427317 Thu Aug 02 12:37:24 -0700 2007 9 10 Florida 0 2807893 I'm familiar with Norman Van Aken but have not had the opportunity to dine at his rest. at the Ritz Carlton/Grande Lakes in Orlando. Any feedback? Thu Aug 02 12:37:24 -0700 2007 101709 dmfnole 1 2808384 Ya, go now before he closes that location too! Thu Aug 02 14:32:42 -0700 2007 2807893 14634 netmover 2 2808491 I thought it was better than his original Coral Gables location! Thu Aug 02 14:58:42 -0700 2007 2808384 109417 LesleyEats 3 2808525 get it while you can! who knows when they'll be shuttering? Thu Aug 02 15:05:32 -0700 2007 2808491 14634 netmover 1 2809929 He's got a fairly long lease with them, and while it has pretty much run on auto-pilot since opening, the restaurant is a moneymaker for all involved. Doubt there will be any changes there even if he's spending all his time in Key West. Bob Fri Aug 03 04:40:32 -0700 2007 2807893 11157 Bob Mervine 2 2812542 well that's good news Bob! Maybe next time I am in O town I'll stop in for some fusion food nostalgia. I especially like his Yellowtail Snapper entree. As well as his Conch soup. Fri Aug 03 18:48:36 -0700 2007 2809929 14634 netmover 2 2816398 Bob, what is your opinion on the food at Norman's? We've never been and are looking for a place to go for our anniversary and are thinking about trying out Norman's. Sun Aug 05 19:18:59 -0700 2007 2809929 18605 mish 3 2820556 I think the food, ambiance and service make it one of the top 2-3 in Orlando. My two problems with them is that they have an attitude by dealing with a mostly expense-account, out-of-town crowd. Locals are easy to spot and there's a somewhat condescending attitude that comes across many times that I find unpleasant. It's also annoying that Norman isn't here more. He's required in his deal with Marriott to be here regularly, but it is so sporadic that it's just phoned-in. Other than that, it's expensive and worth it. bob Tue Aug 07 05:13:36 -0700 2007 2816398 11157 Bob Mervine 4 2821125 Thanks. Maybe we'll try it another time. I'm not much in the mood for condescending attitudes these days. I get enough of that from my kids! ;o) There's several other recommendations on this board that we're considering...I'll post back with our experience on wherever we end up going. Thanks. Tue Aug 07 08:12:07 -0700 2007 2820556 18605 mish 2 2823130 Bob is correct. According to the Sous Chef, whom I know personally, this is one of the Ritz's most profitable eateries across the chain. I would be surprised if they closed, and I actually think it may get better when he opens his Key West restaurant later this year. I've been told that the local Ritz chefs feel challenged by this and aim to one up their southern brethren! Personally I find their food excellent across the board and the room beautiful. Tue Aug 07 15:45:23 -0700 2007 2809929 16994 theflytyr