THE JAMES BEARD AWARDS

30 Years Ago

The James Beard Awards have just been bestowed upon this year’s recipients. It is a glorious achievement for them and for the industry I am part of. I was awakened by a text telling me of a win by one of our colleagues. I drifted back into memory land as the sun rose over the land.

Back then Beard Awards were still in the dawning years. We often had to provide context and explanations as to why it was such a big deal to us. But when you have studied, sweated, and sacrificed to be in this world we inhabit you were well aware of those you hoped to be your peer group.

I, along with my partners and crew opened NORMAN’S in Coral Gables on a sleepy little side street in Coral Gables in March of 1995. It has been three failed restaurants in a short interval of time. But we were crazy with the desire to not be number four and took to the task with near maniacal conviction. In the early weeks of 1996, we received word from the James Beard Foundation that we were long listed for the ‘Best New Restaurant in America”. What?!?! I was taught early and rigorously not to ‘count chickens before they hatch… cuz they might not.’

In the third week of March of 1996 the Foundation wrote again. “Congratulations! Your restaurant has been nominated as one of the finalists, (of which there were five) for the “Best New Restaurant in America”! Lord have mercy ... We are going to New York! That was the first time. I had cooked at The Beard House in 1990 which was a thrill. But this was another level.

(Janet in the Beard House Kitchen)

Today I send my sincerest congratulations not only to the winners but also to the nominees. This photo you see here is every much of a treasure as the times that we went to the podium to accept the top prizes. Why? Because this was our first recognition by “Mr. Beard”.

You never forget your first.

My website www.normanvanaken.com