Netflix star Phil Rosenthal Someone please feed Phil. Creator, writer, and executive producer of the 90s sitcom everyone loves raymond, is teaming up with acclaimed chef Nancy Silverton to open a classic diner called Max & Helen’s in Old Town this summer. Le Petit Greece space on Larchmont Boulevard. The Greek restaurant closed in December 2023 after 35 years. Renovation work on the new restaurant will begin in February. 6,100 sq. ft. Larchmont Village property. soon. Rosenthal and Silverton both live nearby.
“I consider this a passion project for myself,” Rosenthal told Eater during a media onslaught to promote his three projects, including the Season 7 premiere. Someone please feed Phil. His children’s book was published on March 1st. Give it a try, Co-written with his daughter Lily, it will be released on March 5th and is scheduled for a multi-city U.S. tour starting April 11th in Albany, New York.
Rosenthal has invested in a number of restaurants over the years, including Mozza in Silverton and République, the restaurant run by chefs Walter and Margarita Manske, but this is his first time opening a restaurant. Eater LA caught up with the ever-affable Rosenthal to learn more about his new Max and Helen’s, including the inspiration, atmosphere, menu, and more.
On the importance of diners
Phil Rosenthal: I feel like diners are becoming extinct, not just in LA but in America as well. And I think they’re important. Diners can be the center of a community.Perhaps if there were more of these democratic center of our community (which means democratic with a small D), where everyone can afford, where coffee isn’t $6, and where you can sit and chat and get to know your neighbors.
About inspiration
Rosenthal: I was inspired by Palace Diner in Biddeford, Maine Because they took advantage of an old dining car and elevated every item on the original 100-year-old menu with nothing but great ingredients and the chef’s knowledge.It’s on the Maine episode of our show [Season 5, Episode 2].
on site
Rosenthal: Larchmont reminds me of the East Coast, where I’m from. This is one of the neighborhoods in LA that I’m trying to preserve because it has a small-town feel with lots of trees. Thirty years ago, there were several diners on Larchmont Boulevard. As he watched Larchmont Boulevard gentrify, he always wished there was a diner, but it wasn’t until he went to the Palace Palace that he realized how special the diner was. Ta.
in the atmosphere
Rosenthal: So far, we have one note for designers. It is as follows. [Max and Helen’s] You want your diner to look like you found it 100 years ago, even if it means getting antique fixtures and stools for the counter. I think there will also be booths and outdoor patios that can carry over from the world of outdoor patios brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.
it’s on the menu
Rosenthal: Basically, it’s just taking all the comfort foods you’ve known since childhood and taking them to the most delicious level. So, we all know what diner breakfast is, right? Think eggs, bacon, toast, potatoes, and coffee. What if every word I just said was the best thing you’ve ever experienced? Wouldn’t it be memorable? That’s the goal. With Nancy Silverton at the helm, I think we have a chance to get closer to that goal.
About our partnership with Nancy Silverton
Rosenthal: She lives next door, she’s a friend of mine; [the concept] immediately. She is the executive chef and will be designing the menu with me, and we will be experimenting with lots of dishes, fully trusting her abilities.
About Max and Helen Rosenthal
Rosenthal: Max and Helen were my parents. They were immigrants from Germany and appeared in every episode of the TV show. Someone please feed Phil. For the first five or six seasons. And more than that, I honor their spirit with every episode on our Zoom calls. Of course, not because they passed away, but for my father I call with famous funny people who will tell me jokes. I can’t think of a better tribute to them and their legacy. They’re like beloved characters on the show and I like what they represent. We hope you understand that this content is outdated.
Max and Helen’s is located at 127 N. Larchmont Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90004.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
