Rate-A-Restaurant, #85 in a series

Restaurant: Max's of Manila

Location: 313 W. Broadway (Glendale)

Type of restaurant: Filipino/fried chicken

We stipulated: Maria's brother and his family are in town, so it was time to get together for a midweek dinner. Barrio Fiesta was out of the question, because for some unknown reason both Southern California locations have shut down. Max's is good for huge parties, like the family, and doesn't mind kids running around.

They stipulated: With such a large group, ordering off Max's special set menu is recommended.


Max's crispy chicken

What we ordered: Max's set menu 3 is recommended for a party of ten ($139) and includes: Max's fried chicken; soup of the day; Miki Bihon Pancit (blending of thick and thin noodles stir-fried with vegetables, pork, chicken and shrimp); Kare-kare (stewed oxtail simmered in a rich peanut sauce until tender; served with vegetables like eggplant); lechon kawali (pork belly deep-fried until crisp and golden brown, keeping the inside meat tender); steamed rice and choice of dessert (we took the leche flan). Also, to drink: Sago't Gulaman (tapioca and gelatin, mixed with brown sugar syrup and banana extract over shaved ice).

Kare-kare

Pancit Canton

High point: Getting the Sago't Gulaman may seem like a little bit of a splurge, but it's well worth it. Especially if you order it before the food comes. Meanwhile, Max's chicken is always decent -- particularly with rice and a little banana ketchup.

Low point: But warning: If you're not into eating the skin, as I'm not, it may get a little messy.

Overall impression: The history of Max's is an interesting one. From their website:

In 1945, after World War II, American occupation troops stationed in Quezon City, Philippines were befriended by Maximo Gimenez, a Stanford-educated teacher. A few came to his nearby house for a drink or two, until they insisted that they pay for their drinks.

Maximo decided to open a cafe which served chicken, steak and drinks. He was joined by Mercedes his wife, and Felipa, his sister-in-law. His niece Ruby managed the kitchen, joined by her husband Claro. Ruby concocted a special recipe for chicken that was adored by the G.I.s., and they kept coming back for more. Soon enough, the Filipino public heard about the delicious chicken -- tender, juicy, and crispy -- and they came too!

Most of the time, we get Max's chicken to go on the way to Maria's mom's house. But Max's works well as a spot for a big party -- such as the whole family gathering together -- and is especially kid-friendly. Which means for once we didn't have to worry about Evan running around the place.

Chance we will go back: Max's is an extended family stand-by, so we'll be back.