Martin's Corner in Betalbatim needs no introduction. But, the story of Carafina Pereira, the hand that began rocking three cradles and cooking for thousands, is a journey of faith that God exists, and so it needs to be told.
“In the beginning, I used to ask God to provide me with enough to survive a day. I had three young sons to look after, and as they grew, my trust in God started growing, and that explains my relationship with God,” says Carafina, the lady who today sits over an empire worth millions.
At 76, now a grandmother to seven, Carafina’s connect with the Almighty has reached a point that her “faith in God cannot be explained”.
“I never asked for money, and never thought we would reach where we are today,” explains Carafina, whose dominance in the kitchen is still evident.
"As I saw my sons growing up, I had a dream to see them live together with me. We had just a small house that we half-converted into a restaurant. We suddenly got a chance to buy a plot, and it was the second time my connect with God took a different dimension,” recalls Carafina.
“I never asked for these riches. I asked for enough to keep us alive, and today, I keep asking God why he has done so much for me,” reveals an emotional Carafina.
The story of Carafina is not just about her relationship with the Almighty, but about how she has managed to inculcate a sense of goodness in her family through her three sons – Pobre, Jose and Bonny – each one with a story of his own.
Pobre, the eldest wants to develop a connect with nature – keeping the fields in the village green. “I wanted all the boys of the village to get back to the fields and keep the produce of our state alive,” says Pobre, who is instrumental in keeping the supply of pure vinegar and coconut feni – known as maddi in south Goa – flowing.
“My mother uses pure vinegar and travelled all over Goa in search of it, until we reached a farm near Sanguem,” admits Pobre, as he sips tender coconut water in the 20-odd acre farm from which they produce vinegar, tender coconut and coconut feni – all pure and available at Martin's Corner.
Jose, the second son, believes his wealth is in his genes and tries to preserve what is there. If access to Betalbatim beach is verdant and devoid of any hotel or construction, it is because Jose refused to sell his land – which happens to be prime location – to realtors.
“I used to accompany my father to the fields when I was young, and remember stories of how my grandfather toiled on this land. Hence, when we were approached by builders, I was categorical that I wouldn’t sell my share,” says Jose proudly.
“The wealth of my forefathers cannot be bought. This is my gold that can be enjoyed by all,” says Jose as he steps into his paddy field, which he refused to surrender.
The positivity of Carafina shines through her youngest son, Bonny, in his interactions with people.
“People look at me as being part of a rich family, but, I learnt from my mother that richness is each one’s love for God,” says Bonny, as he sprays holy water around the restaurant.
Pobre, Jose and Bonny may be Amar, Akbar, Anthony to Carafina because the three, in their own way, believe that caring is sharing.
“I asked God for little, but He has given me everything, and that is why, I have asked my sons to always be together.”
“We could start more restaurants, but then, I know that God will ask me, why I have become greedy and I will need to hide my face in shame. And, I am not ready to lose God for money,” says the lady who asked for a meal every day and despite the wealth, cannot think of life without the Divine.
If anything, the story of Carafina Pereira should be the main dish at Martin's Corner.