Eager to Skip the Wait at Phil Rosenthal’s L.A. Diner? The ‘Everybody Loves Raymond’ Creator Wants to Do You One Better

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Max & Helen’s is notorious for not taking reservations. Even Steven Spielberg has to wait in a line that, earlier this year, was deemed the longest in L.A. history. But what if there’s a way to not only get in without waiting, but to double down and secure a private table with Phil Rosenthal himself. Turns out, there is.

In August of this year, Rosenthal and Marriott Bonvoy unveiled their latest partnership: the launch of three exclusive “Moments” hosted by the creator of Everybody Loves Raymond and YouTube’s Somebody Feed Phil. For context, these Moments offer members access to once-in-a-lifetime experiences across the globe by using their points accumulated from travel and other activities. These experiences include festivals and concerts, themed weekends away, private chef dinners, behind-the-scenes access to major sporting events and, now, a trio of trips curated and accompanied by Phil Rosenthal.

The partnership officially kicked off in Paros, Greece at the end of September, marking Rosenthal’s very first time in the country. Next up: a culinary tour through New Orleans this December (bidding is now open through Oct. 29). Then, in January 2027: the City of Angels (bidding will open Tuesday, Oct. 20).

L.A. is home to Rosenthal, his family and, of course, Max & Helen’s, the elevated Larchmont Village diner he created with James Beard Award-winning chef Nancy Silverton, which Phil’s daughter, Lily, runs alongside her chef husband, Mason Royal. Ever since its November 2025 opening, Max & Helen’s is easily one of the hottest tables in town.

A couple weeks back, The Hollywood Reporter visited Paros for a firsthand look at the inaugural September Moment. Throughout the three-night stay at the brand-new Oroséa, Paros, Autograph Collection, Rosenthal graciously hosted 12 Marriott Bonvoy members (six winning bidders and each of their plus-ones). Unsurprising to anyone, Rosenthal is a best-in-class host. Even more, he’s one of the most authentically good people you’ll ever meet. In fact, his whole family is.

“I always say, the best thing about travel is sharing it with other people,” Rosenthal tells THR during our stay at Oroséa. “I’m the luckiest guy you’re ever going to interview. That’s honestly how I feel.”

During the journey through Paros, we dined, sipped wine and sailed the Aegean with the TV legend and his remarkable wife Monica Horan Rosenthal. It was everything you’d hope it would be and more — as were they.

“I’m older now; I’ve been around. I’ve had success; I’ve had failure. And I want to tell you, success is better,” he chuckles. “To have this come at this point in my life — it’s amazing.”

Looking ahead, the NOLA Moment, taking place Dec. 2 through 4, will take members on a culinary tour through one of Rosenthal’s favorite food cities in the world. In addition to good eats and lots of premium bourbon, guests will enjoy a two-night stay at The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans. There are six packages available (with two tickets per package), and bidding closes on Oct. 29 at 9 a.m. PT/12 p.m. ET.

Finally, the trio of Moments closes out with the L.A. package, running from Jan. 22 to 24, 2027. Join Rosenthal for a pizza-making class at Pizzeria Mozza, the restaurant of his longtime friend and aforementioned collaborator, Nancy Silverton; enjoy a two-night stay in a King Neighborhood View room at The Hollywood Grande, Autograph Collection; and step inside Max & Helen’s for a special breakfast for dinner — wait not included — with the best date you could ask for. Bidding opens at moments.marriottbonvoy.com on Tuesday, Oct. 20. Non-members can join for free at marriott.com.