Say adios to Mucho Gusto, the modern Mexican restaurant started by Chad Withycombe and then-partner Carlos Manriquez back in 2005. The restaurant will be closing on Saturday, June 7 to reopen later this summer as The Revival.
Mucho Gusto was once a star in the Tempe dining scene, filling a niche with its modern, slightly upscale Mexican fare. But in recent years, it's been largely overlooked by Valley food enthusiasts. The Revival will aim to return the restaurant to the list of must-eat Valley restaurants.
The new restaurant comes courtesy of Withycombe and chef Kelly Fletcher, whose name should be familiar to Tempe diners. For more than a decade Fletcher led the kitchen at House of Tricks; he left the restaurant February.
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The Revival will feature an eclectic lunch, dinner, late night, and weekend brunch menus with "whimsical" food, Fletcher says. The chef won't be sticking the Mucho Gusto's Mexican theme, but will retain some dishes with Spanish/Mexican flavors.
"I've leaned to it," Fletcher says of Mucho Gusto's identity. "So, I don't want to completely blow peoples mind and take their Mexican restaurant away from them."
Look forward to dishes such as a charred Korean pork belly sandwich with cilantro, pickled vegetables, grilled pineapple, and sambal aioli on a French baguette and achiote salmon with black plum, parsnip puree, citrus syrup and crispy avocado. For simpler fare, there will be options including "The Revival Burger" with a balsamic grilled burger patty, Shaft bleu cheese, macerated figs, arugula and habañero bacon on a potato bun with chorizo spiced fries.
Price points will range from about $18 to $23 for dinner and about $12 to $13 an entree during lunch.
The restaurant will also offer a revolving menu of small-plates that Fletcher's calling "The Journey." Expect options such as harissa creamed shrimp, chipotle-apricot baby back ribs, sweet potato croquettes, and more. Fletcher says he'll change it up everytime he gets bored -- which could be pretty often. Prices will range from about $8 to $14.
On the drinks side, there will be a rotating list of 8 draught beers, craft cocktails, as well as a wine program designed by well-known Valley sommelier Dave Johnson.
The bar will feature a high-tech, 16-bottle wine preservation and dispenser that will draw wine from the bottle as if they were on tap.
The building also undergo its own revival, getting a complete rennovation that will feature upcycled and repurposed materials. Think, bone colored walls, copper and tin tables, and mix-n-match lighting fixtures. Expect strings of Edison bulbs draped over boxed vegetable gardens and reclaimed barnwood tables on the 90-seat patio.
"I want all of the Mucho Gusto fans to come out at love The Revival," Fletcher says. "I also want all of Tempe to know that this is my home."
Renovations will begin on Saturday, June 7. The Revival is expected to open on on July 1.
For updates (and information about The Revivals upcoming hiring fair) keep an eye on The Revival Facebook page and website.
