First Look: Maximo’s Patio

This article details a recent visit to Maximo, a newly opened restaurant in the West University area of Houston, which is a new concept from Local Foods Group and occupies the former El Topo space. The visit took place on a sunny Sunday in April, characterized by pleasant weather. The author and companion, Classic Rock Bob, sought a patio dining experience after attending an open house at the Italian Cultural Community Center in Midtown. The primary focus of the review is Maximo's covered patio, its service, and the dining experience it provides. Upon arrival, the restaurant's counter-service system during daytime hours was noted, although staff promptly provided menus, set the table with plates and cloth napkins, and offered chilled water, exceeding typical expectations for a counter-service establishment. This attention to detail in service was a recurring positive theme throughout the visit. The menu, a collaboration between Local Foods culinary director Seth Siegel-Gardner and former El Topo owner Tony Luhrman, was described as small but carefully curated. The initial drink order included two Maximo margaritas, which were noted for being perfectly frozen and lime-forward, with the regular size offering better value than the larger option. The friendly and attentive staff continued to impress, with a manager explaining that the restaurant transitions to full waiter service at 5 p.m. The interior dining space was also briefly described as inviting, featuring contemporary Southwestern decor with cowboy and cowgirl artwork and burnt orange-velvet booths, complemented by large windows and an open door that create a European cafe ambiance. Food orders included queso and chips to start. The queso, despite including Fresno chiles, was found to be thin and runny, resembling a sauce rather than a dip. However, the accompanying homemade chips were praised, and a smoky, roasted tomato salsa overshadowed the queso in flavor. The main dishes arrived promptly due to the counter-service ordering system. Classic Rock Bob chose the Maximo Plate, which allowed for two tacos (crispy fish and tempura mushroom) and two sides (rice and quinoa elote kale salad). The author ordered the Barbacoa Grilled Cheese, served with a side of escabeche, a flavorful and fresh pickled vegetable mix. The barbacoa in the grilled cheese was exceptionally tender, blending well with the cheese, and even won over Classic Rock Bob, who typically dislikes beef, despite his humorous critique of the bread's butteriness and his subsequent use of the thin queso as a dip. The Tempura Mushroom taco was an innovative vegetarian option, though the fry on the Hen-of-the-Woods mushrooms was a bit heavy. The addition of tiny pickled beech mushrooms and corn nut chili crisp provided a unique flavor profile. The crispy fish taco featured a peach-colored fish, an avocado-pea puree, lime crema, pickled Fresno chiles, and radish, all encased in thick, homemade nixtamal tortillas. The rice side was acceptable but had a slight fish taste, while the quinoa elote kale salad was highlighted as a refreshing and healthy accompaniment. The article also mentions the option of pozole as a soup choice for cooler days. The patio itself received high praise for its comfort and design, featuring upholstered booths with succulent gardens and a linear cactus garden providing privacy and views of the nearby park. Fans, heaters, and decorative lighting ensure it is suitable for various conditions. A second drink, the Red Dawn cocktail made with Urapan rum and prickly pear, was considered less impressive than the margaritas due to excessive ice and a weak flavor. Despite the menu not appearing explicitly kid-friendly, the staff demonstrated flexibility by offering off-menu items like burgers or cheese quesadillas to accommodate families. Overall, the experience was positive, with unique flavors and top-notch service contributing to a successful al fresco meal, indicating that Maximo's patio is a recommended dining spot. #MaximosPatio #HoustonDining #RestaurantReview #PatioDining #LocalFoodsGroup #TexMexCuisine #WestUniversity #HoustonFoodScene #MaximosPatio #HoustonDining #RestaurantReview #PatioDining #LocalFoodsGroup #TexMexCuisine #WestUniversity #HoustonFoodScene

18 months ago

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