Renowned Portland restaurant wins Food & Wine's Global Tastemaker award

The chef was named a Pacific Northwest finalist for the James Beard Foundation's “Best Chef” award.

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A nationally renowned Portland restaurant is in the spotlight once again for being one of the best eateries in the U.S.

Food & Wine unveiled the winners of its second annual Global Tastemakers on Tuesday. The awards program honors the best bars, hotels, airports, cities and more for culinary experiences across the globe.

In addition, the magazine ranked the top 20 restaurants in the country. This year, Portland’s Kann snagged the 10th spot.

Located in the Buckman neighborhood, the Haitian restaurant is led by former “Top Chef: Boston” runner-up Gregory Gourdet.

“At this 2023 James Beard Foundation Best New Restaurant, Gregory Gourdet celebrates Haitian cuisine in bold, creative ways, marrying it with Pacific Northwest ingredients and live-fire cooking,” Food and Wine wrote of Kann. “Dishes like grilled salmon marinated in epis (a blend of garlic, peppers and herbs), crispy akra (a taro root fritter), and Gourdet’s take on Haitian spaghetti showcase the immense range of Haiti's culinary traditions.”

Before opening his own spot in August 2022, Gourdet served as the executive chef at The Nines Hotel’s rooftop restaurant Departure. He also wrote his own cookbook, “Everyone’s Table: Global Recipes for Modern Health,” which went on to become a national bestseller and win a James Beard award.

Gourdet also won a James Beard award for Kann in 2023, when it was named the best restaurant. The restaurateur could secure another trophy later this summer after being named among the Pacific Northwest finalists for the “Best Chef” award.

Food & Wine magazine's other choices for top restaurants include Naro in New York City, Kasama in Chicago and Anajak Thai in Los Angeles.