Jerome Mendes’ many achievements set in platinum

Leonoras Restaurant at Verna is but one of Jerome Mendes’ many achievements. As he celebrates his platinum birthday today, Café takes a stroll down memory lane, touching upon the myriad milestones this self-made man has achieved
Jerome Mendes’ many achievements set in platinum
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A multifaceted gentleman, Jerome Mendes stands as a testimony to a man’s enormous zest and a curiosity for life that has not dimmed even as he celebrates his 75th birthday today. Easily identifiable with his famed Leonoras Restaurant at Verna, Mendes’ gamut of accomplishments stretches from his own companies in the UK to the many books he has published.

Growing up in Kenya where his father worked, Mendes, as the eldest of six boys, joined the work force at an early age, forgoing his education. But the lack of a formal degree could not hold back this self-made gentleman, who pitted against the odds to achieve not only all his dreams, but share the benefits with others. James Finaly & Co., the company he was employed at in Kenya, saw the potential in this young man. Rearranging his timings to enable him to complete night school, Mendes then migrated to the UK to work in the same company, reaching the post of PA to the CEO. Leaving the company to start his own pharmaceutical company, ‘Comedic’ and sister company of beauty product ‘Juliets’ 40 years back, Mendes has established himself as a successful businessman in UK where he resides in his palatial home in Mitcham, Surrey. Interestingly, Mendes’ residence has hosted many of Goa’s well-known politicians.

Shuttling between Goa and the UK, Jerome decided to set up roots in his village in Verna as well. What ostensibly began as a plot for a house soon developed into a restaurant, ‘Leonoras’ (also on March 18 in 1997), named after his wife Anastasia Leonora. Styled after the British pubs, today, Leonoras Restaurant also houses a ‘Royal Albert Hall’, ‘King’s Pub’, a roof top terrace and a restaurant. A pastry shop, juice centre, business centre, a 12-room Leonora’s Motel and the latest addition ‘Juliet’s Beauty Parlour’ make it a comprehensive visiting place. A private Leonoras beach shack in Benaulim, an under-construction Leonoras Beach Resort and furnished holiday homes in Benaulim, Colva and Panjim are his added business interests in Goa.

Beyond the business persona, Mendes is known as an affable, educated and well-travelled gentleman who has many diverse interests. An art lover and collector, his collections from his various travels are displayed around the restaurant. An avid reader, he penned three books, ‘Marriage: The Art of Living’ (2012), ‘Cancer: The Enemy Within’ (1997) which is drawn from personal experience, and as a foodie his unique bacalhau recipes are encapsulated in ‘Bacalhau, Traditionally Portuguese’. Now in the process of experimenting with Mango wine, he hopes to serve this up soon as well.

 A horse-racing aficionado, two years ago he organised a horse race in the fields of Benaulim. Interestingly, he met his once future father-in-law at a horse racecourse in the UK. Impressed with the elephants in Sri Lanka on a recent visit, he envisages an elephant race in Goa as well. The Sri Lankan visit was two-fold – to pay obeisance to Goa’s St Jose Vaz and to study some of the best tea plantations in the world.

Dismayed at the fact that so many elderly parents are left bereft here while their children reside abroad, Mendes started his St Anthony’s residential homes, which is presently being renovated, behind the Verna Police station ten years ago. His Road Accident Victim Trust also comes to the aid of accident victims with ambulances and assistance to file for compensation.

 Enamoured with Konkani music, songs, movies and tiatr, Mendes was a pioneer in taking Goan artistes and tiatrs to the UK since the 1970s and has over the years promoted many Konkani singers. Similarly, he has bought the rights to a selection of old songs, including Mandos as well as Chris Perry’s music, to put them together in a collection – ‘Bhangarachem Goem’ and ‘Jimmy, Jimmy Moga’.

In keeping with his love for all things local, last Christmas, Mendes went on to sponsor the South Goa Crib Competition, giving away prizes to 25 participants in the process.

But the fulcrum of Mendes’ being is reflected in his family – his wife Anastasia Leonora and two married children William and Sharon. Today as he celebrates a platinum milestone in his life, he looks back at his achievements, that also serve as a stepping stone to those yet to come! 

Herald Goa
www.heraldgoa.in