Why did the chicken cross the Woodside road?
An internationally famous, Philippines-based chain known as “the House that Fried Chicken Built” is about to open a branch there…not far from a competitor that’s known for its own Filipino version of drumsticks and breast fillet tenderloin.
A Max’s Restaurant franchise is set to open at 40-09 69th St. in the Little Manila section in April. In other words, foodies have about one month to wait until they can savor the crispy, deep-fried, poultry that’s delicious with banana ketchup or Worcestershire sauce.
Other options include Kare-Kare (Beef Peanut Stew), Dinuguan (Savory Pork Stew in a Gravy of Blood, Vinegar, Garlic, and Spices), Inihaw na Liempo (Grilled Marinated Pork Belly), Pork Sisig (Sizzling Vinegar Pork), Salted Fish Fried with Salted Duck Egg, and Daing na Bangus (Boneless Marinated Milkfish). Vegetarians can order Laing (Taro Leaves in Coconut Milk), Pinakbet (Vegetable Stew), and an Asparagus and Tofu dish.
The menu also features a wide variety of Filipino soups and noodle dishes. Dessert options run from Coconut with Pandan Leaf to Banana wrapped in Pastry with Ice Cream.
Max’s Restaurant dates to 1945, when Maximo Gimenez opened a café to cater to U.S. Army troops stationed in Quezon City. Gimenez had a special recipe for his tender, juicy, crispy chicken that soon became a national treasure. His children and grandchildren expanded operations and created a global brand that has more than 200 franchises, including eight in the Middle East and approaching two dozen in Canada and the U.S. Currently, the closest one to NYC is in Jersey City.
Is A Bird Battle Brewing?
Five blocks away at 62-29 Roosevelt Ave., a Jollibee branch has sold Chickenjoy, the chain’s signature hand-breaded fried chicken with its secret marinade that makes it “juicylicious” and “crispylicious,” since 2009.
It’s the house where “Joy Is Served Daily.”
Jollibee’s savory Yumburger and sweet-style Jolly Spaghetti are also popular and the Peach Mango Pie contains real Philippine mangoes.
Founded in Manila in 1979, the chain has more than 1,400 branches around the world, including at least 70 in North America.
Images: Max’s Restaurant