When a new spot opens in town, we can't wait to check it out -- and let you know our initial impressions, share a few photos, and dish about some menu items. First Taste, as the name implies, is not a full-blown review, but instead a peek inside restaurants that have just opened, sampling a few items, and satisfying curiosities (yours and ours).
Restaurant: Tapacubo Location: 225 East Apache Boulevard, Tempe Open: Less than a week Eats: Mexican Price: $10+/person
On Friday, the second dining outlet at the new Graduate Hotel Tempe opened its doors to the public for dinner service. Under the direction of chef Brian Archibald, Tapacubo brings approachable Mexican cuisine in a playful atmosphere to the neighborhood.
The restaurant's succinct menu of starters, tacos, tortas, and sides will appeal to fans of similar places such as Doug Robson's Gallo Blanco, spots where you can count on good, affordable Mexican eats served with a side of humility and fun. (And the fact that both restaurants are located in chic boutique hotels definitely adds to the sense of familiarity.)
