Haitian cocktails in speakeasy vibe? Sousòl is the place

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — For more than 20 years, Jason Calvanese has been bartending in Portland. He’s now the beverage director and bar lead for Sousòl, the downstairs bar around the corner from the James Beard-award winning restaurant, Kann.

Sousòl is Haitian Creole for basement, and fitting for this place with a speakeasy vibe.

In this episode of Northwest Grown, Calvanese mixes some tasty cocktails using local fruits and Caribbean spices.

There’s also a food menu, including tostones rellenos, sweet corn fritters and tamarind glazed pork ribs.

Just like the drinks, the food inspiration doesn’t just come from Haiti but from what is considered Pan-Caribbean.

Elizabeth Dinh filed this video report.

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