Maximo Bistrot Local frequently makes Mexico City’s dining guides. The restaurant even rated #20 on Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants List 2018. However, it took a more personal exploration of Chef Eduardo García’s small Roma Norte cafe to inspire my visit. García appeared on the “Tacos” episode of Ugly Delicious, the Netflix show from David Chang and Peter Meehan. Chef García shared his heartbreaking story about getting deported from the U.S. He settled in Mexico City. He opened Maximo and dedicated the small kitchen to preparing seasonal Mexican ingredients. During my memorable lunch, García was in the kitchen with his head down, focused.

I enjoyed every plate and bowl at Maximo Bistrot, but was particularly impressed with the day’s only special: stone crab claws from the coastal Mexican state of Tabasco. No, stone crabs aren’t limited to South Florida. García plated hot, sweet cracked claws in a shallow pool of melted butter with rich mayo for dipping and a lemon wedge for squeezing.

During my Mexico City stay, my wife and I also enjoyed a meal at Lalo!, Maximo Bistro nearby sister restaurant, where we enjoyed plates like tacos with huevos and escamoles (ant eggs), a seasonal delicacy. Stone crab claws are probably an easier sell than escamoles, but further demonstrated Chef García’s wide range.