I first had Max's in Los Angeles as a result of marrying into a Philippine family. So when we went to the Philippines, it was only natural to make a pilgrimage to the source.

Max's offers a wide variety of Filipino dishes. Don't expect pretty or particularly healthy, but do expect really great food.

For breakfast I favor the longsilog (Filipino pork sausage) and tocilong (sweetened pork) plates, served with really good garlic fried rice and eggs. The tapsilog (grilled sliced sirloin) can be a little dry. For the more adventurous eaters, I am told the bangsilog (baby milkfish) is really good. Top it all of with some hot chocolate and you are good to go.

For lunch, the fried chicken is the house specialty. I also like the pork adobo and the pancit, a traditional noodle dish. You can't go wrong with any of these. In fact, get all three and eat them family style.