Happy 70th Anniversary Max's Restaurant!

During yesterday's program for Max's 70th Anniversary Celebration, the hosts asked random guests about our memorable Max's experiences. 

I can't think of just one distinct memory at that time, because I realized it was a lot! Nothing grand, but little unforgettable memories and successes were spent in this restaurant. Max's is one of my go-to dinner place after a looong tiring day. Sizzling Tofu with garlic rice are my comfort foods. I can eat there alone in SM Makati, Festival Mall, or Glorietta after a day of meetings and events. I also had dinners with my parents in their Magallanes branch after a stressful bazaar weekend, it became our standard celebratory meal. Wherever and whatever Max's branch I go to, the service and dishes remain the same: good ol' comfort food, in a relaxing place, with consistent superb service through and through.

Max's Restaurant is, after all, a place for the family created by a family.

The event was fittingly held in the very first Max's branch in Scout Tuason, Quezon City. Shuttles were thoughtfully provided for the press and bloggers from almost all main points around the Metro (thank you).

With The Ruths again! Always crazy whenever I'm with these two!

The place was dressed for the occasion. Everybody went in their semi-formal attires. It felt like entering the debut or wedding reception of a family or someone close to me.

We passed by Max's history walls and installations before reaching the venue: Ruby Hall.

How it started: 

Typical hospitable Pinoy, Maximo Gimenez frequently welcomed American soldiers into his home for hearty meals in 1945, after World War II. The soldiers enjoyed the meals, even insisted to pay for the good food, and finally convinced Maximo to open a cafe. His niece Ruby was the secret ingredient to their success because of her recipes - they are all genuine. Aside from her chicken, favorites among her fare include Kare Kare, Buko Pandan, and other dishes that are still included in the menu till today. 

To match the great food, Max's became a place of comfort, a home away from home for every Filipino.

 The Ruby Hall for last night's party:

With my blog friends Paul, Ate Rowena, Ava, and Kelly:

In the middle of the venue are interesting Max's memorabilia, including the classic restaurant chairs, and their first menu!

Our dinner: Max's buffet, which include their classic Sarap To The Bones chicken, my favorite sizzling tofu, and caramel bars!

Max's Group currently operates Max's, Pancake House, Dencio's, Kabisera, Teriyaki Boy, Sizzlin' Pepper Steak, Le Coeur De France, Maple, Yellow Cab, Krispy Kreme, Jamba Juice, and Singkit. 

 They also celebrated by giving surprise free meals in random Max's branch all-over the Metro, and with a new heartwarming TV commercial.

"Max's is in our blood," says Jim Fuentabella, Vice President of Corporate Marketing. "The personal connection we have for the brand is what drives us forward, and is what inspires us to cascade the guest-host relationship to all our branches. Generosity and hospitality, which are virtues my lola lived, are messages we want to communicate on all levels."

Congratulations Max's! I'm happy I was there last night to witness another milestone, as you've witnessed a lot of mine too through the years.

For more information and updates, follow Max's Restaurant on FACEBOOK, Twitter @maxsrestaurant, and Instagram @maxschicken.