Kachka

Kachka is a restaurant in Portland, Oregon, that specializes in the cuisine of the former Soviet Republics, with a particular focus on Belarusian-inspired dishes. It was founded in 2014 by the husband-and-wife team, Israel and Bonnie Morales. Bonnie, the executive chef, is a first-generation American whose parents emigrated from Belarus. She grew up with the culinary traditions of the region and later trained at the Culinary Institute of America, working in several Michelin-starred restaurants before opening Kachka. Her personal connection to the food is central to the restaurant's identity, which aims to share the stories and traditions of her heritage.

The restaurant provides a distinctive dining experience centered around "zakuski," a procession of small plates, cured fish, and dumplings meant for sharing and communal toasting. The menu features dishes such as Herring Under a Fur Coat, Siberian pelmeni, and sour cherry vareniki. Complementing the food is an extensive beverage program with over 50 vodka selections, house-made infusions, and a curated list of Eastern European beer and wine. The business has expanded to include several ventures under the Kachka Family of Companies umbrella: Kachka Lavka, an upstairs deli and grocery selling house-made and imported goods; Kachka Dumplings, which are sold frozen and shipped nationwide; and Kachka Spirits, which bottles its own horseradish vodka.

Kachka operates on a business model designed to promote wage equity within the restaurant industry. In January 2022, the owners eliminated tipping and implemented a 22% service fee on all checks. This change allows the company to provide a starting wage of at least $25 per hour for all employees, offer free healthcare, and implement a profit-sharing plan. The restaurant has received numerous accolades, including being a James Beard Award semifinalist for Best New Restaurant in 2015 and being named one of America's Essential Restaurants by Eater for multiple years.

Keywords: Russian cuisine, Eastern European food, Portland restaurant, zakuski, dumplings, pelmeni, vareniki, infused vodka, family-style dining, wage equity, service fee model, Bonnie Morales, Israel Morales, Kachka Lavka, Belarusian food, fine dining, Soviet cuisine, hospitality, food and beverage, culinary arts