What often gets around in the sprawling Salunke Vihar colony is ``ask Vali.'' For Valentine Mendonca not only runs a delectable food joint, Dime `n' Dine, but also happens to be a `Mr Fix-It' for the numerous unsolvables life poses.Putting his catering course knowledge to utility, Mendonca started the restaurant in 1987 and has never looked back since. ``When I planned this venture, it was risky because there wasn't much scope to run a food joint in a residential area. I figured I would do okay if at least a small percentage visited, or make enough by selling ice-creams and soft drinks. Today, I have a good business and almost 60 per cent of it is through takeaways,'' says Mendonca. Word has it that `Vali', as he is popularly known, plays agony uncle to turbulent youth. Shrugs Mendonca, ``I like to help people. If someone sees fit to confide in me, I am willing to help. At times when people are feeling down, I might ask them if there is anything wrong. Perhaps it is because I am young and can understand them better. I never interfere.''Come evening and the place is filled with a motley gathering of all age groups. It is a kind of official meeting place for colony members. ``When I talk to people, I gather their tastes, and accordingly, have their food served. It is very difficult in this business to satisfy everyone's tastes. But people do call and tell me how much they have enjoyed the food,'' says Mendonca. He maintains that while these gatherings are fun, the noise is toned down when there are families. Beverages are normally not allowed. He adds, ``My restaurant runs well because those who come here are very co-operative.''Besides his regular eatery, Mendonca also caters for weddings and parties, with a home-delivery service that extends to Fatimanagar. He serves both Chinese, Indian and Goan food on order, and being health-conscious, his recipes do not include anything spicy and oily.Indeed `Vali' is a household name in the locality. He manages to find time to hobnob with the youngsters or talk to the guests, participate in colony activities, play football with the kids or help organise festivals.He is also a local guardian to youngsters from all over the country. Parents call and leave messages, trusting their offsprings under his care.Mendonca brandishes a calm exterior. ``I do my best and am friendly with my customers. Of course, I know where to draw the line. I am not unnecessarily worried and that is also the reason for my good health,'' he says. Mendonca is happy with the way things are and plans to expand his business in time. Until then, Valentine Mendonca goes on playing the cook-cum-counsellor.
