WHO MAKES the best macaroni pie in Barbados? While there are sure to be many who would compete for that accolade, Angela Smith would definitely be a top contender – just ask her customers.
Of course, Smith is better known as Annie of Annie’s BBQ and Grill in Oistins, the last stall next to the tents. For almost 20 years, she has been delighting palates with her specialities – macaroni pie and scalloped potatoes – but these are far from her only offerings.
“Food was always my passion. My father was a good cook. He was doing butler work at that time, going from house to house working for different people and I used to go with him,” Smith said, telling EASY magazine how she started. “That’s where I learned the etiquette of cooking and how to give excellent service.”
From those humble beginnings, Smith knew what she wanted to do in life. However, it took until 1998 before she finally managed to get her chance.
“I was out here [Oistins] from the beginning. Being an entrepreneur was my desire so when the opportunity arose here, I went full speed ahead. I started out in the back. It was hard at first. I used to come here in the evening and not leave until 6 a.m., but then I started to build a clientele,” she said.
At the time, Smith was working elsewhere and could only manage to open a few days per week but it did not take too long for Smith to turn to food full-time.
Even so, she said she almost gave it all up in 2007.
That was when Government was revamping Oistins and building Bay Garden. We had to move across the road over at Granny’s and that took away a year of my livelihood but I persevered,” she said.
Then, in 2008, Annie’s BBQ and Grill reopened in its current location and there has been no looking back since. Currently Smith employs five people and offers a variety of food, including sweet potato fries, soup, cou cou, pudding and souse and, of course, macaroni pie, among a few dishes.
“My speciality is mac pie. People come from miles away for it, even from off island. For years I have been doing pies for tourists to freeze and take away overseas,” she said.
But you do not have to take Smith’s word for it. Easy asked United States visitors Paul and Sue Rowan if what Smith said was true.
“Five years ago we parked across the street, came across here and looked at the menu. Annie mentioned scalloped potatoes and we love that so we tried it and it was the best scalloped potatoes ever and also my husband likes to try the various fish.
“Now, we make sure to come here every Friday night when we are in Barbados. Even if the scalloped potatoes aren’t ready, we sit right here and wait for them. We have never had a bad meal here,” said Sue.
Smith said her menu had diversified much over the years but there was no keeping up with what people asked for. She said her customers have asked for things she doesn’t even prepare – such as sea cat and conch. Even so, her business continues to grow as word of her wondrous cooking skills spread.
Local customer “Stephen” said he had been going to Annie’s for years and the service was always excellent.
“The taste is good, the prices reasonable and the staff is friendly. I heard about it from friends and I have been coming ever since. I mostly go for the marlin. Annie takes care of me. She makes sure I get what I want so of course I would recommend her to anyone else,” he said.
After all her years working and managing her own food business, Smith’s advice to others seeking to do the same was: “First of all, you have to love the business and you have to be patient as you build your clientele. Also hire a staff which can make customers feel welcome, and remember to manage your money so it can turn over. Lastly, put God in front of everything. I am blessed,” she said.