Chef Cindy Hutson
Cindy Hutson is a self-taught chef who developed a passion for cooking at the age of nine. Hutson focuses her culinary talents on the lighter side of fusion cooking. While traveling to and from Jamaica, Hutson developed a unique style of culinary skills, which she refers to as "edible art," a Cuisine of the Sun, by concentrating on the wonderful flavor combinations of fish, fruits, vegetables and traditional tropical seasonings, she avoids conventional island cooking techniques which rely on excess oil and heavy sauces for flavor.
Hutson opened Norma's on the Beach, (1994-1999), which has been called "the best Caribbean restaurant" in South Florida by such publications as USA Today, the New York Times, London Times, Chicago Tribune and Ocean Drive magazine. In July of 1999, Hutson opened her Ortanique on the Mile which graces Miami 's upscale neighborhood of Coral Gables . Ortanique, a 120-seat "Cuisine of the Sun" restaurant at 278 Miracle Mile. Ortanique offers diners authentic Caribbean cuisine with a fresh, light attitude, a concept reflected in a menu replete with island delicacies such as ceviches, salads, bouillabaisse, meats and fishes and delectable desserts.
Ortanique on the Mile has been awarded "Best New Restaurant of the Year" for 1999 by Esquire Magazine. She received an exceptional (top rating) from The Miami Herald, five stars (top rating) from the El Nuevo Herald, and was one of the Top 20 Best Restaurants of 1999 for Florida Trend Magazine, "Best New Restaurant" by Bon Appetit Magazine, 4 Star Award (2001-2002) by Mobil Travel Guide, Top Ten Best list in the 2002 and 2003 Miami ZAGAT Survey, four stars (top rating) from Sun-Sentinel's Showtime, in 1999 and again in 2002, Wine Spectator's Award of Excellence for 2002 and "Best Mojito" from WHERE Magazine. In addition, Hutson is a spokesperson and member of the National Pork Council's Celebrated Chefs Program.
In September of 2001, Ortanique opened in Las Vegas at the Paris Hotel and received Las Vegas Life Magazine "100 Best Things About Las Vegas" among other awards. In December of 2001, Ortanique opened its third location in downtown Washington D.C. and was awarded one of America 's "75 Hot Tables From Boston to Beijing " by Conde Nast Traveler for 2003.
In December of 2001, Ortanique opened its third location in downtown Washington, D.C. at 730 N.W. 11 Street. The 140-seat restaurant and lounge in Washington, D.C. was recently awarded one of America's "75 Hot Tables" by Conde Nast Traveler for 2003. Both restaurants showcase Chef Cindy Hutson's "Cuisine of the Sun" signature items.
Hutson recently opened a fourth restaurant in Baltimore, Maryland named Copra, which will be followed by another restaurant, Cocoon. Cindy Hutson also plans to open Bogwalk in her hometown, Destin, Florida. Bogwalk will open on the Emerald Coast in November 2004.
