The Finn & Porter restaurant at the Hilton Mark Center is where you can find award-winning chef Tim Recher cooking up some of Alexandria's finest meals.
Alexandria Originals
Name: Tim Recher, CEC
Business Name: Hilton Alexandria Mark Center Hotel & Finn & Porter Restaurant
Address: 5000 Seminary Road, Alexandria, Virginia
Phone: 703-845-2636
Website: www.finnandporter.com/alexandria
What is your claim to fame?
What makes you original and unique?
I really think it has to do with my background and outlook on life that my parents gave me. I like my food simple, but that doesn't mean simplistic. It doesn't matter if it's the bacon and eggs, cheeseburger and fries, or filet with foie gras. A true Chef has to treat it all with equal amounts of passion and standards.
Who or what inspired you to come to Alexandria?
It's the opportunity to work in a community with all the benefits and flavors of a big city but with the character and emotions of a small town main street. Alexandria has Chefs and restaurants that are equal to or better than any city in the country.
What is your secret to success?
Passion is a huge buzz word right now but more than that it's the dedication that makes or breaks a chef. Being a Chef is not a job, it has to be your life. It's going out and talking to the farmer, or making mashed potatoes 100 times to get it just right.
What is your proudest achievement?
Being able to be a Chef and still manage to have a fantastic wife and two amazing boys. Of all I have done and accomplished, I'm most proud walking into my home and knowing they're the best part of my life
Do you have a favorite Alexandria travel tip:
Best idea I have is to get out of your car and walk around. Alexandria is a great walking city. There is so much to see and do you'll miss it all if you drive to one place and get in your car and leave.
Best date idea in Alexandria?
My wife and I once spent the afternoon walking King Street, going in and out of the shops, have a great dinner in one of the many restaurants and finished eating ice cream down by the river. A perfect day!
Favorite places to go for brunch, happy hour, dinner under the stars, lunch deals?
Well, Finn & Porter any time is a great place to go, especially for sushi. The sushi chefs there really do a great job. I have never had a bad experience at Farrah Olivia. Chef Marou is a world class Chef and never disappoints.
If you had friends visiting Alexandria what would you tell them to do and see during their visit?
As a fan of history, Alexandria is one of the neighborhoods that formed this great country. And definitely eat in one of the cities restaurants. There's not a bad meal in town!
