Delius

From age 9, Delius has been in the restaurant business, starting as a dishwasher for his mother, Norma Shirley, “the Julia Child of the Caribbean” touted by Vogue Magazine and amongst other publications, in Stockbridge, Massachusetts in 1978. After Graduating Colgate University in 1991, he moved to Washington DC as a financial analyst but never straying far from the restaurant world, still waiting tables and managing a restaurant in Arlington, Virginia. In November of 1992, he moved to Montego Bay, Jamaica to open his mother’s 3rd gourmet restaurant there. The restaurant named after his mother, “Norma at the Wharfhouse”, was recognized around the world. There was also an upscale bar and bed & breakfast. In April of 1994, he moved to Miami where he and world acclaimed Chef Cindy Hutson opened their first restaurant, Norma’s on the Beach, on Lincoln Road, Miami Beach in November. From the get go, self taught Chef Cindy Hutson and Delius were written up in countless publications as Miami’s new hot spot. Norma’s was sold in August of 1999. In 1996, Robert Johnson, of Black Entertainment Television, hired the duo as consultants for BET’s theme restaurants in Disney World (Pleasure Island), Washington DC and Las Vegas (the Paris Hotel). July 1999, Delius and Cindy asked Mr. Johnson to back them in their new venture in Coral Gables, Florida. Once again, Cindy, the creator of Cuisine of the Sun, Delius, the financial and front of the house operations, together started Ortanique on the Mile. Another instant success, first capturing “Top Ten new Restaurants in America” by Esquire Magazine, and then the rest followed. Delius created a wine list that has been recognized since day one by Wine Spectator as one of America’s top lists. Delius and Cindy then took their concept to Las Vegas (Sept. 2001) and Washington DC (December 2001). Again creating the buzz as one of each cities best restaurants, and wine lists. In DC, they got the contract to cater for the Washington Redskins football team’s tailgating concept before each home game for the 2003 – 2004 season. They then opened two new conceptual restaurants, Copra in Baltimore, Maryland (May 2004) and Bogwalk in Destin, Florida (July 2004). Today all of the restaurants have been sold except for their first baby, Ortanique on the Mile. Delius continues with Cindy in Coral Gables, as well as consulting.

Delius Shirley, Partner

Cindy Hutson Cuisine | Cuisine of the Sun | W e l c o m e
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