What a treat for the 2 Barstools and a Knife team to be joined by world-acclaimed chef, restaurateur, author, and all-around awesome person Chef Norman Van Aken. While we did not get a chance to talk about chef's multiple James Beard awards, we did talk about his humble beginnings doing odd jobs from "hot tarring" roofs to his first entry into the culinary world as a short order cook. Chef tells some amazing stories about the long list of culinary talent that has flowed through the ranks of his restaurants, to the eternal friendship he developed with Chef Charlie Trotter. We could not agree with Chef more when he shared his advice on getting into the culinary/hospitality world: "This business chooses you. You don't choose it." and his drive to be a "lifelong learner." We know you will hear the same passion we did, which will make you hungry to learn and hungry to eat some of Chef's delicious food! We close out the show with some Speed Rail Key West recommendations from the guys & Chef Norman. Please take a listen, enjoy this episode, and be sure to check out any of Chef Norman's six cookbooks and his personal memoir . We certainly enjoyed the conversation and could have spoken for hours!!!!