500353 Tue Mar 18 12:10:11 -0700 2008 8 10 Florida 0 3504597 First he leaves us in Coral Gables. Now he's leaving the Keys, too. I'm not sure if it's in me to head up to Orlando (if he's still got his place there)... Here's the press release: Tavern N Town, the restaurant at Key West’s Beachside Resort & Conference Center, which opened October 2007, has been repositioned, according to Beachside developer Robert Spottswood. The concept has been changed, and James Beard Award winning chef Norman Van Aken is no longer at the helm. “I have the utmost respect and admiration for Norman; however, his creative vision doesn’t coincide with what we feel Beachside Resort needs at this time. Our parting is amicable, and Norman is remaining on as a consulting corporate chef for Spottswood Hotels. In that position, he will be exploring our participation in high end food and wine events and other culinary projects we have slated for the Florida Keys,” Spottswood said. “We’ve created a simple steak and fish house menu for Beachside that adheres to the high standards of quality that Van Aken instilled in the project. The new menu at Tavern N Town focuses on wood-grilled local fish, prime steaks, poultry and savory daily specials, along with steakhouse-style side dishes and a menu of small plates, served in a beautiful but laid back atmosphere,” according to Spottswood. Van Aken continues to oversee his acclaimed restaurant, Norman’s at the Ritz-Carlton, Orlando, while also conducting culinary demos and seminars across the country, finalizing his memoir, and launching his own line of signature cookware on QVC. Beachside Resort & Conference Center is located at the entrance to Key West at 3841 North Roosevelt Boulevard. Tavern is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner; Town is available for special events and catered private parties. For reservations, call 305-296-3676. www.beachsidekeywest.com Tue Mar 18 12:10:12 -0700 2008 145635 Gabled 1 3504638 I am not surprised. Its been a tough battle since he opened it. I am sad though. I wish it would have worked. Tue Mar 18 12:20:58 -0700 2008 3504597 15229 Suzie 1 3504665 "We’ve created a simple steak and fish house menu..." The dumbing down continues. Tue Mar 18 12:30:00 -0700 2008 3504597 12101 lax2mia 2 3504816 I can't wait for his memoirs. Tue Mar 18 13:02:35 -0700 2008 3504665 41156 Miami Danny 2 3515783 Also my first thought when reading that line. Look forward to eating Norman's food in Orlando. Fri Mar 21 16:42:09 -0700 2008 3504665 89493 scubadoo97 1 3506987 I'm going to be sending Norman's memoir for Christmas gifts. I heard it's going to cost $50.00 but the publisher has to spend $100.00 to produce it. Wed Mar 19 08:03:12 -0700 2008 3504597 175993 chezdick 1 3507073 Hope the means more of his food on the menu in Orlando. Very disapointed to see so little of his signatures dishes on the menu. PLEASE NORMAN GO TO ORLANDO THEY NEED YOU!!! Wed Mar 19 08:24:55 -0700 2008 3504597 176007 barbaray 1 3507345 Thanks for your interest in me. Norman's Orlando is going strong and I will visiting with my team there soon and often. To those who wonder I am fine and glad to be moving on with the visions I have for my love of cuisine and the guests who have enjoyed my work over the past 30 years. Life is meant to be an adventure and its on to the next one. Wed Mar 19 09:36:16 -0700 2008 3504597 176029 NVanaken 2 3520130 Norman, you were too good for that location. It was a motorlodge with some nice Rooms 2 Go furniture from what I saw of the lobby. I hope you will be somewhere in KW as we had hoped to visit you again in June when we are down in KW. Please keep us posted on here. Sun Mar 23 15:27:23 -0700 2008 3507345 153928 jmdhsmiami