Alongside long-time business partner Kim Wood, Van Aken and celebrity guest chefs (Iron Chef) Ming Tsai and James Beard Award Winner Dean Fearing – whose charity Kids Beating Cancer® was the evening’s beneficiary – charmed the well-heeled crowd with live culinary demos, including Van Aken’s “Calle Ocho” Classic Cuban Sandwich and Chef Tsai’s anti-inflammatory Vegan Cheeseburger. After his demo, Tsai, ever the showman, was seen passing out coupons for his “MingsBings” grocery store offerings.
Chef Fearing delighted attendees with his Texas-inspired Warm Lobster Tacos with Yellow Tomato Salsa and Jicama Salad.
The exterior of the 7,300-square-foot culinary destination was adorned with a metallic and white oversized balloon archway curated by Laura Lawton and her team at BASH Orlando. Guests were welcomed to the red carpet by NORMAN’S Private Event Manager Laura Fletcher, then enjoyed rhythmic melodies and performances by Flamenco Tropicale.
In addition to composed plates from the kitchen featuring the evenings chef demo items prepared by Chef de Cuisine Carlos Robles, guests enjoyed a charcuterie station and wine tasting tables offering varietals from Lampo Borgoluce and Rock Angel Rose.
Passed plates included the Florida Day Boat Tiradito with Aji Amarillo and Roasted Sweet Corn; Braised Pork Belly with Celery Root Mash and Rosemary-Tomato Jam; Chilled Charred Beef Tenderloin Tataki with Ginger-Soy Dressing and Sunchoke Chips, Yuca Stuffed Crispy Shrimp, Habanero Tartar Sauce, Classic Orange Mojo, Black Bean and Maduro Plantain Empanadas, and Blue Crab Beignets with Yuzu Aïoli and Hearts of Palm Slaw.
NORMAN’S Beverage Consultant and mixology extraordinaire Andi Cruzatti kicked off the afterhours portion of the event with her live cocktail demo of the Miami-inspired “Ave Maria” – a tropical blend of Copalli Rum, Toasted Coconut, Guava, Pineapple, and Coconut Cream – The Terrace, NORMAN’S spacious covered al fresco dining space.
VIP guests included Master Sommelier Laura DePasquale; Founder and CEO of Kids Beating Cancer® Margaret Guedes and Sam Azar, COO of Kids Beating Cancer.
