Han Oak Kicks Off First Night of Hanoakkah

Han Oak, SE Portland’s trendy Korean restaurant, celebrates the start of its annual Korean-Judean fusion tradition this evening. In an audacious marriage of cultures, owner Peter Cho is inviting diners on a journey to the time of the Maccabees with the celebration of Hanoakkah. ⁣⁣
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“We were only expecting to only do this for one night,” explained Cho. “But then the reservations started pouring in. In the end there was enough interest to extend this for eight nights – it’s the miracle of Hanoakkah!“⁣⁣
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During Hanoakkah, Cho and his team are serving eight crazy flights of banchan (side dishes). The black vinegar potato latkes are sure to be a hit and will be served with kimchi applesauce and salt cured sour cream. The real miracle is saved for dessert, which features a flambeed gochujang rice pudding menorah, served on fire. Foodies who are also drinkies will welcome the themed cocktail pairings, our favorite of which was the ‘gin and tonnicah’.⁣
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At the end of the meal, diners can test their fortune by spinning a dreidel, with each letter corresponding to a different prize. If it lands on Gimmel, their meal is free, but if it lands on Shin they have to hop behind the counter and prepare a dish for the chefs.⁣⁣
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