405906 Mon May 28 17:40:44 -0700 2007 6 10 Florida 0 2608704 Just got an email from Norman's that they are finally closing the Coral Gables location. Last day is May 31. Says he'll be focusing his efforts on his Orlando location and a new restaurant at the Beachside Resort in Key West, to be opened later this year. Says they're still looking for opportunities to reopen a restaurant in a South Florida hotel w/ catering facilities. R.I.P. Mon May 28 17:40:44 -0700 2007 35525 Frodnesor 1 2610132 I guess I was just in time, then; we ate at Norman's this past Friday. I'm sorry it's closing, as our dinners were outstanding -- the conch chowder was one of the most delicious items I've ever had. Good service and nice ambiance. Tue May 29 09:31:24 -0700 2007 2608704 33118 floridan 1 2611945 Oh, that is very sad. I ate there for my 25th birthday (a long time ago). I still have to try the Norman's up here in Orlando. Tue May 29 18:46:00 -0700 2007 2608704 57990 shardan01 1 2631850 Norman Van Aken is one of the most talented chefs in the country. He was way ahead of his time when he opened the first serious restaurant on South Beach (A Mano... in what was the Betsy Ross Hotel). When he left after a disagreement with his partner, he opened Norman's in Coral Gables. That was a killer place. Great food and great service (great service in Miami area... unheard of, but he pulled it off)... and great wine service too. He had a good run there. I agree with those that think it slipped a bit over the last few years, but was still a solid place for the area IMO. Norman probably lost some of his fire or needed new challenges. Thanks Norman for all the grest times... hope your new ventures work out. Tue Jun 05 11:50:15 -0700 2007 2608704 27914 WineTravel 2 2680720 Here's the latest on Norman's resurfacing in Key West, from the Herald: http://www.miamiherald.com/226/story/145340.html Trying out new stuff in a place called "Wrecker's". Thu Jun 21 08:44:30 -0700 2007 2631850 35525 Frodnesor 1 2680770 Well, I'm very glad I got to eat early April for the first time, thanks to recs from local chowhounds. It was an amazing meal, especially the conch chowder, which I'm still having dreams about. Everything about the meal was suburb, food, wine, service, ambience. So sad. Thu Jun 21 08:57:01 -0700 2007 2608704 12099 sivyaleah 2 2681003 For a Norman's fix... can always go to Norman's in Orlando... the fine dining option at the Ritz Carlton. Thu Jun 21 09:57:55 -0700 2007 2680770 27914 WineTravel