For the first time ever, a Portland restaurant took home the title of Best New Restaurant — that's in the entire country — at the 2023 James Beard Awards. Celebrity chef Gregory Gourdet and his Haitian restaurant Kann basked in the glory at the Chicago ceremony, bringing the bright and rosy spotlight to our city's dining scene as it continues to make strides up and out of the pandemic.

What better way to commemorate this achievement than with a celebratory meal at the most-coveted table in town? Here's what we'd order.

Starters

Akra | These crispy taro root fritters come with a remoulade that will make your mouth water. We're double dipping and we're not sorry about it.

Kale & Sweet Plantain Salad | Delicious greens tossed in a roasted grape, cashew-coconut dressing — it's incredible how something so pretty can also be good for you.

Full proof

Choukoun | Raise a toast to tropical tastiness with this drink, made with a white rum blend, vanilla-anise liqueur, americano aperitivo, pineapple, and lime.

Another starter? Griyo Twice Cooked Pork it is. | Photo by @unicelovesfood

From the hearth

King Salmon | The fusion of Caribbean cuisine with Pacific Northwest bounty comes to perfectly charred fruition in this dish of herb-marinated fish on top of stewed peppers.

Sides

Legim | This stew of eggplant, carrots, spinach, and epis is a perfect introduction to traditional Haitian flavors.

Pikliz | Pickled vegetable relish is delicious by itself or mixed with other plates.

Dessert

Mango Mozayik | Thin wafers are filled with chili mango curd and served alongside a decadent yet airy coconut-lime sherbet.

Have you visited Kann? Or perhaps you've simply eyed the menu longingly. Let us know what stands out to you.