Travel Tuesday: Canon Seattle

A visual visit with me to enjoy cocktails at Canon Whiskey and Bitters Emporium, “The western hemisphere’s largest spirit collection at 3500 labels and counting.” Located in the trendy Capital Hill neighborhood in Seattle, WA, they have been on my wishlist for a while especially when a few years ago they made the World’s Best 50 Bars (they ranked #6 in 2014, #15 in 2015, and currently they are not on the 2016 list, 2017 list to be announced this fall) and in 2016 they were nominated by Tales of the Cocktail for Best American Cocktail Bar, in 2017 they recently won The World’s Best Spirits Selection.

Behind an unassuming door is a one of the best libraries of liquors you’ll ever see.
Canon Whiskey and Bitters Emporium Canon Whiskey and Bitters Emporium
Canon Whiskey and Bitters Emporium

If you come during the summer or good weather you may even get a chance to sit on their back patio for al fresco dining, but without the cool atmosphere above with all those bottles although there are still some bottles on display:
Canon Whiskey and Bitters Emporium

You can even find bottles as decor in the restroom, and as a soap dispenser! A radio show with old timey music entertained you as you went about your bio business.
Canon Whiskey and Bitters Emporium

They do serve some food here – about two 1/3 page worth, but meanwhile you will notice there are almost a dozen pages of beverages by the glass/large format for a few, and additional almost a 200 page liquor listing book. So no surprise that this is an establishment with a focus on beverages. In the cocktail section you will notice illustrations of the antique glassware or special serving ware they will use to present the drink.
Canon Whiskey and Bitters Emporium Canon Whiskey and Bitters Emporium
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Signature

VoteSom Cocktail Election

Starting yesterday and until Monday November 14, there’s another way you can make your vote count – and thankfully it’s not so heavy as the future of this country and your local government that will be decided. Instead, this is a more fun election: a VoteSom Cocktail Election, aka Pok Pok’s #VoteSom Election Week Cocktail Competition.
Pok Pok Som Drinking Vinegar comes in a variety of flavors that includes ones that are available all year round and special edition ones

Pok Pok Som Drinking Vinegar is doing an election-inspired cocktail competition event called #VoteSom happening at bars all around Portland. All of the participating bars were offered three seasonal flavors of Pok Pok Som drinking vinegar to choose from:

  • Cranberry
  • Szechuan Peppercorn
  • Honey

Pok Pok Som Honey Drinking Vinegar
The participating bar then used that flavor and their creativity to create a cocktail candidate which will be on their menu for the next two weeks. During that time, anyone can go out and try the cocktails, then visit Pokpoksom.com/vote-som to VOTE for the cocktail they think is the best! The winning drink recipe will be featured on the Pok Pok Som website so you can recreate it at home to impress your friends or enjoy as many as you want without judgement!

Below are the participating bars and their cocktail ‘candidates’ launching on menus for the 2016 VoteSom Cocktail Election. I’m going to be possibly doing a little cocktail tour next week to check out what are the positions of each of these candidates.

  • American Local – “Oh! Pear” – Pear gastrique, orgeat, Pok Pok Som Honey drinking vinegar, El Dorado 3 year Rum, Angostura Bitters (3003 SE Division St)
  • NePo 42 – “Bigly” with muddled cucumber, lime, cilantro, simple syrup, mezcal, averna, soda, and the Pok Pok Som Szechuan Peppercorn drinking vinegar with a sugar cayenne pepper rim (5403 NE 42nd Ave)
    VoteSom Cocktail Election entrant from NePo 42 of Bigly with muddled cucumber, lime, cilantro, simple syrup, mezcal, averna, soda, and the Pok Pok Som Szechuan Peppercorn drinking vinegar with a sugar cayenne pepper rim
  • Southpark Seafood – “Lil’ Som Som” – Whiskey, Applejack Brandy, Pok Pok Som Cranberry drinking vinegar, and a dash of House Made Cinnamon Bitters (901 SW Salmon St)
    Southpark Seafood VoteSom Cocktail Election Candidate of Lil' Som Som, a cocktail with Whiskey, Applejack Brandy, Pok Pok Som Cranberry drinking vinegar, and a dash of House Made Cinnamon Bitters
  • Spud Monkey’s – “The Monkey Smash” – Muddled Lemons, Vanilla 360, Pok Pok Som Cranberry drinking vinegar, Splash Sour, Sugar Rim (17312 NE Halsey St)
  • StormBreaker Brewing – “This Cocktail is Rigged” – Espolon Reposado tequila, Pok Pok Som Cranberry drinking vinegar, lime juice, StormBreaker Brewing ‘When I Froot’ blood orange-conditioned blonde ale (832 N Beech St)
    StormBreaker Brewing This Cocktail is Rigged with Espolon Reposado tequila, Pok Pok Som Cranberry drinking vinegar, lime juice, StormBreaker Brewing 'When I Froot' blood orange-conditioned blonde ale for Som Som #VoteSom campaign
  • Swift & Union – “Bad Sombre” – Hendricks Gin, Pok Pok Som Honey drinking vinegar, Angostura bitters, Lemon and simple syrup, this cocktail will also be their featured happy hour cocktail for $5 M-F 4 PM – 6 PM! (8103 N Denver Ave)
    Pom Pom Som #VoteSom campaign, this nominee by Swift and Union is the Bad Sombre with Hendricks Gin, Pok Pok Som Honey drinking vinegar, Angostura bitters, Lemon and simple syrup Pom Pom Som #VoteSom campaign, this nominee by Swift and Union is the Bad Sombre with Hendricks Gin, Pok Pok Som Honey drinking vinegar, Angostura bitters, Lemon and simple syrup
  • Tabor Tavern – “Pick Poket” –  Prairie Cucumber vodka, Orchard apricot liquor, Pok Pok Som Szechuan Peppercorn drinking vinegar, club soda (5325 E Burnside St)
    VoteSom Cocktail Election entrant from Tabor Tavern of Pick Pocket with Prairie Cucumber vodka, Orchard apricot liquor, Pok Pok Som Szechuan Peppercorn drinking vinegar, club soda
  • The Liquor Store {not a real liquor store} – “Not just Som Toddy” – Hot toddy with bourbon, lemon, raw organic honey, Pok Pok Som Cranberry drinking vinegar, and a splash of orange juice.(3341 SE Belmont St)
    Are you researching the candidates of the Pok Pok Som #VoteSom Cocktail Election? Here's one from The Liquor Store their nominee is Not just Som Toddy Hot toddy with bourbon, lemon, raw organic honey, Pok Pok Som Cranberry drinking vinegar, and a splash of orange juice Are you researching the candidates of the Pok Pok Som #VoteSom Cocktail Election? Here's one from The Liquor Store their nominee is Not just Som Toddy Hot toddy with bourbon, lemon, raw organic honey, Pok Pok Som Cranberry drinking vinegar, and a splash of orange juice

I’m a fan of Pok Pok Som multiple flavors because the sour acidity that the drinking vinegar offers in a cocktail or even just with club soda is really refreshing. If you have not heard of Pok Pok Som before, they originated from Pok Pok and are a variety of sweet and tart fruit and vinegar based concentrate available in different flavors.

I’m really intrigued by the one from South Park Seafood (and I also love whiskey), and the one with beer from Stormbreaker Brewing. South Park Seafood, by the way, was the winner of the last cocktail competition with Pok Pok Som during the past summer with their Brandy Ginger Som Sour.

Which of these sounds intriguing to you or are you tempted to go try?

 

Signature

Barlow PDX October Cocktails

I’ve been a big fan of Barlow Artisanal Cocktail bar since they opened 2 years ago – the vintage atmosphere is glamorous, and the cocktails there are a combination of tasty and also a show! I wanted to highlight their October cocktails that I tried last week which are a sly nod to Halloween.
Barlow PDX special Halloween inspired cocktails during my visit October 2016

I always like sitting at the bar as I have always found the best service at the bar and am willing to sacrifice the more cushy seats by the windows that are also perfect for huddling among friends or coworkers for chatting over your drinks or with your date before a show or day downtown. Barlow is literally across the street from Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall and a block away from Regal Cinemas Fox Tower. They are also a great place for drinks downtown being only a few blocks from many hotels or after a day visiting museums like the the Oregon Historical Society or Portland Art Museum.

The exterior of Barlow Artisanal Bar The interior of Barlow Artisanal BarThe interior of Barlow Artisanal Bar The interior of Barlow Artisanal Bar 

Besides, by sitting at the bar you can watch them make all the cocktails using liquid nitrogen to cool the glass… a show all night long of mixology magic.

Here’s a look at what I sampled that had a nice nod to the spooky time coming up. Above, you saw the Fraise Corpse Reviver cocktail with Strawberry Sour laced with absinthe with choice of Ransom Dry Gin (fashioned after Holland styles but produced locally here in Oregon) or Bols Genever Gin (Holland). I loved that all the drinks offered an option of two spirits – so even if you like a particular drink, you could try it two different ways if you like. This particular cocktail is dangerously delicious and easy to drink –  I didn’t find it sour as so much half strawberry and half anise flavor with herbaceous backbone.

My favorite was the White Zombie cocktail with coconut cream and tropical tonic and overproof rum of either Cruzan Estate Light Rum or El Dorado 3 year. This is obviously fruity and creamy and what I really liked was the mouthfeel texture which is something you don’t always get in cocktails. This drink would be perfectly in place on the beach or pool side too.
Barlow PDX cocktail for October 2016 of White Zombie cocktail with coconut cream and tropical tonic and overproof rum of either Cruzan Estate Light Rum or El Dorado 3 year.

Ghost World cocktail with apple and mint and Japanese whiskey choice of either Suntory Toki or Nikka Coffey Grain was one that is surprisingly light despite the whisky base because Japanese whiskeys are more mild and smooth than American and Europe Whiskey and has threads of slight fruit and floral notes that are subtle. Japanese whiskys are gaining popularity and trending –  learn more at this great Thrillist article on Japanese whisky brands.
Barlow PDX cocktail for October 2016 of Ghost World with apple and mint and Japanese whiskey choice of either Suntory Toki or Nikka Coffey Grain Barlow PDX cocktail for October 2016 of Ghost World with apple and mint and Japanese whiskey choice of either Suntory Toki or Nikka Coffey Grain Barlow PDX cocktail for October 2016 of Ghost World with apple and mint and Japanese whiskey choice of either Suntory Toki or Nikka Coffey Grain

Tempest Tea, an uprooted colonial punch with brandy, peach, and islay smoke with either George Dickel Rye or James E Pepper rye – check out the layers in the glass. The smokiness here is a mellow compliment to the punch that I could also imagine in a glass handled punch glass.
Barlow PDX cocktail for October 2016 of Tempest Tea, an uprooted colonial punch with brandy, peach, and islay smoke with either George Dickel Rye or James E Pepper rye Barlow PDX cocktail for October 2016 of Tempest Tea, an uprooted colonial punch with brandy, peach, and islay smoke with either George Dickel Rye or James E Pepper rye Barlow PDX cocktail for October 2016 of Tempest Tea, an uprooted colonial punch with brandy, peach, and islay smoke with either George Dickel Rye or James E Pepper rye

Ernest, Old Pal cocktail is a Beachcomber’s Negroni riff with secretly blended spiced grapefruit (I think it includes cinnamon…?) with Hamilton Overproof Dark Rum or Lemon Hart 151 is not a Halloween inspiration, but instead a nod to Donn Beach (Ernest) the founding father of Tiki.
Barlow PDX cocktail for October 2016 of Ernest, Old Pal a Beachcomber's Negroni with secretly blended spiced grapefruit with Hamilton Overproof Dark Rum or Lemon Hart 151 is a nod to Donn Beach (Ernest) the founding father of Tiki.

I ran out of steam/ahem sobriety so can’t speak for the Candy Warhol cocktail with Brazilian fruit and rhubarb and choice of Gordon’s or Ketel One vodka but here’s a shot from their Instagram

Since I last wrote about them two years ago, they have scaled back their food menu which is also now simplified to primarily snacks, with the main hearty bites (which you might need if you have more than a couple drinks) of grilled cheese, Croque Madame, or a double burger, or go with rich cheesiness with their Poutine or with their Mac and Cheese. The food is intended as something to nibble on or keep you sober rather than be a dinner meal. And their frites go with everything! They have an early and late happy hour – Mon and Sat 3 – 6 PM and 10 PM – midnight.

Which of these cocktails sounds up your alley? Have you been to or heard of Barlow before?

Signature

Ken’s Artisan Pizza Cocktails Menu

During the first week of September, Ken’s Artisan Pizza launched a new Italian cocktail program at this neighborhood stalwart of high quality pizzas in a family friendly and date worthy den of among the top 5 doughs in Portland. Ken’s Artisan Pizza also celebrated it’s 10 year anniversary since opening in 2006, and just like then, there are still lines now for that legendary perfect balance of crispy but chewy, simple but full of flavor toppings that compliment and never overwhelm in ratio to dough, sauce, and cheese. They know their pizzas, and until now, they’ve been paired with beers and wines. Now at 10, it seems Ken’s is ready for a little hard liquor. Here’s a closer look at the new Ken’s Artisan Pizza Cocktails Menu.
Inside of Ken's Artisan Pizza- The tables and bar were crafted from old growth Douglas fir that was once part of The Big Dipper roller coaster at Jantzen Beach (1923-1970) Ken's Artisan Pizza, 12
The tables and bar inside were crafted from old growth Douglas fir that was once part of The Big Dipper roller coaster at Jantzen Beach (1923-1970). You can see photos of it in the back by the restrooms! 

When I say a little hard liquor, I mean that literally- the bar program at Ken’s is very curated and limited in order to keep everyone satisfied with service pace, which is smart and conscientious of them. There are 6 cocktails as part of cocktail offerings and half of them are takes on a Negroni. These are what I enjoyed on my visit, but I expect there will be some rotation of some of the beverages for the season. They were priced from $7-$10.

For something light and refreshing, there’s the Aperol Spritz with Aperol, Sparkling Wine, and orange wheel.
Aperol Spritz with Aperol, Sparkling Wine, and orange wheel, one of six curated cocktails offered at Ken's Artisan Pizza Aperol Spritz with Aperol, Sparkling Wine, and orange wheel, one of six curated cocktails offered at Ken's Artisan Pizza
Their Negroni with Aria Gin, Cocchi Torino, Campari, and orange skin is the ultimate classic sipper but is perfect to balance out the richness of cheesy pizza.
Negroni with Aria Gin, Cocchi Torino, Campari, and orange skin, one of six curated cocktails offered at Ken's Artisan Pizza Negroni with Aria Gin, Cocchi Torino, Campari, and orange skin, one of six curated cocktails offered at Ken's Artisan Pizza
An interesting twist on the classic Negroni is their White Negroni with Aria Gin, Suze Bitter, Dolin Blanc, and lemon skin, offering a slightly more brighter acidicity of citrus then the slight bitterness with citrus you get with orange skin.
White Negroni with Aria Gin, Suze Bitter, Dolin Blanc, and lemon skin, one of six curated cocktails offered at Ken's Artisan Pizza White Negroni with Aria Gin, Suze Bitter, Dolin Blanc, and lemon skin, one of six curated cocktails offered at Ken's Artisan Pizza
Negorni Sbagliato with Meletti 1870 bitter, Cinzano Sweet, Sparkling Wine, and orange wheel is the final Negroni variation that adds extra effervescene and celebration with that sparkling wine, here pictured with a slice of Cherry Tomato Pancetta Bomb with chopped garlic, mozzarella di bufula, and pecorino romano and the other with a whole pie of the Summer Pesto Pizza with zucchini, cherry tomatoes, hazelnut pesto, mozzarella, pecorino romano
Ken's Artisan Pizza, 12 inch thin crust perfection, this one is the Cherry Tomato Pancetta Bomb with chopped garlic, mozzarella di bufula, and pecorino romano along with the cocktail Negorni Sbagliato with Meletti 1870 bitter, Cinzano Sweet, Sparkling Wine, orange wheel Ken's Artisan Pizza, 12 inch thin crust perfection, this one is the Summer Pesto with zucchini, cherry tomatoes, hazelnut pesto, mozzarella, pecorino romano along with the cocktail Negorni Sbagliato with Meletti 1870 bitter, Cinzano Sweet, Sparkling Wine, orange wheel

I didn’t catch a photo of it (the distraction of good eats, drinks, and company alas), but there’s also a classic Americano with Carpano Antica, soda water, and orange slice as an option.

As for me, I’m at heart a whiskey girl (whether it’s barrel aged in whiskey barrels beer, neat, or in a cocktail), so my favorite of the six was Ken’s Old Fashioned with Evan Williams, Ramazotti Amaro, demerara sugar, Angostura bitters, and orange skin. I loved it with my favorite pizza of Ken’s, the very seasonal while the corn is sweet Fresh Corn Pizza with corn, mozzarella, ricota salata, smoked pickled jalapenos, scallions. The hint of smokiness with the heat of those jalapenos with this cocktail are damn perfect.
Ken's Artisan Pizza offers 6 cocktails now as part of their limited, curated cocktail offerings. This is the Ken's Old Fashioned with Evan Williams, Ramazotti Amaro, demerara sugar, Angostura bitters, and orange skin Ken's Artisan Pizza, 12 inch thin crust perfection, this one is the seasonal Fresh corn with corn, mozzarella, ricota salata, smoked pickled jalapenos, scallions and the Ken's Old Fashioned with Evan Williams, Ramazotti Amaro, demerara sugar, Angostura bitters, and orange skin

Let me finish with just some evidence of why if you haven’t been to Ken’s yet, you should. Yes, there’s a line (more reasonable if you come earlier so you can be in the first seating when they open – that’s what I do). If you’re not into cocktails don’t forget Ken’s still continues to offer 4 beers on tap, and a 100-bottle wine list with a selection of local Pacific Northwest as well as French, Italian and Spanish wines, with 15 – 20 options by the glass available.

Most importantly, here are examples of the 12 inch thin crust perfections you will be able to enjoy… these are usually around the $13-$18 dollar range, with the meat heavy ones being the more pricey and most hovering around $15. The Summer Pesto and Corn are example seasonals that rotate and were on the menu when I visited in early September.

Pomodoro Royale with tomato sauce, basil, evoo, Pecorino Romano, enjoyed here with the Aperol Spritz (with Aperol, Sparkling Wine, orange wheel) as I liked how the sparkling lightness went with the simplicity of this pizza
Ken's Artisan Pizza, 12 inch thin crust perfection, this one is the Pomodoro Royale with tomato sauce, basil, evoo, Pecorino Romano, enjoyed here with the Aperol Spritz (with Aperol, Sparkling Wine, orange wheel)

Margherita with tomato sauce, mozzarella, and basil
Ken's Artisan Pizza, 12 inch thin crust perfection, this one is the classic Margherita with tomato sauce, mozzarella, and basil

Cherry Tomato Pancetta Bomb pizza with chopped garlic, mozzarella di bufula, and pecorino romano
Ken's Artisan Pizza, 12 inch thin crust perfection, this one is the Cherry Tomato Pancetta Bomb with chopped garlic, mozzarella di bufula, and pecorino romano, enjoyed here with the Aperol Spritz (with Aperol, Sparkling Wine, orange wheel) and White Negroni (with Aria Gin, Suze Bitter, Dolin Blanc, and lemon skin)

Summer Pesto Pizza with zucchini, cherry tomatoes, hazelnut pesto, mozzarella, pecorino romano
Ken's Artisan Pizza, 12 inch thin crust perfection, this one is the Summer Pesto with zucchini, cherry tomatoes, hazelnut pesto, mozzarella, pecorino romano Ken's Artisan Pizza, 12 inch thin crust perfection, this one is the Summer Pesto with zucchini, cherry tomatoes, hazelnut pesto, mozzarella, pecorino romano

The Beautiful Pig with local pork beef salami made with chianti, tomato sauce, basil, and mozzarella
Ken's Artisan Pizza, 12 inch thin crust perfection, this one is The Beautiful Pig with local pork beef salami made with chianti, tomato sauce, basil, and mozzarella Ken's Artisan Pizza, 12 inch thin crust perfection, this one is The Beautiful Pig with local pork beef salami made with chianti, tomato sauce, basil, and mozzarella

As stated earlier, IMHO the genius combination of sweet and spicy with corn and smoked pickled jalapeno is the all star win of all the pies for me.
Ken's Artisan Pizza, 12 inch thin crust perfection, this one is the seasonal Fresh corn with corn, mozzarella, ricota salata, smoked pickled jalapenos, scallions and the Ken's Old Fashioned with Evan Williams, Ramazotti Amaro, demerara sugar, Angostura bitters, and orange skin Ken's Artisan Pizza, 12 inch thin crust perfection, this one is the seasonal Fresh corn with corn, mozzarella, ricota salata, smoked pickled jalapenos, scallions and the Ken's Old Fashioned with Evan Williams, Ramazotti Amaro, demerara sugar, Angostura bitters, and orange skin

Confession! I will admit one thing- I’ve never had dessert at Ken’s, and the only appetizer has been their wood roasted vegetables. Instead, I always over order pizza because I can always take it home, and then I go down 2 blocks to Cheese & Crack for some soft serve. But you can see why I’d focus on pizzas over everything on the menu, wouldn’t you?

What about you? What is your stalwart pizza place? Have you been to Ken’s Artisan Pizza? Which of these pizzas and/or cocktails sounds right up your alley?

Ken's Artisan Pizza, 12 inch thin crust perfection, this one is a classic Margherita with tomato sauce, mozzarella, and basil and the Ken's Old Fashioned with Evan Williams, Ramazotti Amaro, demerara sugar, Angostura bitters, and orange skin Ken's Artisan Pizza, 12 inch thin crust perfection, this one is the Summer Pesto with zucchini, cherry tomatoes, hazelnut pesto, mozzarella, pecorino romano

Disclosure: I attended a complimentary media dinner where I was able to share and sample all of the beverages and pizzas shown, but I will always provide my honest opinion and assessment of all products and experiences I may be given. I was already a fan of Ken’s Artisan Pizza before this meal and continue to be so – this opportunity just gave me a chance to try more than I would normally be able to order, although I’d certainly want to order all of these! The views and opinions expressed in this blog are entirely my own.

Ken's Artisan Pizza Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

Signature

Han Oak Brunch

There’s a dispiriting amount of authentic Asian food in Portland – many Asian restaurants and food carts serve an Americanized version based on what they think will sell based on mass expectations.  Whenever I hear of a possible sprout of authentic Asian food experience growing, I am usually quick to try to water it and hope it can flourish – and I am hoping with all my might for Han Oak, which recently poked it’s head out into Portland’s restaurant garden this past 6 or 7 months. Han Oak deserves and needs your support. I think it’s the best brunch in Portland right now – and I think it’s uniqueness would be hard to find in most other cities.
Han Oak presents a Korean brunch on Sundays offering 2-3 main dishes and then several banchan and rice on a tray so you get a little bit of everything

Han Oak is reservation only, where they only open a couple days a week for dinner service and then on Sunday offer brunch service. When you make your reservation online you pre-pay, although you can add on additional beverages or some a la carte dishes at dinner if you’d like. Dinner has been a Bo Ssäm format, but let me put a little focus on their Sunday brunch for this post. They are located at 511 NE 24th, between Pie Spot and 24th and Meatballs. Head this way towards the brown/orange doors to enter the Han Oak space with a welcoming backyard escape and a bright open room with wooden 8-top tables with bench seating and some counter seating at their open kitchen bartop.
Head this way towards the brown/orange doors to enter the Han Oak space Head this way towards the brown/orange doors to enter the Han Oak space Keep stepping through the doorway into this backyard, and the entrance to the Han Oak restaurant space is then to your right Han Oak restaurant interior space Han Oak restaurant interior space Han Oak restaurant interior space Han Oak restaurant interior space faces a quaint backyard patio area

Here’s the gloriousness of a Han Oak brunch: you don’t need to make any choices. You are going to get a little bit of everything so it’s all balanced and you get to try many things without feeling overwhelmed which generally is about 2-3 tapas sized portions (but just for you! No need to share) along with multiple banchan, or small accompanying side dishes, plus rice.
Here's the gloriousness of a Han Oak brunch: you don't need to make any choices. You are going to get a little bit of everything so it's all balanced and you get to try many things without feeling overwhelmed which generally is about 2-3 tapas sized portions (but just for you! No need to share) along with multiple banchan, or small accompanying side dishes, plus rice

For this brunch for instance, my so cool little brunch tray boasted

  • Kimchi, soy pickled vegetables, sauteed and wilted greens
    Han Oak brunch, banchan like kimchee and Sauteed and wilted greens Han Oak brunch, banchan
  • Blood cake with soft boiled egg
    Han Oak brunch, Blood cake with soft boiled egg
  • Seared albacore tuna with daikon, fingerling potatoes, romanesco cauliflower
    Han Oak brunch, Seared albacore tuna with daikon, fingerling potatoes, romanesco cauliflower
  • Savory waffle with braised pork belly, kimchi, and bean sprouts with a little dipping sauce
    Han Oak brunch, Savory waffle with braised pork belly, kimchi, and bean sprouts
  • A bowl of pork and chive dumpling soup with beef broth, rice cake, egg and nori
    Han Oak, A bowl of pork and chive dumpling soup with beef broth, rice cake, egg and nori Han Oak, A bowl of pork and chive dumpling soup with beef broth, rice cake, egg and nori
  • Korean multigrain rice, also called japgokbap
    Korean multigrain rice, also called japgokbap

The above also come with your choice of iced barley tea (the traditional Korean “water” that you should just get), or Water Avenue coffee, or cold brew. You have additionally drink options of cocktails, beer and cider, wine, soju, as well as non alcoholic beverages. For you, my readers, I sacrificed my liver to try all four of the cocktails, curated by the gifted Michelle Ruocco that included

  • The Asian Flush with gin, plum and tamari syrup, lemon, and peychauds bitter is a fun way to start brunch like a prettier cousin of usual brunch mimosa
    The Asian Flush with gin, plum and tamari syrup, lemon, and peychauds bitter is a fun way to start brunch like a prettier cousin of usual brunch mimosa at Han Oak, with drinks curated by mixologist Michelle Ruocco
  • The Sick Day with brandy, toasted rice dandelion tea, lemon, and honey brings out a slight roasty nuttiness which I really enjoyed (and go ahead and eat up the toasted rice at the end of the drink) with the waffle and the rice
    The Sick Day with brandy, toasted rice dandelion tea, lemon, and honey brings out a slight roasty nuttiness which I really enjoyed (and go ahead and eat up the toasted rice at the end of the drink) at Han Oak, with drinks curated by mixologist Michelle Ruocco
  • The Jeju with sake, nori liqueur, and pepper you can have either cold or warm – I had the warm version and it had a salty seaweedy funkiness which I loved with the dumpling soup and the tuna. This was my favorite, though it’s non-traditional flavor may not be for everyone
    The Jeju with sake, nori liqueur, and pepper you can have either cold or warm - I had the warm version and it had a salty seaweedy funkiness at Han Oak, with drinks curated by mixologist Michelle Ruocco
  • The K-Pop was how I finished my cocktail drinking at brunch, a cocktail light and refreshing so would be great as a starter as well, with soju, gin, apple, ginger, and cucumber. I wish there was a bit more ginger in this, but I really like the spiciness of ginger too so maybe that’s just me.
    The K-Pop with soju, gin, apple, ginger, and cucumber at Han Oak, with drinks curated by mixologist Michelle Ruocco

At $32 for the Korean brunch tray + bowls (with the four cocktails or other alcoholic drinks being extra) that is prix fixe and includes service, this is an insane bargain that is incredibly unique. The atmosphere feels traditional with recognizable Korean stalwarts like the kimchee and the iced barley tea and the rice or the dumpling soup, but also includes modern Northwest playful takes like the blood cake and savory waffle.

The seating feels modern and airy, but almost like dining with family and friends with the intimate atmosphere of a 5 large tables with benches, and a backyard where multiple guests’ children kicked around a beachball together. This is not an experience that you will usually find anywhere, even in larger cities with established larger Korean populations. We’re so fortunate to have this opportunity in Portland.

So what are you waiting for? Make your reservation for brunch now! Brunch is only offered on Sundays, 11 AM – 2 PM. They are also open for dinner (reservation only – make them on the website) on Friday and Saturdays 6 – 9 PM only.
Han Oak presents a Korean brunch on Sundays offering 2-3 main dishes and then several banchan and rice on a tray so you get a little bit of everything Han Oak presents a Korean brunch on Sundays offering 2-3 main dishes and then several banchan and rice on a tray so you get a little bit of everything

And aren’t those cocktails Michele created incredibly lovely? Which one would you order?

Han Oak Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

Signature