Winner, Winner, Fried Chicken Dinner!

AT MAX’S OF MANILA, “Chicken Love” is indeed all you need.

Upon launching his own cafe in 1945, Maximo “Max” Gimenez could not have envisioned the global reach his cuisine enjoys seven decades later. Diners continue to flock to Max’s of Manila as the restaurant celebrates its 70th anniversary with a special can’t-miss “Chicken Blowout” deal in celebration of Max’s “Chicken Love.”

A Stanford University-educated teacher, Gimenez opened Max’s Restaurant in Quezon City, Philippines, after soldiers he had befriended during World War II frequented his house for drinks. The cafe initially served chicken, steak and beverages, and the soldiers grew fond of the signature chicken that was — and still is — tender, juicy and crispy. Max’s became known as “the house that fried chicken built.” And the attribute lives on.

“We receive great feedback on our food, and guests are finding that the taste of our dishes is very attractive,” says Maly San Luis, general manager of Max’s. “We offer a friendly, clean and inviting environment, and make first-timers feel very comfortable by walking them through the menu and suggesting dishes they will enjoy.”

Max’s of Manila has grown in popularity as Island residents and visitors frequent the Dillingham Boulevard and Waipahu locations. Customers pack the house for a wide assortment of favorites, including the ever-popular fried chicken.

In honor of the restaurant’s 70th year, Max’s is again offering its annual “Chicken Blowout.” On Tuesday, Oct. 20, customers will receive half off the regular price of $14.75 on a whole Max’s Fried Chicken — and only will pay $7.38. In contrast to competing establishments that bread or batter their chicken prior to frying, Max’s chicken is marinated and deep fried, which results in a crispy, golden brown skin that locks in flavor and keeps the meat tender.

The special deal is available for both dine-in and take-out customers. Pre-orders can be made for the delectable chicken, and San Luis estimates that more than 1,200 of the specials are sold at each Hawaii location via the anniversary celebration.

“This is our seventh year offering the Chicken Blowout special and it’s been so successful that we’ve continued it,” says San Luis. “It’s our way of saying ‘thank you’ to our existing customers, while also allowing new customers to try it. Max’s was founded on its fried chicken, and from there branched out to feature full-fledged Filipino cuisine.”

Pancit Canton ($9.50) is another Filipino favorite that has drawn rave reviews from diners and serves as one of the most popular menu selections. The dish features egg noodles made fresh daily, sautéed with vegetables, pork, chicken and shrimp. Customers also prefer Lumpiang Shanghai ($8.50), which includes a delicious mix of ground pork and vegetables rolled in pastry wrappers, deep fried and served with sweet-and-sour sauce.

San Luis also recommends Sizzling Tofu ($9.50), a blend of cubed tofu with chopped onions, red and green bell peppers and a special sauce served on a sizzling plate topped with chilies. Fish Fillet in Black Bean Sauce ($12.75) represents one of the restaurant’s most popular seafood selections and features lightly breaded fish gently sautéed with black beans, special spices, ginger and bell peppers, all atop a bed of Shanghai Pak Choy.

LET THE KEIKI EAT

As a special treat (no tricks here!), Max’s of Manila is offering a special “Kids Eat Free” promotion on Halloween, Oct. 31, from 5 p.m. until closing. Children 10 years old and younger receive a free kid’s meal with a dine-in purchase of $20 or more on a single receipt. The special kid’s meal is composed of Spaghetti and Max’s Fried Chicken. One free kid’s meal is allowed per adult and the deal may not be combined with other promotions or special offers.

COME ONE, COME ALL

Max’s also is primed to host parties and large gatherings!

180 people for the WAIPAHU and 150 people for DILLINGHAM locations are able to accommodate, respectively 30-40 people can be hosted in smaller private rooms at both locations.

Max’s of Manila offers catered trays for outside events, including business meetings, home parties and tailgate gatherings. Whenever Max’s of Manila’s Filipino favorites are involved, you can be assured of a celebratory dining occasion.

Max’s Of Manila

DILLINGHAM
801 Dillingham Blvd., No. 108,
Honolulu
599-5033

Daily, 10:30 a.m.-9 p.m.

WAIPAHU
94-300 Farrington Hwy.,
No. F-1, 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.
MaxsChicken.com