Max Restaurant in Sherman Oaks recently reopened. I have to say I loved the original Max “version 1.0″. It was so crisp and clean looking with all the linen and stark white decor. It’s also just up the street from my house, which made it the choice for nearby special occasion dining. Once or twice a year we would dress up a little bit and head to Max for Chef Andre Guerrero’s tasty Asian inspired cuisine. I especially loved his shrimp and pork Lumpia rolls and Foie Gras with quince puree.
So last night I was a little nervous as my husband and I headed to “the New Max” for dinner. I had read that the decor was completely redone and the menu had much “lower price points”. Did that mean lower quality food? Or smaller portions? Well, No and No!
Dinner was simply scrumptious! We started with the “Daily Pickle”… PEACHES. Yup… pickled peaches… and pickled okra, pickled beans and crunchy carrots. Nice, tart flavors to get your mouth watering. The Shrimp Firecrackers we ordered were skewered and served with a cilantro mint sauce.No traditional Lumpia on the current menu, but these were just as good. ENTREES: I had the Szechuan Peppercorn Salmon with Yuzu lime, tomatoes and broccoli. I love hot and spicy and at first didn’t feel any heat on my tongue. Then suddenly it was there, at the back of my throat. Fiery goodness for sure. My husband Peter had the Max Angus Burger. It was seriously one of the most delicious looking (and tasting) burgers ever and was topped with classic thousand island dressing, arugula, heirloom tomato, cambazola cheese, pickles, caramelized onions and a side of belgian fries. He didn’t even want to share with me (we usually switch plates after eating half), but I did get a couple small bites that melted in my mouth. It was so moist and tender that I really didn’t even need to chew the beef! DESSERT: Oh the clean, fresh taste of Halo Halo… it’s just such a refreshing dessert after eating a rich and spicy dinner. Pear and candied squash with vanilla bean ice cream, caramel flan, coconut milk, jellies and nuts over crushed ice.
So what do I think about the new Max… version 2.0? It’s definitely no longer JUST a “special occasion” restaurant… which is a good thing, because it means we will be going more than once or twice a year. Probably once or twice a month (or more!).
Above dining date 9/25/08
9/28/08: We returned with Ron, Diane, Jade & Cody. Started with the Steamed Pork Buns (filled with scrumptious Pork Belly, Pickles and Kimchee)… AWESOME! A must order for our next visit. Cody had the Beef Shortribs- Two Ways, Jade had the Seared Ahi, Ron had the Hangar Steak (so did Peter), Diane and I each had the Angus Burger. Really fantastic meal.
Max Restaurant
13355 Ventura Blvd. Sherman Oaks, CA 91423 (818) 784-2915
1 Comment
October 22, 2008 at 4:08 pm
That burger looks phenomenal! I had one the other night at Boneyard Bistro which by many is considered the best burger in the valley. I enjoyed it, but my verdict is still out at finding THE best. I will have to try this one!