News Summary
Los Angeles is set to welcome a new diner named ‘Max and Helen’s’ this fall, created by renowned chef Nancy Silverton in collaboration with Phil Rosenthal. Located in Larchmont Village, the diner aims to modernize classic diner foods while honoring Rosenthal’s parents. The menu will feature milkshakes, burgers, and comfort food staples, reflecting the community-oriented spirit of traditional diners. As culinary experts refine the offerings, the anticipated opening is targeted for mid-October, contingent on inspections.
Los Angeles is set to welcome a new diner, “Max and Helen’s,” this fall, as prominent chef Nancy Silverton teams up with Phil Rosenthal, the host of Netflix’s “Somebody Feed Phil.” The diner, named after Rosenthal’s late parents, Max and Helen, will be located in L.A.’s Larchmont Village and aims to put a modern twist on classic diner foods.
Silverton’s culinary prowess will shine in the menu, which focuses on her interpretations of traditional diner delights. The inspiration for this venture stems from Rosenthal’s experience at the Palace Diner in Biddeford, Maine, which he visited while filming for his show. His encounters there ignited a passion to recreate the warm, community-focused atmosphere of diners.
In their collaborative efforts, Silverton and Rosenthal began by exploring various milkshake recipes at several diners, including the iconic Pie ‘n Burger. Their tasting journey revealed a standout milkshake that was so thick it could be eaten with a fork, made using Thrifty French vanilla ice cream and Hershey’s chocolate syrup. As they refined their approach, they considered a diverse menu offering hamburgers and patty melts, which led to a friendly debate between the two about the necessity of a burger on the menu. Initially resistant, Silverton eventually relented upon trying Rosenthal’s proposed burger dish.
The duo has dedicated considerable time to perfecting milkshake recipes, experimenting with different ingredients and techniques. The selected recipe for Max and Helen’s milkshakes features Thrifty’s ice cream complemented by half and half and milk powder to achieve an ideal texture. Diners can look forward to a variety of milkshake flavors including vanilla, chocolate, peanut butter banana, Oreo, and strawberry.
In addition to milkshakes, the diner will offer a range of other beloved diner staples. Patrons can expect breakfast cereals, fluffy pancakes, French toast, and hot meatloaf plates. A unique highlight of the menu will be a reconstructed version of Rosenthal’s mother’s matzo ball soup, keeping the spirit of home-cooked meals alive.
As of now, Silverton and Rosenthal have not announced an official opening date for Max and Helen’s, but they are aiming for mid-October. This timeline is conditional upon successfully passing necessary inspections.
Rosenthal’s enthusiasm for the diner runs deep, as he sees it as a tribute to the values of his parents and the community they cherished. The aim of Max and Helen’s is to preserve the sense of belonging that classic diners have historically offered, making it a meaningful addition to the Larchmont Village neighborhood.
Overall, the collaboration between Nancy Silverton and Phil Rosenthal promises to bring a new and exciting dining experience to Los Angeles, appealing to both individuals seeking comfort food and those who value a sense of community in their dining choices.
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Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: New Diner Max and Helen’s
- Wikipedia: Diner
- Daily News: Cool Treats
- Google Search: Best Milkshakes
- NBC Los Angeles: David Lynch Memorial
- Google Scholar: Diner Food Community
- Restaurant News: The Straw Milkshakes
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Milkshake

Author: STAFF HERE BEVERLY HILLS WRITER
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