It must be at least 7-8 years since I’ve been to Maxine’s on Shine. I remember it being a funky, quirky spot, but in all honesty, I don’t remember what I ordered or how it was. It was on this year’s Magical Dining list, and when we were scheduling a girls’ night, I threw it out as one of the options.
Side Note: Magical dining is a great annual event the city holds, like a Restaurant Week. Select restaurants offer a three-course prix-fixe menu at $40 or $60, with a portion of the proceeds going to a good cause. I was able to do a few Magical Dining menus this year, reviews to come. Next year, if I’m able, I’ll be more timely about the posts.
The Parking: One of my least favorite parking options. I was able to get a prime spot right in front because I got in early, before opening. There is no dedicated parking. It’s nestled in a residential part of town. So you’re competing for parking with locals. Basically, each of the 3 of us who met up parked on a different block. I recommend carving out time to find parking.
The Atmosphere: As quirky as I recall. I wound up booking standard seating, which means whatever is available. It was a rainy, busy day, and they didn’t have seating inside. We were sat on the patio, and thankfully it was just a little drizzly. Being snug in a neighborhood, this place does have a cozy vibe, with a dive feel.
The staff was attentive, with big personalities. It felt fitting with the theme. They came around often to top off the water and change out the napkin coasters when it got too wet. Given how busy they were, it was good to see them on top of things, just a bit much when you’re trying to have a girls’ night.
The Food: I obviously went with the magical dining menu. One of my friends did as well, and our other friend went for the lobster roll, which honestly may have been the best of the bunch. We started with the cheese cigars on the main appetizer menu, a couple of crispy spring roll wraps filled with a cheese medley and pomodoro. Two of us were a bit confused by the flavor. To be honest, I was a little thrown because I was kind of expecting a mozz-type situation. It tasted to me like Boursin cheese. Very herbalicious. Not quite my cup of tea, but interesting to try.
For my pre-fixe picks, I chose the Maxine’s duo, a couple fried green tomatoes, and Key West-style crab cake with a side of jalapeno cilantro aioli as my appetizer. Followed by the wagyu filet of sirloin au poivre for dinner, ending with the salted caramel cheesecake for dessert. I’ve only had fried green tomatoes a few times, and I thought these were good. A bit salty, as was the crab cake. I enjoyed the crab cake much more. I appreciated how much crab meat was in the small patty. The aioli wasn’t for me, it was a bit too earthy tasting. I didn’t think either needed it, though.
Have to preface, I had just gotten my period, and was highly craving the steak. I’m not a big meat and potatoes girl, but it was on my mind. I’d been waiting all day to have it. Unfortunately, it was not it. I order my steaks medium, not too dry or rare, and a good piece of steak medium remains juicy and tender. Especially a waygu, I expected it to be borderline melt-in-your-mouth. This felt a bit too cooked. It was on the dry dense side, and required quite a bit of chew. The sides were mashed potatoes and green beans. I enjoyed the green beans. Seasoned well, with a nice crunch. I was confused and and disappointed with the mashed potatoes. They were starchy rather than creamy. I didn’t enjoy it.
Before dessert, I did try a couple things from my friend who also particpated in magical dining. She got the seasonal soup, which was a seafood soup. I don’t recall what all was in it, but I was not a fan. It was a tomato broth and was very fishy. She upgraded to the lobster ravioli which I thought was a solid option. The scallops in that dish, was probably one of the best bites of the night. That’s aside from… dessert.
We had the salted caramel cheesecake and key lime pie. Both were fantastic. The cheescake was velvety, creamy, and delightful. I thought the key lime pie was lovely as well. Sometimes I find key lime pie can be a bit much, too sweet or too tart, and I found this one to be perfectly balanced.
So skip everything, and get the desserts? Just kidding. My other friend who got the lobster roll and fries seemed to enjoy it. She had the right idea.
I really do love the neighborhood feel of this place. It’s laid back and not pretentious. However, I can’t deny I was very dissatisfied by my meal. I’m not sure if there are dishes they are known for, or if it’s more of a lax hang spot. I hate to say it, but I am rather okay if it’s another 7-8 years before I go again.
Rating: 4.7/10
Address: 337 Shine Ave, Orlando, FL 32803
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