Lara Norman
Welcome to the Jaw-Dropping View.
10 questions. 10 answers.
Culinary story-teller and immersive dining host, Lara Norman tells us about chasing euphoria, spinning magic from chaos and time-travelling to when fire was first discovered.
What does the word jaw-dropping mean to you?
Something that completely disarms you, whether visually, emotionally or sensorially. It’s like an unexpected alignment of elements that makes you stop and feel everything at once.
What was the last jaw-dropping thing you saw/heard/experienced?
One moment that still gives me goosebumps was during one of my immersive dining shows which was held in a beautiful old church. Just as our guests were arriving, the entire venue was hit with a power cut. Lights, sound system, the sensory world we’d built, gone. My tech director, who’s usually the calm in any storm, turned and said, “either we run it without full sound and lights… or we cancel the show.” I looked up at the arches of that sacred space and I literally prayed and said: “we’re getting to the finale”. And just like that, the power came back on. I believe the universe heard me… We went ahead with the most insane, theatrical circumstances, plugging and unplugging kitchen equipment mid service, juggling timing, energy and sheer will. But it worked because it had to. That night was magic spun from chaos.
What gives you goose bumps?
Many things, but it always starts with good people. There’s something electric about being in the presence of genuine, talented, special souls. That kind of energy is magnetic!
Who is your hero?
My family are my heroes. They’re the ones who taught me what resilience tastes like, how to keep moving when everything’s crumbling while covering it with sparkles. Always leading with heart, not ego.
Any words of advice (either told or read) that changed your life?
“Create from truth, not trend”. Those words always stuck with me. Don’t try to impress rather than express. I think about it every time I create something.
What do you see when you look in the mirror?
I see a woman that the younger version of myself would be proud of.
What part-time jobs did you have growing up?
When I was a kid I had a phase of door knocking trying to sell cupcakes. In Spain, I sometimes used to set up stools in the market selling chocolates with my sitter. The art of selling and trading really fascinated me. As I grew up I had a part time job in an ice cream parlour, following that I started working in various restaurant kitchens. Luckily, I’ve always been very grateful to know that the kitchen is where I wanted to be.
Who was the last person you received flowers from, or sent to, and why?
I received some roses from my boyfriend. I actually needed some roses for a dish and he finally realised dating someone who runs on espresso, deadlines and divine chaos requires floral tributes from time to time!
What would be the title of your memoir?
‘Chasing Euphoria’, deconstructing that forever chase of achievement, in aim of fulfilment.
You’re given a time machine, where do you go and why?
I’d go back to the discovery of fire, the roots of cooking, learning the ultimate lesson that less is more. I want to see what silence tasted like in their food, while experiencing interactions based on pure feeling, body language and emotions rather than words.