Chef Norman Van Aken on fusion cuisine and food as art [Pan Con Podcast]

This episode of Pan Con Podcast was originally published Sept. 13, 2019.

For full show notes, transcript and links to this episode on other podcast platforms:

Norman Van Aken is one of the most celebrated and consequential chefs in the country. Widely regarded as the founder of new American cuisine and a pioneer of “fusion,” Norman has led renowned restaurants, published numerous books, and a nominee for and winner of countless awards, including an induction into James Beard Foundation’s list of “Who’s Who in American Food and Beverage” (where he’s the only Floridian chef on the list).

Norman also happens to be among Michael Beltran’s mentors. Mike refers to Norman as his “culinary godfather.”

In this first of two episodes we recorded with Norman in one sitting, he and Mike talk about the beginning of their professional and personal relationship, cooking in South Florida, having conversations through food, and the question of whether cooking is an art or craft.

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