News Summary
Orlando will host ‘A Toast to Orlando,’ a benefit event on October 10 featuring esteemed chef Norman Van Aken and other culinary talents. This event aims to support the James Beard Foundation’s Good Food for Good® mission. Guests can enjoy a variety of exquisite dishes from prominent chefs, along with wine pairings and live music. Tickets are available for singles and couples, with proceeds going to culinary education and advocacy.
Orlando will host “A Toast to Orlando,” a benefit event featuring esteemed Florida chef Norman Van Aken, on October 10 at his restaurant, Norman’s. The event aims to raise funds to support the James Beard Foundation’s Good Food for Good® mission, which focuses on educational programs, advocacy, and food system initiatives.
Renowned chef Norman Van Aken, a James Beard Award recipient, will be helming the event. He dedicated his first cookbook to the iconic culinary figure, James Beard, highlighting the significance of the occasion. The gathering will showcase various culinary talents recognized by the James Beard Foundation, underscoring the local food scene’s vibrant community.
Several prominent chefs will participate in the event, including:
- Jason & Sue Chin from Good Salt Restaurant Group
- James & Julie Petrakis of Ravenous Pig, Polite Pig, and Cask & Larder
- Brandon McGlamery from Luke’s Kitchen and Prato
- Rabii Saber of Four Seasons Orlando
- Kevin Fonzo from La Tavola
- Lordfer Lalicon of Kaya
Other notable contributors include Camilo Velasco from Tiffins, Andres Mendoza of Citricos, Derek Perez of 4Roots Farm, Monique Perez of Walt Disney World, and Carlos Robles-Molina from Norman’s.
Guests can anticipate an extravagant menu featuring a variety of culinary stations with hors d’oeuvres, a raw bar, savory dishes, and desserts. Some of the culinary highlights set to be featured at the event include:
- Cinco Jotas ham carving station
- Siberian/Osetra caviar stand
- Braised oxtail agnolotti prepared by Kevin Fonzo
- Grilled cobia al pibil presented by Andres Mendoza
- Suya-spiced stuffed chicken wings from Camilo Velasco
- Jerk Peking duck, a collaboration from Wendy Lopez, Nikk Burton, and Huy Tin
Additionally, the event will feature curated pairings of wine, cocktails, and mocktails by sommelier Matthew Mercier along with other industry professionals. Attendees can also enjoy culinary and cocktail presentations, live music, and a silent auction to enhance the evening’s experience.
Tickets for “A Toast to Orlando” are priced at $300 for singles and $500 for couples and are available through OpenTable. Proceeds from the event will directly support the James Beard Foundation’s efforts in fostering culinary excellence through education and advocacy, making it an essential gathering for food enthusiasts and supporters of the culinary arts.
In summary, “A Toast to Orlando” is not just a benefit; it is a celebration of the culinary arts and a dedication to supporting transformative initiatives that promote good food practices. The event promises to be a significant occasion for the culinary community, under the leadership of Norman Van Aken and the talented chefs involved.
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Additional Resources
- Orlando Weekly: Florida Icon Norman Van Aken
- Wikipedia: James Beard Foundation
- Orlando Sentinel: Norman’s to Host Toast to Orlando Dinner
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Culinary Arts
- Click Orlando: Winter Park Spot Named as Finalist
- Google Search: James Beard Awards
- Patch: 4 FL Restaurants Nominated
Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
