Larchmont Village Welcomes New Diner Honoring Family Legacy

Larchmont Village Welcomes New Diner Honoring Family Legacy

Phil Rosenthal, the creator of the beloved sitcom “Everybody Loves Raymond,” is set to open a new diner named Max & Helen’s in Larchmont Village, Los Angeles. This diner pays tribute to Rosenthal’s late parents, Max and Helen, who greatly influenced him throughout his life.

The genesis for this restaurant venture came from a suggestion by Rosenthal’s wife, Monica Horan, after a friend sought investors for a dining project. Inspired by this, Rosenthal made his first investment in the restaurant industry in 2001 with Jar, a restaurant located in Beverly Grove, where he crossed paths with renowned chef Nancy Silverton.

Silverton will serve as the executive chef at Max & Helen’s, and she was quick to agree to partner with Rosenthal on this diner project. The purpose of the diner is to elevate traditional diner staples by utilizing high-quality ingredients and innovative culinary techniques.

Menu Highlights

The menu will feature traditional diner fare reimagined with a modern approach. Some of the standout items include Matzo Ball Soup and “Max’s Fluffy Eggs.” Breakfast will be served all day, offering a variety of choices such as French toast, pancakes, and a bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich. For lunch and dinner, patrons can expect to find a chef’s salad, classic soups including tomato and matzo ball, a selection of sandwiches, and a cheeseburger deluxe.

Guests will also enjoy milkshakes made with Thrifty ice cream and an array of desserts like chocolate pudding and a triple-layer chocolate cake. Rosenthal and Silverton are highly involved in the menu development and are currently conducting taste tests to ensure the offerings meet their high standards.

A Community Space

The design of Max & Helen’s aims to evoke the charm of a 1920s diner, featuring wooden booths and vintage fixtures that create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Rosenthal’s daughter, Lily, has taken on the role of creative director, overseeing the diner’s design and ambience.

Rosenthal envisions this diner as more than just a business venture; he sees it as a significant contribution to the community and a heartfelt homage to his parents. He believes that diners play a vital role in fostering community interaction and providing a welcoming gathering space for people from all walks of life.

Investment and Future Plans

Over the years, Rosenthal has invested in approximately 25 restaurants throughout Los Angeles, guided more by his passion for dining culture than by business strategy. The opening of Max & Helen’s is tentatively slated for mid-November, although no formal announcement will be made to preserve an element of warmth and community spirit.

This diner concept was inspired by Rosenthal’s experience at the Palace Diner in Biddeford, Maine, recognized for its successful approach to elevating traditional diner food. As Rosenthal strives to address the challenges of gentrification in Larchmont Village, he hopes that Max & Helen’s will serve as a positive addition to the neighborhood and a lasting tribute to his parents.