I am not a writer, but I couldn’t let this occasion pass by without congratulating Manuel’s on an amazing 40 years. Sadly, I have only been a fan for 37 years. On my first day working at 301 Congress, the woman in the office next to mine invited me to lunch at a restaurant across the street—Manuel’s. Born that day was a wonderful friendship and a “thing” for Manuel’s. It was not unusual at all to eat there three or four times a week, sometimes every day. To me, Manuel’s was never just a great restaurant. It became a part of my life story. The day I got married, we went from the courthouse to Manuel’’s for dinner. I have celebrated birthdays, anniversaries, birth of grand babies, and even surviving a Wednesday. I have laughed, cried, mourned, told and kept secrets, and solved many life mysteries sitting at a table at Manuel’s. Ahmad even let us reserve the side room for my retirement party. I was delighted when the second location opened up closer to my home. It was a wonderful place to meet friends or take family out for dinner. Obviously, the food has been consistently delicious, but it has always been more than just great good. I’ve established relationships with some of the staff. Most recently, I celebrated my 75th birthday there with my kids that I had just picked up from Washington. My very very favorite person there is Luis. I always try to sit in his section if I am n town. He truly made me feel like a queen that day., especially when he serenaded me. Even my kids felt like celebrities. It was the highlight of a wonderful celebration and I am so appreciative of my memories of that place. Obviously, it’s my favorite restaurant in the world and I wish you another successful forty years!