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21 Almeria Ave Coral Gables, FL 33134

305-446-6767

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4 User reviews Write A Review

Best Restaurant in Coral Gables
Award Winner 2006

Cuisine(s): Contemporary

Hours: Mon-Thu 6pm-10:30pm, Fri-Sat 6pm-11pm

Price: $$$$
Payment Types: MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Diners Club

Attire: Casual

Features: Smoking, Delivery, Private Party, Catering, Kid Friendly, Business Dining
Serving: Dinner

Reservations: Accepted, Recommended

Parking: Free

Description

He's up to his old tricks again, and some new ones, too. Award-winning chef and cookbook author Norman Van Aken tests the creative limits of New World cuisine with specialties such as Rioja-braised lamb shanks with South American fries and caramelized root vegetables; hibachi tuna with Asian jus and Oriental mushroom salsa; and smoked tea-and-shallot-stuffed grilled salmon. Paella is always a hit, as is Van Aken's signature rhum-and-pepper-painted grouper. For the culinary adventurer who likes to sample a little bit of everything, tapas at the bar are the way to go. Desserts, too, are well worth exploring.

2006 | Best Restaurant in Coral Gables

There is talk that Norman's ain't what it used to be. That the more time Mr. Van Aken spends overseeing his growing restaurant empire, the less attention he can pay his flagship Gables operation. It all makes for easy cocktail conversation, but those who have actually dined at Norman's lately can attest it remains one of South Florida's finest establishments. It's true Norman is not as involved as he used to be, and it's also a fact it's been more than twelve years since this brash Mango... More »
2005 | BEST BLACK BEAN SOUP

BEST BLACK BEAN SOUP Norman's 21 Almeria Avenue Coral Gables 305-446-6767 If you've never ventured inside Norman Van Aken's signature restaurant in Coral Gables, the black bean soup alone is worth the sojourn into his exquisite location in the City Beautiful. This traditional Latin-American dish is a vision of oily, rich perfection with its foundation of bacon, bell peppers, garlic, red onions, and chilies. The spices alone can invigorate the dullest of immune systems. Van Aken... More »
2004 | BEST RESTAURANT IN CORAL GABLES

Norman Van Aken's eponymous restaurant has topped this category for so many years you almost wish he'd screw up just once and give someone else a shot at the gold. This past year it actually seemed possible, what with Van Aken expanding to Orlando and California, as well as opening Mundo closer to home at the Village of Merrick Park. That's spreading yourself pretty thin. At the same time, some exceptional new restaurants opened in the Gables. But Norman's still rules. Van Aken (who... More »
2003 | BEST RESTAURANT IN CORAL GABLES

It's not surprising that Norman's remains the Gables's best restaurant. Quite frankly Norman's could give the best restaurants in New York, San Francisco, or Paris a run for their money. What's surprising is that there are still Miamians who haven't been to Norman Van Aken's mega-award-winning, elegant yet friendly place. Sure, it's expensive. But so are many other Miami restaurants that are just upscale meals. Norman's is a once-in-a-lifetime experience -- or would be if it weren't for the... More »
2002 | BEST RESTAURANT IN CORAL GABLES

Surprise! (Not.) It's him, for the umpteenth time. In fact this year we considered permanently renaming this award "Best Restaurant in Coral Gables Except for Norman's," to be fair to some of the Gables' other eateries, several of which could top Best lists in any town where Norman Van Aken wasn't cooking. Naturally if Van Aken were a normal chef, such a drastic step wouldn't be necessary. After a decade or so of garnering America's major culinary awards, he'd either be diluting his talent... More »
2001 | Best Seafood Chowder

As the saying goes, you've had the rest, now try the best. The rest in this case is unsubtle glop: white starchy glop that tastes more like bacon and potato than seafood if it's something like New England-style clam chowder; red starchy glop that tastes more like chili powder and tomato than seafood if it's something like Manhattan clam or Caribbean conch chowder. So now try the best, which you'll no doubt be able to do for a good many years, since Norman Van Aken's regulars would probably... More »
2001 | Best Restaurant In Coral Gables

Yes, it's him again. And we might as well permanently retire this category to Norman Van Aken until he retires -- which he shows no signs of doing, possibly ever. While other superstar chefs would rest on their laurels -- especially if they had as many as Van Aken does -- or clean up financially by opening clone eateries, Van Aken remains in his Gables kitchen. And remains energetically, unceasingly inventive. How to equal still-superb old favorites like yuca-stuffed crispy shrimp with mojo... More »
2000 | Best Restaurant In Coral Gables

"He must not be allowed to win this award again next year," is what we said last year, after Mr. Van Aken won this category for the third time in a row. But how could he not Consultant stints may have spread Norman's name thinner of late, but his body and soul never left this Gables institution, the only place to sample the real deal. Norman has a knack for seamlessly blending seemingly outrageous New World ingredients into his dishes -- whether that be truffle ice, sherry foam,... More »
1999 | Best Restaurant In Coral Gables

Perhaps poet Ricardo Pau-Llosa wrote it best: "... what perfect/form a taste can set before the eye/the primary tongue./Con the cheek with bliss." Pau-Llosa was extolling Norman Van Aken's talent, and he hit it right on the proverbial head. Van Aken and his "perfect form" have conned us all into believing none in the Gables (nor in Florida, nor even in the country) can challenge him. Somebody arrest this man. His particular crime Achieving culinary heights so great every other chef pales in... More »

Martini 28: Three-Course Lunch for $9.99

By Lee Klein | Thu, August 18, 2011

In the summer of '09, the husband/wife team of chef Martin and pastry chef Charo Villacorta fulfilled a lifelong dream by opening Martini 28. For their location, they chose what is called "the Village... More »
Pubbelly Takes on Sushi and Tapas with Two New Eateries

By Alexandra Leon | Mon, July 25, 2011

Almost a year after opening Pubbelly, the dream team behind South Beach's favorite Asian-inspired gastropub is bringing two new distinct flavors to Miami. Owners Andreas Schreiner, Sergio Navarr... More »
Best of Miami 2011: Best Restaurant in South Beach

By Miami New Times Staff | Mon, June 13, 2011

In anticipation of the upcoming Best of Miami issue hitting newsstands June 16, here is a sneak peek at one category and its winner.?Best Restaurant in South BeachPubbelly1418 20th St.Miami Beach 3313... More »
50. Carnitas Taco at Orale Taqueria Mexicana

By Gabriela Garcia | Fri, April 22, 2011

As we count down to New Times' Best of Miami 2011 in June, Short Order will serve up 100 of our favorite dishes in the 305 in random order. If you have any nominations of your own, please send them to... More »
69. McBelly at Pubbelly

By Paula Niño | Fri, March 25, 2011

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Lindsey220 | Fort Lauderdale, FL | 375 Reviews

| Fri, September 10, 2010

Such a cute little bakery, a must visit!
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betsyboop | Lake Worth, FL | 4 Reviews

| Sun, July 19, 2009

So yummy! The best cafe con leche. Great pastries, cake, bread and sandwhiches.
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Burton18 | West Palm Beach, FL | 5 Reviews

| Thu, April 30, 2009

My favorite is The medionoche sandwich which is like a regular cuban sandwich on steroids for taste. It is on an egg bread instead of the regular cuban bread. When it is available, ask for a glass of their Guarapo, fresh sugar cane juice prepared on the spot just for you! I would risk a thousand potential dental caries, just for a sip or two. Their Cuban bread is not up to the gold standard of El Segundo Bakery in Tampa (Supplies the bread to Tampa's Columbia Restaurant), but it is certainly a close second. Tulipan Bakery is a wonderful place to drop in even if you do not know one word of Spanish.
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The "Signature" Tasting Menu
chef norman van aken's 5 course "signature dishes" tasting menu

$80.00

Fricassee of Maine Lobster and Oysters
wild mushrooms, root vegetables, emilio lustau sherry, sauce bearnaise

$80.00

"Down Island" French toast Seared Curacao Scented Foie Gras
griddled brioche, passion fruit caramel, gingery candied lime zest (optional course $10.00 supplement)

$80.00

Fillet of Key West Yellowtail on a "Belly" of Garlicky Mashed Potatoes
grilled asparagus spears, citrus butter

$80.00

Roasted Pork "Havana" with "21st Century Mole"
golden haitian grits, plantain crema, sweet corn salsa, sherry wine reduction

$80.00

"New World" Banana Nut Cake
rhum flamed bananas, macadamia nut brittle ice cream

Unique and Original
a selection of artisanal cheeses

Laura Chenel's Cabecou, Goat's Milk, Semi-Soft, California

Sitio da Perdiz, Mixed Milk, Semi-Firm, Portugal

Jessanne, Cow's Milk, Semi-Firm, Georgia

Gorwydd Caerphilly, Cow's Milk, Firm, England

Livarot, Cow's Milk, Semi Soft, France

La Tur, Mixed Milk, Soft, Italy

Light and Subtle
a selection of artisanal cheeses

Mahon, Mixed Milk, Firm, Spain

Cypress Grove Midnight Moon, Goat's Milk, Semi-Firm, California

Pio Vecchio, Cow's Milk, Hard, Italy

Istara, Sheep's Milk, Firm, France

Dante, Sheep's Milk, Firm, Wisconsin

Tomme Crayeuse, Cow's Milk, Semi Firm, France

Bold and Assertive
a selection of artisanal cheeses

Delft Blue, Cow's Milk, Blue, Semi-Firm, Holland

Cabrales, Cow's Milk, Semi-Soft, Spain

Bayley Hazen, Cow's Milk, Semi-Firm, Vermont

The Dessert Collection

$10.00

"New World" Banana Nut Cake
macadamia nut brittle ice cream

$8.00

Vanilla Creme Brulee
almond, orange and cinnamon biscotti

$9.00

Valrhona Chocolate
"melting cake", cinnamon creme fraiche

$8.00

Espresso Financier
tia maria ice cream, "a hot hot honey drizzle"

$11.00

Chocolate In 5 Poses
dulce de leche cookies, strawberry yogurt bar, six layer bar, coconut rum wafer, peppermint ice cream on chocolate tuile

$7.00

San Felipe Chocolate Cheese Cake
cocoa short bread crust

Ice Creams

$7.00

Macadamia Nut Brittle

$7.00

Dulce de Leche

$7.00

Cayenne-Walnut Crunch Spice Cream

$7.00

Thyme

$7.00

Ginger Snap

Sorbets

$7.00

Passion Fruit

$7.00

Chocolate

$7.00

Pineapple

$7.00

Mandarin Orange

A Selection of Artisanal Cheeses

$5.00

Balerina
aged goat's milk California

$5.00

Petite Basque
sheep's milk France

$5.00

Fol Epi
cow's milk, semi firm France

$5.00

Campo De Montalban
cow, sheep and goat's Milk Spain

$5.00

Roaring Forties
cow's milk, blue, Australia

$5.00

Cabecou
goat's milk France

$5.00

Idiazabal
sheep's milk Spain

$5.00

Robiola
cow and sheep's milk Italy

$5.00

Pecorino Toscano
sheep's milk

Dessert Wine By The Glass

$14.00

Baumard, Coteaux du Layon, Loire Valley, 2003

$20.00

Banck, Vendanges Tardives Furstentum, Alsace, 2000

$14.00

Carmes de Rieussec, Sauternes, 2004

$20.00

Chateau de L' Echarderie, Quarts des Chaumes, 1996

$30.00

R.L. Buller & Son Rare Tokay, Calliope, Australia, NV

$12.00

Quady, Essensia, California, 2004

$24.00

Two Hands, For Love or Money, Semillon, Australia, 2004

$12.00

Bonny Doon, Vin de Glaciere, Muscat, California, 2005

$12.00

Torbreck, "The Bothie", Muscat Blanc, Australia, 2004

$12.00

Merryvale Winery, "Antigua", Muscat, California, NV

$8.00

Croft, Distinction, Special Reserve

$10.00

Taylor Fladgate, 10 Year Tawny

$25.00

Taylor Fladgate, 20 Year Tawny

$35.00

Taylor Fladgate, 30 Year Tawny

$45.00

Taylor Fladgate, 40 Year Tawny

$15.00

Smith Woodhouse, LBV, 1992

$30.00

Penfolds, Grandfather, Fine Tawny

Chef Norman Van Aken's Cookbooks
a 20% gratuity will be added to parties of 6 or more.

$25.00

"New World Kitchen"

$10.95

"The Great Exotic Fruit Book"

$40.00

Norman's New World Cuisine

$14.95

A Feast of Sunlight (Soft Cover)

Before Your Meal

$9.00

"Asian Dressed Ceviche Cocktail"
key west pink shrimp green papaya, caramelized sesame puffed rice, toasted cashews (mixed tableside)

Our Signature Dishes Tasting Menu

$80.00

Creamy Cracked Conch Chowder
saffron, toasted coconut. Oranges and a "Cloud"

$80.00

Pan Cooked Fillet of Key West Yellowtail
on a 'Belly' of garlicky mashed potatoes with grilled asparagus spears and citrus butter

$80.00

Roasted Pork Havana
'21st century mole golden haitian grits sweet corn-black bean salad sherry wine reduction

$80.00

'New World' Banana Split
rhum flamed bananas and macadamia nut brittle

$40.00

Signature Wine Pairings

First Plates and Salads

$18.00

Chilled Foie Gras Terrine
cured foie gras, graham cracker crumple, toasted marshmallow and chestnut salad

$18.00

Yuca Stuffed Crispy Shrimp
citrus mojo, marinated white cabbage and habanero tartar salsa

$16.00

Alaskan Crab Garganelli
Alaskan crab, melted black plum, crumbled venison sausage and achiote-vanilla broth

$16.00

Blue Point Oysters Two Ways
sauteed curried and with chilled agua fresca and celery salad

$16.50

Coconut-Yuca Soup
with maine lobster medallions, pineapple, truffle mojo and mint-pineapple mousse

$16.50

Prime Beef Tartare
chimichurri salsa, nicoise olives, tomatillo, toasted bread salad and fried quail egg

$14.50

Frisee Lettuce with Chicharron
toasted pistachios, crispy shallots and pomegranate vinaigrette

$14.50

Fried Green Tomatoes
green tomato tempura, escabeche emulsion, house queso fresco, balsamic drizzle and frisee

Main Plates

$34.00

'Copperwell' Marinated and Grilled Wahoo
ginger-carrot purce, tamari braised daikon, baby bok choy and soy-bonito jus

$34.00

Citrus Atlantic Flounder
shrimp-red pepper stuffed piquillo pepper, huitlacoche-zucchini salsita, and aji rojo broth

$34.00

Butter Braised Coho Salmon
green lentils, turnips, tomato jam, grilled house chorizo and chicken broth

$34.00

Serrano Ham Roasted Tuna
cacuela of pole beans and shallots, preserved lemon and romesco bearnaise

$28.00

Butter Roasted Chicken
risotto verde, snow peas, tomato caponata and chicken jus

$32.00

Labelle Farm Squab
grilled jerk spiced squab breast and leg cardamon braised sweet potato, truffled parsley mofongo 'sandwich' and sauce salmis

$36.00

Grilled Pork Loin Chop
butter braised collards, cumin-apple puree, glazed yukons and creole mustard jus

$46.00

'Mongolian' Marinated and Grilled Veal Chop
chinese eggplant and thai fried rice

$42.00

Grilled Rib-Steak of Beef
watercress, black mission figs, trumpet royal mushrooms, cabrales blue and porto juice

Chef Norman's Cookbooks

$14.95

Feast of Sunlight

$10.95

The Exotic Fruits Cookbook

$40.00

New World Cuisine

$34.95

New World Kitchen

Cheese Menu: American Collection
a plate of various cheeses and seasonal fruits