Had a wonderful time at Mikey's place in Candolim, listening to the film-like life story of never-say-die native entrepreneur and gifted pool player Michael Fernandes (in white T-shirt and jeans) who brought his dream restaurant project to fruition after a long gestation span of eight years, battling massive personal and professional trials on every turn, as also celebrating the smallest of triumphs on the way.
For the first two years, he was a one man show as the counter clerk, chef, server, manager, and housekeeping guy who washed utensils and cleaned the toilets. From the third year, he got two helpers on board and gradually recruited a team of chefs, servers, bartenders, and a music band. Today, Mikey's place is a key landmark of Candolim, well known for its quality ambience, food, drinks, live music, and above all, spot clean toilets.
Also in the snap is Schubert Rodrigues (in brown T-shirt and jeans), the cheerful all-rounder of Mikey's place (Michael's school mate) who is named after the Austrian music legend FranzSchubert of 'Ave Maria' fame. This die hard footballer is a great conversationalist and a self-made entrepreneur in the making. Schubert, we can't wait to visit your dream lunch home project, as and when it is set up in Mapusa.
If Goa has not lost its charm despite the multitude of formidable challenges facing its tourism, it is thanks to local lads like Mikey and Schubert.