Spoiler: I’m going to tell you about a date but it ends badly for the guy and with me falling in love with a restaurant. In the 90s, a guy who shall remain unnamed invited to Manuels. I was excited but alas, mystery man turned out to be a dud. Out of the ashes of a terrible date, a beautiful relationship formed -I fell in love with Manuels! Excellent food, impeccable service and a gorgeous patio! My work soon moved down the street and I often took my laptop, got a late lunch and stayed at Manuels to work. A lot of the servers would stop by to chat and wonderful friendships developed. In 2010, I lost my dad and going out to eat made mealtimes a little less sad for mom and I. The quality of the food at Manuels, the friendliness of the staff always contributed to having more joy than when you came in. (Sure, the flan and budin helped but for us, it was a bit like Cheers -“where everybody knows your name” and you know everyone’s name). While we waited for food, mom would pull out her needles and knit hats for the homeless. Walton asked for one and, sure enough, the next time we went in, she delivered it! Nicole was having a baby and mom knit her baby an outfit. This is what family does. We’ve celebrated every birthday at Manuels with the obligatory dessert, surrounded by loved ones and the friendly staff. Holidays, special occasions, family get togethers, work lunches, visitors from out of town – all at Manuels. As the years pass and mom’s health declines, everyone is so attentive and loving to her! They console me when I’m sad, they stop by to ask how she is. Recently, I took mom to the ER right before lunch. We left 8 hours later, hungry and exhausted. I had nothing ready at home so we went straight to Manuels. Kate took one look at me and saw I was on the verge of tears. She took such good care of us that evening that I left feeling a little lighter. Manuels is not about the food. Don’t get me wrong – The food is amazing or I wouldn’t still be eating it 30 years later. It’s the people – from the kitchen staff to the servers and managers. I’m going to forget some names but my life is richer because of you – Alexis, Antonio, Jessica, Jorge, Jose, Kate, Luis, Marco, Miguel, Paulina, Panchito, Sara & all past and current members of the Manuels family! Thank you!! Congrats Greg and Jennifer – thank you for hiring and keeping the best staff!