X

Max’s of Manila

Digest Kitchen Insider

August 10, 2014

Story By: Dining Out Team | Photos by: Lawrence Tabudlo

Ever wonder what goes on behind the scenes at your favorite restaurant? Well, much credit goes to the many chefs, owners and managers who work diligently day in and day out to make sure Hawaii’s diners have a top-notch dining experience.

This week, Dining Out gets the inside scoop from Max’s of Manila chef Gregorio Delos Santos, who gives us a little taste of Max’s of Manila, and shares just what fuels his culinary drive.

Photo courtesy of Max's of Manila

Photo courtesy of Max’s of Manila

NAME Gregorio Delos Santos
TITLE Chef at Max’s of Manila, Dillingham
YEARS AT RESTAURANT 23 years at Max’s in the Philippines; 5 years in Hawaii

Who or what inspires you as a chef?

I followed in the footsteps of my father, who was very passionate about cooking.

What’s your most popular dish?

At Max’s, our most popular dish is Max’s Fried Chicken and Kare Kare (beef oxtail in peanut stew).

Max's Fried Chicken

Max’s Fried Chicken

What is the biggest compliment you’ve ever received as a chef?

When a guest tells me they’re happy and finds the food Sarap (delicious)! Customers also relay verbal or written compliments to our servers about the food, and sometimes they request for me to come to the table to let me know how much they enjoyed the food.

If you could serve food to a celebrity, who would it be?

I would love to serve the President of the Philippines Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino.

Max’s of Manila

DILLINGHAM BRANCH
801 Dillingham Blvd., Honolulu
599-5033
Daily, 10:30 a.m.-9 p.m.

WAIPAHU BRANCH
94-300 Farrington Hwy., Waipahu
676-1504
Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Sunday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.

Westgate Shopping Center, Waipahu, HI 96797

Honolulu, HI 96817

Ilima Awards
Hawaii's Best