#LoveManuels and #Manuels40th Anniversary In 1990, when I was 18, I was dating this hot guy named Sebastian. He was Mexican but didn’t speak too much Spanish. He took me to Manuels one night for dinner and I was so taken aback by how this Mexican food was a world away from the “Mexican-Tex-Mex” I’d grown up eating in Austin. The quiet, classy ambience and sultry music they played that night, along with the unforgettable mole knocked me off my feet. Fast forward to 2024 and my recent experience at Manuels begs the question “Adrienne, where have you been eating all these years and why have you been away so long??” I was there to hear Tejas Bohemio sing some old classic American and Spanish songs with acoustic guitar accompaniment, and I had the pleasure of meeting bar tender Alexa, manager Sarah, head waiter Antonio, our waitress Esther, and Jennifer McNevin. Everybody was so genuine, warm and welcoming without being over the top or intrusive. Everyone was just easy, down-to-earth and welcoming in a way that wasn’t business toned but more family and friends toned. I had the most amazing time!!! Starting with the drinks, Alexa mixed the freshest 310 Margarita I’ve ever had and then came the chips! They were so crispy and really tasted fresh. My waitress Ester suggested I order the Wild-caught-tuna, and although I’m not a huge fan of tuna, I decided to get it. It did not disappoint! It was so tender, and not at all dry or undercooked either. It was really just right. It came with this chipotle and lime cream sauce, and it was spectacular. But the real star of the evening was the coconut crusted flan. Let’s just say you need to stop everything you’re doing right this second, pile into your car with friends in tow, and order the flan. TOO DIE FOR!!!