Max’s Mukhaase African Restaurant
1245 W. Guadalupe Road
Mesa, AZ 85202
A group of eight of us arrived for dinner at 6:00. The
place, while small is comfortable and friendly. We were delighted that Max personally
came out to wait on our table.
Most of us started off with soft drinks. I had a homemade
ginger beer (non-alcoholic) with mango juice. For those not familiar, ginger
beer is like a hyped up ginger ale, made with lots of real ginger and very
spicy. This was a terrific drink that was made for sipping and not drinking.
Powerful but delicious.
I ordered a plate of fried plantains with peanuts for the
table. When my bill arrived later, it was not on the bill, and I told Max that
he made a mistake. He informed me that it was on the house.
Main courses were varied and were, for the most part
enjoyed by all. I ordered goat soup with fufu (pounded starch in the shape of a
large dumpling). It was totally delicious. Companion ordered peanut butter soup
with chicken, which was not enjoyed as much because of the oil that was
released from the peanuts that floated to the top.
Another companion ordered a goat stew, which was
accompanied by a mixture of beans and rice and was pronounced very good. Yet
another companion ordered tilapia which was nicely fried and plated.
Also ordered was fried rice and chicken which was quickly
devoured.
I also ordered a homemade ginger beer with pineapple that
was a wonderful accompaniment to my goat soup.
By the end of the meal we were all so stuffed that we
could hardly move.
The place is clean, and service is on the slower side due
to each dish being made to order.
I must add that Max is a terrific host. He seems to
always have a smile on his face, and will do whatever is necessary to make his
guests happy.
4 stars for excellent food, good service, and the big
smile on Max’s face.
