restaurant<\/a> offers a menu blending flavors from across East Asia with modern twists.<\/p>\nIn an interview with The Michigan Daily, head chef Jeffrey Li said the restaurant aims to introduce Ann Arbor diners to both familiar and lesser-known elements of Asian cuisine. The goal isn\u2019t just to serve good food; it\u2019s also to grow people\u2019s palates.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWe try to educate,\u201d Li said. \u201cIf you don\u2019t eat something, you\u2019re never thinking about it. Asian cuisine is much more expanded in ingredients. If you don\u2019t recognize something, you might always eat burgers, you might never think to try something new.\u201d<\/p>\n
This philosophy is reflected throughout Tabe\u2019s menu, which includes a mix of modern fusions and traditional options for customers.<\/p>\n
Public Health junior Ashley Ko, a server at Tabe, said offering omakase makes the restaurant\u00a0 stand out in the Ann Arbor food scene. Translating to \u201cI\u2019ll leave it up to you,\u201d omakase is a carefully curated Japanese dining experience composed of multiple courses which takes customers on a journey through both a chef\u2019s creativity and culinary skill.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/aside>\n\u201cWe never really see omakase in Michigan,\u201d Ko said. \u201cI think it\u2019s nice to incorporate this form of fine dining in a city where a plethora of food appreciation is often seen downtown.\u201d<\/p>\n
While omakase meals are often known for their high price tags, Tabe offers a more affordable experience without compromising on quality.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen it comes to omakase, Ann Arbor\u2019s never had that \u2014 people have never had that experience,\u201d Li said. \u201cSo we decided to start pricing a little lower, still with high-quality food.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
While Tabe highlights a fine-dining experience, Ko said the restaurant caters to a variety of gatherings.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a really nice environment and somewhere that can fit into any occasion,\u201d Ko said. \u201cWhether you want a small bite or drink at the bar, a date night or even an outing with friends or family, the fancy yet affordable food makes it a really great and easy environment to eat with anyone, anytime.\u201d<\/p>\n
Chloe Robinson, a hostess at the restaurant, said the restaurant maintains authentic Asian cultural roots while still welcoming a broad audience and an even broader palette.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/aside>\n\u201cI really do feel like we have a different vibe,\u201d Robinson said. \u201cA lot of Asian-fusion restaurants try to mainly focus on mainstream appeal, like trying to really cater to Americans. I feel like we do that, but we also maintain the Asian culture aspect.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
For Li, the goal of Tabe is simple: to give customers a new experience and great food, sparking a lasting curiosity about Asian cuisine.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWe make good food because we love people,\u201d Li said. \u201cIf people can recognize the food, then they can be interested in the cuisine.\u201d<\/p>\n
Daily Staff Reporter Salma Abdelale can be reached at <\/em>salmaab@umich.edu<\/em><\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/aside>\n
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