Norman Van Aken on New World Cuisine, Key West (Louie's Backyard!), and his culinary journey

So many stories and simply not enough time. Trish chats with Chef, Author, Consultant, and teacher Norman Van Aken about his culinary journey. Dubbed "Florida's Culinary Icon" by the Jacques Pépin Foundation, Trish learns how Norman went from a short order cook in a diner to creating an American regional cuisine. Norman talks about watching his mother and grandmother cook, but never really thinking he'd ever be a chef. He hitchhiked to Key West at 19, a place that would steal his heart as he found himself going back there a few times in his life. In Key West, he learned not only to cook, but he was introduced to so many flavors, cultures, perspectives, and he calls it a pivotal time for him. He's written several books, won countless awards, and has helped grow non-profit "Get Cooking," which helps food insecure families in Florida. This interview is full of stories - Norman's adventures, the people he's met, and at the heart - his passion for cooking.

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Norman Van Aken on New World Cuisine, Key West (Louie's Backyard!), and his culinary journey is an episode from Off Script with Trish Glose by Off Script with Trish Glose.

This episode is 01:06:28 long.

This episode was published on Oct 24, 2025.

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