Portuguese-born and trained, Manuel and Maria Goncalves opened Richlee's Restaurant in September 1991 and it has been a rollicking success ever since. Today equipped with over 40 years experience in the restaurant business, Manuel began his career as a teenager, developing his skills behind the scenes of several prominent restaurants in Portugal. Starting off as a dishwasher, Manuel soon matured into a saucier and eventually secured a position as Maitre d'Hotel at the Ritz in Lisbon. Manuel came to Canada in 1972 with a diploma in wine and began to launch his career (and his aspirations) at such renowned establishments as The Royal York Hotel and Barbarians Steak House. In 1983, Manuel and Maria opened Don Quixote, a two-storey dining experience, where guests enjoyed fine Spanish cuisine and moved upstairs to the large bar where live Flamenco dancers performed well into the night. Richlee's Restaurant, named after their children (Richard, son and Jenilee, daughter), is the culmination of Manuel and Maria's life work and extensive experience. Taking lessons from their parents, Richard and Jenilee have recently taken over the reigns of the business from proud and supportive parents who still remain actively involved at Richlee's. Following strong roots, Richard and Jenilee continue to uphold the same principles of high quality food, exceptional value and warm, attentive service as they welcome devoted patrons and newcomers alike to what many consider their "home away from home".