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.