Reviewing Kann: Taste the flavors of authentic Haitian cuisine in Southeast Portland.  

Congratulations to Kann on being named the Best New Restaurant in America by the James Beard Award Foundation! 

Kann is the brainchild and first restaurant from James Beard Award-winning cookbook author and “Top Chef” star Gregory Gourdet. The restaurant is an upscale dining experience that showcases the vibrant and ingredient-focused cuisine of Haiti, much of which is cooked on the eight-foot-long wood-burning hearth that serves as the kitchen’s centerpiece. This open-fire cooking technique adds depth and complexity to the flavors of the dishes and is a nod to Haiti’s rich culinary history. 

Opening in August 2022, Kann has been a star since day one. It has already received numerous accolades and awards including the title of “Best New Restaurant in America” from Esquire, as well as “Restaurant of the Year” from both the Portland Monthly and The Oregonian. The recent inclusion in the NY Times’ list of Top 50 Restaurants in America and being named a James Beard semi-finalist for best new restaurant further solidifies Kann’s reputation as a must-visit dining destination.

These accolades are a reflection of the restaurant’s dedication to excellence in every aspect of the dining experience. From the carefully curated menu, made with fresh and high-quality ingredients, to the warm and inviting atmosphere and attentive service, Kann truly delivers an unforgettable experience. The restaurant’s menu features a variety of traditional Haitian dishes that have been updated and elevated with the use of local, seasonal ingredients. At Kann, Chef Gregory Gourdet and his team have created a truly magical and memorable dining experience that showcases the best of Haitian cuisine. The dishes served at Kann, whether traditional or newly imagined, are all cooked to perfection on the restaurant’s roaring hearth. 

At Kann, you’ll find a menu that is both inventive and traditional, and you’ll have a hard time deciding what to order because everything looks and sounds delicious. To start, the Akra, plantain muffins, peanut greens, and diri ak djon djon are all excellent options that will give you a taste of the rich and complex flavors of Haitian cuisine. The Akra, a traditional Haitian dish made with mashed black-eyed peas, is crispy and

flavorful, while the plantain muffins are a unique and delicious take on the traditional Haitian dish. The peanut greens are cooked to tender perfection, and the peanut cream adds a rich and creamy texture that complements the other dishes beautifully. The diri ak djon djon, a traditional Haitian dish made with rice and lima beans, is a must-try for anyone looking to experience the rich and complex flavors of Haitian cuisine. 

It is not just the food that makes Kann stand out, but also the dedication of the team behind it. The restaurant’s team works tirelessly to ensure that every detail is perfect, from the quality of the food and the service, to the ambiance of the dining room. The awards and recognition that Kann has received are a testament to their hard work and dedication, and it is clear that they are committed to maintaining the high standards that have earned them such acclaim. 

In conclusion, Kann is a standout restaurant that truly deserves all of the recognition and awards it has received. With its delicious Haitian cuisine, warm and inviting atmosphere, and attentive service, it is no wonder that it has quickly become one of Portland’s most popular dining destinations. If you have not visited Kann yet, it is highly recommended to do so and see for yourself why it has received so much recognition and acclaim.