July 12, 2019

Where Chefs Eat: Hex Coffee’s Tanner Morita

Morita prefers casual places where he can gather with friends with a cold drink and shared bites

Hello, Sailor’s hamachi crudo.

We know chefs can cook great food, but where do they eat when they’re not cooking for guests or themselves? In this series, we ask a member of the restaurant industry to share their favorite five local restaurants (not including their own) and what they order. Hex Coffee’s owner and master roaster Tanner Morita prefers places that are causal and fun, perfect for just him and his wife to spend time together or gather with friends and commune over shared plates. Though he can’t include in his top five, Morita’s favorite was now-shuttered Siggy’s Good Food. –Justin Burke-Samson

Kindred, Davidson
This seasonal, chef-driven restaurant from Joe and Katy Kindred is a favorite among chefs and foodies
Morita’s order: Any of the pastas, the weirder the ingredients the better. Always a cocktail or two, as well.

Mere’s, Dilworth
A wine and cheese shop that offers an assortment of charcuterie boards and sandwiches
Morita’s order: Anything from Cruse Wine, Broc Cellars, or Brichino
Pro-tip: Grab and seat and crack open a bottle and hang with the super friendly staff while enjoying the sandwich of the day

Super G, East Forest
An international grocery store off 74 that includes a Chinese/Mexican bakery, steam bun and dumpling spot, and Korean soup
Mortia’s order: BBQ pork bun and the shrimp and pork shu mai

Hello, Sailor, Cornelius
Joe and Katy Kindred’s second restaurant has become a staycation favorite among chefs
Morita’s order: Hamachi crudo and a Cherry Sundrop Negroni slushie

Providence Road Sundries, Myers Park
A local favorite since 1933 offering casual American food
Morita’s order: As long as you have a beer, everything is good. Also, get the fried pickles.