Peter Cho
Han Oak and Toki | Portland, OR
JULY 2023
Born in Korea and raised in Oregon, Peter Cho has made a mark on the Portland food scene. After graduating from the University of Oregon, Cho moved to New York City. Over the next 12 years there, he worked his way up to executive chef and director of a Michelin-starred restaurant group. In 2016, Cho and his wife, Sun Young Park, decided to get away from the city and return to Oregon to be closer to family. While browsing the internet one day, Park found a spot for sale that she knew would be the perfect space to build out their restaurant.
The duo went on to open Han Oak, a Korean-American restaurant located inside the couple’s actual home, featuring traditional Korean cooking techniques combined with American staples and Pacific Northwest product. In 2021, Cho and Park opened their second spot, Toki, and are planning to open their third restaurant in 2023. At the upcoming wood fire barbecue restaurant, Cho will showcase Korean whole animal butchery, sourcing protein from local Oregon ranches that focus on regenerative agriculture and sustainable practices. Across his restaurants, Cho has tapped into his culinary knowledge and experiences to provide mentorship opportunities and engaging learning environments for up-and-coming chefs.
Tips on building a wine list that works for everyone from Sommelier Thibaut Idenn of Alla Vita and Boka