Han Oak, Marukin Take Home Top Honors at Portland’s First Whiskey and Ramen Festival

Whiskey and soup are the best way to stay warm on a chilly Saturday.

By Henry Cromett

It was a chilly weekend, with temperatures topping out at 50 degrees.

Deep inside the North Warehouse, Saturday was a lot warmer thanks to all the ramen and whiskey. Willamette Week's sold-out festival celebrating the pairing of slurpable noodles with and sippable spirits.

The fest was also a competition, with judges and attendees both casting ballots.

We're unsurprised with two of the three winners.

Chef Peter Cho's Korean supper club Han Oak has rounded into one of the finest dining experiences in the city since opening its menu up to showcase the amazing dumplings. The judges picked Han Oak.

Marukin has wowed us since opening since opening its first stateside shop here. When we ate 39 different bowls around the city last year, Marukin came out on top in tonkotsu and made a strong showing elsewhere.

On the other hand, Double Dragon scored a shocking win in the judge's choice category. Not because they don't do a lot of things well—the Division Street spot is one of our favorite bars in the city, and makes some tasty food too—but because the competition was so stiff. We'll pop in to Double Dragon and report back soon!

Here are the winners and a few more pictures from Henry Cromett.

Judges choice
Runner up – Han Oak
Winner – Double Dragon

People's Choice
Runner up – Marukin
Winner – Han Oak

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