
Chef Norman Van Aken, the director of restaurants at Miami Dade College’s Miami Culinary Institute, has been named as a member of The James Beard Foundation’s National Advisory Board.
Aken, who is recognized for introducing the concept of “fusion” into the culinary field, has written five cookbooks, and has a weekly show, “A Word on Food”, on WLRN 91.3 FM.
The Foundation’s purpose is to celebrate, preserve and nurture America’s culinary heritage. Aken said that James Beard was his inspiration to become a chef, which makes him extra pleased to be a part of the organization.


