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The Legend of Max's Maxims

It was during the renovations of this restaurant, we are told by a usually reputable source, that a carpenter discovered in an attic crawl space a stack of newspapers and magazines dating back to the late 1940s. Beneath the moldering pile sat a yellowing journal. On its cover was glued a black-and-white photograph of a large, beaming man in tuxedo pants, white shirt and suspenders. An unknotted bowtie hung casually around his collar. He stood with one foot proudly on the running board of a classic Studebaker convertible, all big creamy curves and chrome. The subject of the picture was muscular and thick-necked, with a mischievous gleam in his eye. He radiated generosity and confidence. He wore a dark thick mustache and a Derby hat set at a jaunty angle. Beneath the picture, in fading ink, was written the title, "The Immortal Maxims of Max Stein."

The carpenter brought the book to the attention of his superiors, who delivered it to restaurant's new owners. It seemed to be a kind of latter-day Poor Richard's Almanac, Ben Franklin's collection of witty apothegms and proverbs. These "maxims," however, drew their inspiration not from such concepts as hard work and frugality, but from the pleasures of food, drink and conviviality.

There was no preface, no introduction, no explanation. On the inside cover was a hand-drawn coat of arms. Beneath the name "Stein," which was lettered in a style reminiscent of Old English script, was a large shield neatly separated into four sections. The sections pictured a field of grain, a leaping fish, a vineyard and a large porterhouse steak sizzling on a grill. The book began with a simple dedication: "To food, to family, to friends and to America!"

No other records of Max Stein have ever been discovered. But, as we at Max Stein's American avidly read the words of wisdom and humor, we came to realize that Max, with his passion for food and life, was our true forefather.

Thus began the Max Stein tradition. We continue to learn from Max's deep knowledge and his appreciation of the finer things of life.

Max Steins American


Maxims
94 Hartwell Avenue, Lexington MA, 02421