When my husband and I travel, fine dining is a big part of it. This time we went to Miami to celebrate our wedding anniversary with a nice dinner.. One of the great things about Miami is its international feel. A quick one hour drive and we feel as if we’re in another country. We decided to splurge on Norman’s. We got to our hotel in South Beach and took a cab to Coral Gables where Norman Van Aken decided to set up his first restaurant.

Norman Van Aken is internationally reputed for his innovative New World Cuisine. He has been recognized by the New York Times as "South Florida's Most Gifted Chef" and Norman’s as "South Florida's Best Restaurant". Norman’s is featured and acclaimed in TIME magazine, The Wine Spectator, Newsweek, CNN, Good Morning America, TVFN, Emeril Live and Discovery Channel among many others. Norman’s has recently been inducted into The Nation's Restaurant News "Fine Dining Hall of Fame". The Zagat Guide has named NORMAN'S "the best restaurant in Miami and the Beaches: #1 Food, #1 Service, #1 Popularity". Condé Nast Traveler describes Norman’s as "one of the Top Ten Restaurants in the US".

Norman’s is an unpretentious bistro style restaurant. I would describe the décor as simple and open Spanish architecture with a touch of Thai influence. The staff is unassuming and well versed at their job. When I told my waiter that I was undecided between three choices, he truly helped me decide. He was also very knowledgeable about the wines they serve, which is a substantial list. He was right there when we needed him and out of sight when we did not.

The food was incredible. I had a tuna tartare and tomato appetizer and my husband ordered the spring roles. Both were delicious though I found mind light and fresh, just right for an appetizer. Our main courses came right on queue. My husband chose the pork done in the wood stove and I chose the duck. I have to say that my duck was out of this world. It was served in two ways; a roast breast, simple and flavorful and a confit in a pancake with a very light cream sauce on top.. Finally it was time for desert. For you chocoholics, go for the timbale, a chocolate sponge cake with banana moose surrounded in chocolate and a scoop of your choice of ice cream. I thoroughly enjoyed the new world banana split. A bananas foster type desert with three ice creams.

This was truly one of my top ten dining experiences. It offers a chic yet fun atmosphere that really allows you to relax. If you go, make reservations early and bring your wallet. It’s pretty expensive but worth every penny.

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