January 31, 2020

Where Chefs Eat: Fin & Fino GM Tim Buchanan

The father of two likes to stay near home in University

Folks in the restaurant industry know good food, so we want to know where they eat when they’re outside of their restaurants. In this series, we ask a member of the culinary industry to share their favorite local restaurants (not including their own) and what they order. Rare Roots Hospitality’s Tim Buchanan is a family man, who stays close to home in University when out with his wife, Ericka Faye, and their two sons. —Kristen Wile

Thai House, University
A classic Thai spot with a pretty dining room that makes it stand out
Buchanan’s order: “We go when my wife, Ericka Faye, wants soup. Her and the boys love the Tom Kha and Chicken Tom Tom. The soups are very savory but balanced with lime, coconut, tomato, and herbs. I always get the pork larb (extra spicy). It is minced pork with tons of garlic, chilis, and funky fish sauce served with lettuce cups.”

Rhino Market, multiple locations
The popular bottle shop and deli has expanded from its original location in FreeMoreWest
Buchanan’s order: “I am usually at Rhino with The Hammer (Brian Lorusso) and tend to let him order. This means we get 1 1/2 sandwiches per adult because Brian is a growing boy. We always get the portobello on ciabatta and then mix up the rest. Sandwiches are always delicious, coffee strong, and almost always see other industry people.”

Saigon Palace, LoSo
Vietnamese is a favorite among folks in the restaurant industry
Buchanan’s order: Butter fried quail, pho, and combination noodle bowl with all the meats.

Let’s Meat Korean BBQ, South End
Do-it-yourself meals cooked on a grill at the center of your table
Buchanan’s order: “My two boys, Wylie and Porter, love cooking our own food table side. We order and eat a lot.”

A homemade meal
Buchanan’s go-to: “‘Where You Eat’ is mostly chefs, so they cook at work all the time. I do not cook at work, so I really love cooking for my family when I am off. If the boys are around they help. We make all kinds of food, from homemade pasta to tagines to chicken and waffles for Christmas.”

Bonus: “Shout out to Stagioni, where we had a really delicious date night recently, and Yafo for having a spicy chicken sandwich that is actually spicy.”