menu of cheese and charcuterie. Some of the featured dishes at Norman’s 180 include:

- DUCK MEATBALLS with carrot parsnip mash, Marsala mustard reduction and Ruth’s relish: Bespeaking Norman’s 180’s broadly American ideals with a unique twist.

- GULF SHRIMP CEVICHE with charred octopus, “Salsa of Life,” and Peruvian cancha: Classic and Soul-Satisfying.

- A rotating selection of “WIG” BURGERS topped with lusty and savory toppings such as Ropa Vieja or Pulled Pork.

- KEY WEST YELLOWTAIL SNAPPER locally caught and served with a bright citrus butter and delicious congrí of red beans and rice.

- THREE LITTLE PIGS is a pork trio including barbequed baby back ribs, a trotter cake and “ham n’ mac n’ cheese.”

Joining Chef Van Aken in the kitchen will be his son Justin Van Aken, who has grown up in the restaurant business and finds his most ardent inspirations in the “farm to table” ethics, which he has made a long-term goal across the board for the company going forward. He will serve as Co-Chef alongside Phillip Bryant who has worked with Chef Van Aken since 2005, after serving as Sous Chef at other restaurants directed by Chef Van Aken.

Taking see-and-be-seen dining to a new level, Norman’s 180 features an open “Theater Kitchen” giving diners the opportunity to watch the chefs at work. A stylish lounge area flanks the kitchen on two sides, along with a lively wrap-around bar with literary quotes laser-etched in metal dressing the center column. Additionally, the restaurant will feature floor-to-ceiling wine vaults capable of holding over 700 bottles and will accommodate outdoor seating along Ponce de Leon Boulevard will be available year-round. An integral part of the concept at Norman’s 180 is its “Kitchen Table” that, by reservation only, seats up to 12 guests and serves a set price menu written daily. The restaurant was designed by Malcolm Berg, AIA, principal of Edge of Architecture, and evokes a vibrant, comfortable setting.

Norman’s 180 will be open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Beginning Tuesday, June 29, dinner will be served Sunday through Thursday from 5:30pm-11:00pm and 5:30pm-12:00am Friday and Saturday. Following the initial launch, Norman’s 180 will serve breakfast Monday through Friday from 6:30am-10:00am and Saturday and Sunday from 7:00am-10:00am; lunch from 11:30am-3:00pm; a special midday menu from 3:00pm-5:00pm; and a late night menu from 12:00am-1:00am on Friday and Saturday.

For more information on Norman’s 180 including menus and images, please contact Megan Raphael at megan@mediashoppr.com or (212) 867-8778 x232.

About Norman’s 180:
Norman’s 180 is located in the Westin Colonnade in Downtown Coral Gables, Florida, and presents New World Cuisine with an emphasis on a more rustic American fare in a polished, casual atmosphere. Taking special care to source seasonal, and wherever possible, local ingredients in the most ethical manner possible, Norman’s 180 is right on beat with the pulse of American dining today. For more information, please visit: www.normans180.com.  

About Chef Norman Van Aken:
Van Aken’s list of honors is lengthy. The Chef is known internationally as the founding father of “New World Cuisine,” as well as introducing the concept of “fusion” to the culinary world in a symposium on American cooking in Santa Fe in 1988. He is a recipient of the James Beard Foundation’s Best Chef in the Southeast honors and is the only Floridian inducted into the prestigious James Beard list of “Who’s Who in American Food and Beverage.” Most recently, he was honored as one of the “Founders of the New American Cuisine,” at Spain’s International Summit of Gastronomy Madrid Fusion event. Chef Van Aken was the first chef in America to become a member of the James Beard Foundation’s Board of Trustees and was named a member of the prestigious James Beard Advisory Board. He has written four cookbooks with his wife and soul mate, Janet.
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