Max and Mo’s: The new kids on the block

BY KYLE NELSON

The few times I stopped into Renaissance Plaza on Pine Island and Griffin, I thought to myself, ‘wouldn’t it be great if there was a restaurant here?’

Now there is.

Max and Mo’s opened on November 6 and has been booming with business ever since. Since opening its doors, they have seen a constant flow of customers from opening to closing. With tableside service starting at 7:00 am and ending at 4:00 pm, the restaurant offers all of the breakfast and lunch foods that an authentic New York deli would, with a twist.

Owner Jonathan Rapp named Max and Mo’s after his two sons Maxi and Milo. Through this, he explained that he hopes to create a family environment where a familiar face can always be seen. Located on Pine Island and Griffin, the location could not be more perfect for Cooper City residents. Lucky for Cooper City High students, it is a short two minute drive east of CCHS, so it works out perfect for an after-school meal.

The overall ambience is pleasant right from the start of a visit. With stainless steel and grey accents, the interior gives off the sophisticated vibe of a Deli set in fifth avenue Manhattan. The staff is welcoming and helpful, making the dining experience comfortable. Even with the urban and unfamiliar decor, when a customer walks into Max and Mo’s they will most likely hear and see aspects that correlate with a small town deli. Some of the familiar sights include staff hollering out names of regular customers as they walk in the door, waiters talking to customers about recent local sporting events and the memorable sizzle of a piece of bacon on the grill. All in all, the staff does a delightful job of keeping customers engaged and comfortable.

Even more important than the staff, however, is the food. All bagels are made fresh and on site. The quality is unmatched, and the restaurant offers bagels from all over the flavor spectrum. From everything style to cinnamon raisin, and topped with lox, plain cream cheese, peanut butter or chive schmear, there is an option for everyone.

Whether ordering breakfast or lunch, Max and Mo’s will surely impress. For breakfast, a personal favorite is the chicken and waffles. Served on a real skillet pan, the presentation is remarkable. The chicken is fried to absolute perfection and the waffle is undoubtedly the fluffiest I have ever tried, not to mention with a drizzle of Vermont maple syrup, the dish is one that a customer cannot go wrong with.

For lunch, the Jewish-style delicatessen serves some of the best sandwiches in town. A personal favorite of mine is the grilled pastrami sandwich that Max and Mo’s has named ‘The Rachel.’ Along with thick slices of pastrami, ‘The Rachel’ is topped with Swiss cheese, sauerkraut and served with Russian dressing; it is not only a New York staple, but it is delicious.

All in all, with its inviting and aesthetically pleasing atmosphere, combined with stellar and authentic Deli food, Max and Mo’s makes for a great place to catch a quick bite to eat, or sit down and enjoy a quality meal with family.

Photo by Ben Milgram