Main Street’s reputation as home to some of Ann Arbor’s most prestigious restaurants got an exciting new addition with the opening of Tabe on March 13. This Asian fusion restaurant does a lovely job of fusing cuisine across East Asian influences, though some meals come with notable Pan-American influences.
This restaurant was opened by 168 Group, a Madison Heights based company which has opened a number of companies throughout Metro Detroit.
Thursday was their grand opening after a short soft opening. They were still arranging potted plants as the first people started settling into their meals.
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When you order the tacos, two at a time, they come without flour or taco shells. Instead, a seaweed wrapper forms the base to be picked up. On the inside, a layer of sticky rice is buried under a generous swabbing of guacamole, topped with whatever topping you choose.
There are 10 taco options to pick from, but none are too spicy – not even the yellow tail. They are also fairly small, and therefore best treated as appetizers or a snack to take while stopping in for a sampling of the voluminous drinks menu.
The tempura appetizer is also worth trying the next time you are at Tabe. Crustations, broccoli, asparagus and sweet potato – all glazed in a light breading that goes delightfully with the sweet dipping sauce provided.
The udon noodles were one my favorite parts of the meal. A lovely stir fry dish that is simply done with more flare and confidence than anything you can get at a less expensive place – a professional make rather than a simpler restaurants open-package-and-heat-up approach.
The onions are not done to death, but instead prepared in a way that even people who usually dislike onions might enjoy them.
Tabe sits where Jim Brady’s used to be, on the other side of Main Street from Echelon and The Hidden King, between the First National Building and Vault of Midnight. The exposed brick walls, low instrumental music, and tastefully sparse artwork provides a subdued, sophisticated, urbane ambience.
Check out the upstairs if you can and take a look at the mezzanine, which is reserved exclusively for private parties.The westernmost third or so of the third floor is void, creating a double height section for the sushi bar and adjoining tables below it, which is a rare thing to find in Ann Arbor’s restaurants.
If you have never tried sake, a Japanese rice wine, Tabe is also a good place to taste it for the first time. The first of two Current tried was as gentle on the palate as gone-cold tea. The first one had a taste reminiscent of pears.
Tabe offers a fresh and unique addition to Ann Arbor’s vibrant dining scene, blending East Asian and Pan-American influences in an inviting atmosphere. Whether you’re stopping in for a snack or a full meal, it’s clear that Tabe is set to be a standout spot for both food lovers and those seeking a refined dining experience.
Drew Saunders is a freelance business and environmental journalist who grew up just outside of Ann Arbor. He covers local business developments, embraces his foodie side with reviews restaurants, obsesses over Michigan's environmental state, loves movies, and feels spoiled by the music he gets to review for Ann Arbor!
