With a focus on quality and simplicity at Norma's Ocean Diner in Seaside, Randy and Darleen Frank are proud of the fact that their efforts pay off in accolades from customers and critics alike. Gourmet magazine placed Norma's in the "Best Road Food" category and Sunset listed them with "Best Beach Fare." A Seaside institution since 1976, Norma's Ocean Diner was originally purchased by the Franks in 2001 and their reputation for fresh seafood is aided in large part by Randy's hands-on approach as a seafood connoisseur. Much to the delight of their customers, they're picky about their ingredients at Norma's, serving only wild salmon, local oysters from a particular bed in Willapa Bay, all-natural dry pack scallops, natural corn-fed Angus beef that's certified free of hormones and antibiotics, and albacore tuna from sustainable and environmentally preferred fisheries. And, oh that chowder! Bon Appetit listed Norma's clam chowder as one of America's top ten soups, and their recipe was the highest placing chowder in the professional division at Seaside's 8th Invitational Chowder Cookoff, an event that included chefs from up and down the coast. The award prompted an invitation to a national chowder cookoff in Newport, Rhode Island. With the completion of their recent remodel, the eatery's dining room now offers flexible seating for any group size. Find Norma's Ocean Diner at 20 North Columbia in Seaside, (503) 738-4331.