“Fried Chicken and Champagne, Why the Hell not?”

At Champagne Frame of Mind, brunch is a staple. While traveling, we take it upon ourselves to find the absolute best brunch in town and drop by for a taste. When in Austin for SXSW and all its activities, we heard ravings about Max’s Wine Dive and their award-winning cuisine, so naturally we had to stop in.

Listed on countless “Best Brunch in Austin,” lists, Max’s Wine Dive more than lived up to our expectations. Delicious from start to finish, we begun with the restaurant’s famed Fried Chicken and Waffles. Both sweet and savoury with a hint of southern charm, the dish was perfection. With the slogan “Fried Chicken and Champagne, Why the Hell not?” Max’s couldn’t be a better fit for us. Who wouldn’t love comfort food with a side of bubbly?

Then we were on to dessert. We were lucky enough to sample the renowned Kitchen Sink Brownie, which is made up of dark chocolate batter with almond, toffee, marshmallow and pretzels, topped with salted caramel and banana ice cream. The dessert wines, as recommended by the top-tier sommelier, blended with and highlighted the sweets perfectly. We’re drooling as we reminisce.

If you happen to be in Austin, Atlanta, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, or San Antonio, dining at a Max’s Wine Dive is a must. We can’t wait until the Chicago location opens up in Wicker Park this summer. You can expect us to be making the first reservation!

Here’s What CFOM Recommends at Max’s Wine Dive:

1. The Famous Fried Chicken and Waffles

Thigh, leg and breast marinated in jalapeno buttermilk, deep fried low & slow, on a big ol’ waffle

Our notes: Delicious, sweet, savoury. Could you go wrong?

2. Kitchen Sink Brownie

Dark chocolate batter with almond, toffee, marshmallow and pretzels, topped with salted caramel and banana ice cream.

Our notes: It has everything (delicious) but the kitchen sink. Try it with one of Max’s recommended dessert wines, like Warres Otima Tawny 10 year.

3. Argam ‘Reserva’

It is a vibrant, light-bodied, agile sparkling wine. It offers fruit flavors of pears and apples, with toasty notes of subtle anise and orange blossom.

Our notes: This wine smelled amazing and would be the perfect pairing for picnic food. We recommend berries, blue cheese and honey.

4. Cote Mas “St-Hilaire” Cremant Rose Brut

Delicate, yet delicious aromas and flavors of red currants, wild strawberry, blood orange with hints of freshly baked bread and nuances of dried herbs.

Our notes: This fabulously delicious wine, made up of 70% Chardonnay, 20% Chenin Blanc and 10% Pinot Noir.

5. Aubry Champagne

Exotic passion fruit, dried apricots, spices and mango make up this incredible champagne.

Our notes: The Aubry Brut is one of the rare Champagnes that has the body to stand up to heartier foods, which is why it was perfectly paired with the Fried Chicken and Waffles dish.

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