“It has been an honor and a joy to serve the guests who dine at NORMAN’S. For over 15 years we have treasured the most wonderful accolades from the press and beautiful words from the many diners who have come to us at The Ritz-Carlton to join us. This nomination stands as the greatest recognition for our restaurant to date. We celebrated when NORMAN’S reached the finalist stage for The James Beard Foundation’s “Outstanding Restaurant” in 2005 at the original location in Coral Gables. We are celebrating in Orlando now! The Beard Awards are known as ’the Oscars of the hospitality business’. We applaud the other 19 semi-finalists from around the United States.”—— Norman Van Aken