Meet the Chef

Chef Massimiliano Favia was born and raised in Porto Santo Stefano, Tuscany, where his passion for cooking began at a young age. He first honed his culinary skills alongside his beloved grandmother, Nonna Primetta. At 18, he launched his career in the kitchen aboard fishing boats, before transitioning to private yachts, traveling from Italy to Alaska. Chef Massimiliano thrived in this adventurous lifestyle, but his journey didn’t stop there. After relocating to Los Angeles, he started his own private chef business, where he worked for seven years, creating memorable meals for clients. From L.A., he moved to Houston, Texas, where he worked in an Italian restaurant, only for the pandemic to shift his path. A call from a close friend led him to Las Vegas, where he spent three years working at the iconic Bellagio.

A mutual friend introduced him to Mimmo, and it was then that he and his wife, Irene, decided to move to Destin, Florida. Chef Max, as he is affectionately called, was eager to return to the small-town life he missed while living in Las Vegas. Chef Max has been happily married to Irene for four years. She shares his love for food and is an incredible baker. When he’s not at work, they enjoy exploring new restaurants together.

Now part of the Mimmo’s family, Chef Massimiliano brings his boundless energy, passion, and dedication to the kitchen, creating a vibrant and inspiring work environment for all. He is truly an asset to the team, and his enthusiasm for food and life is infectious.

On the Menu

More info coming soon!

About the Wines

Cottanerra Etna Bianco

A pure expression of Mt. Etna, the Etna Bianco is 100% Caricante, an ancient Sicilian white grape variety, thought to have been growing on the volcanic slopes of Mt. Etna for at least a thousand years. Planted at high altitudes on the steep slopes of Mt. Etna, the grapes ripen slowly and steadily throughout the long growing season. On the nose, the Etna Bianco is bursting with citrus notes of lemon and cedar with orange blossom and jasmine. A full-bodied palate is supported by the marked acidity typical of this variety, imparting freshness and a long finish.

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Cottanerra Etna Rosso

The Etna Rosso produced by Cottanera is an excellent interpretation of the volcanic territory of Etna, located in eastern Sicily. The Cottanera winery, with its dedication to enhancing native vines and respecting the territory, offers a wine that captures the authenticity and complexity of the volcanic soil.

This wine has a brilliant ruby red color, with garnet reflections that testify to its youth. On the nose, it offers an inviting and complex bouquet, with notes of ripe red fruits, such as cherries and blueberries, enriched by subtle spicy accents, aromatic herbs and a light mineral note, typical of the volcanic terroir.

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Donnafugata Ben Rye

Ben Ryé 2021 has a golden color with bright amber hues. The very intense bouquet ranges from fruity notes of apricot, yellow peach and candied orange peel to tropical hints of mango and papaya, followed by hints of Mediterranean scrub. On the palate, the fruity hints of aromatic herbs are combined with sweet nuances of honey. Intense and persistent, with an extraordinary balance between freshness and sweetness, Ben Ryè is a captivating Passito di Pantelleria, among wines most popular desserts in the world.

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Donnafugata la bella sedara rosso

Ruby red in color with purple hues, Sedàra 2021 offers a fruity bouquet with hints of fresh red fruit – cherry, black cherry and plum, and spicy notes of black pepper. On the palate, it shows a good structure with soft tannins and a pleasant freshness and juiciness. A pleasant red, versatile in food matching, a glass of quality, perfect for everyday drinking.

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Donnafugata Sur Sur

With a bright straw color, SurSur 2023 offers the nose a fresh bouquet with captivating notes of white pulp fruit (peach and cantaloupe melon) combined with hints of wildflowers and mint. In the mouth, it is soft, with a return of fruity notes combined with pleasant freshness.

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Wine Dinner Photos

Wine Dinner Reservations