Story
First in the Bake & Shark Game
The Northern Coast of Trinidad boasts some of the most picturesque beaches on the island; none more so than Maracas Beach. No trip along the North Coast is complete without a stop at one of the many food vendors located on Maracas Beach. One such vendor (Uncle Sam), stands out as not only a place to eat great tasting food but also somewhere to rest and enjoy the company of friends and family. Uncle Sam’s Bake and Shark has a taste unlike any other and is preferred by many who flock to this idyllic setting. Although many believe that bake and shark always existed, the truth is that the original recipe was crafted over fifty years ago in the Maracas Bay Village by Adelta Pierre, mother of Michael Pierre, now known as the ever popular Uncle Sam.
Mrs. Pierre had eight children, and in order to feed them, she would approach the fishermen who came in with their daily catch and collect all the sharks they were about to throw back into the sea. She would carefully prepare the meat for her children who seemed to enjoy it very much. Adelta was resourceful, with an entrepreneaurial mind and she began experimenting with different ways of preparing the fish on her coal pot. She would evaluate her cooking by offering shark and hops bread (buns) to the taxi/bus drivers and their tourist charges who came to the area. Everyone loved the taste of her shark & hops bread and Adelta decided to turn her newly engineered dish into a business. She began to charge six cents for it, later raising it to eight cents. At the beginning, like many pioneers, she was highly criticized, but only because the villagers believed a long-standing myth that sharks sometimes ate humans and were therefore unfit for human consumption. Adelta persevered and continued experimenting with her dish, eventually creating the renowned delicacy that is “Fried Bake & Shark.” She then added a variety of condiments, which served to enhance the taste even more. Over the years, her popularity grew and she was able to provide a better standard of living for herself and her children. She even saved enough money to purchase the property where the Maracas Gas Station now stands. Now, more than five decades later, the famous coal pot, where it all began, can be seen at the Uncle Sam Restaurant & Bar, Upper Maracas beach.
While his mother was struggling to make ends meet, Michael was having a hard time himself at school, dealing with friends who liked teasing him. His nickname was Sambo, a character from a reading book, but by the time he left school and started working as a lifeguard, everyone was calling him Sam. At age 22, Sam was married and owned a small, run-down shop on the same spot Uncle Sam now occupies. He and his wife, Kamini, decided to add his mother’s Bake & Shark menu to the other items they were selling, and taking $280 he made as a lifeguard, they invested in kitchen items. Under Adelta’s guidance, they then began making and selling Bake & Shark. The rest is history….
The business grew and when it came time to give the establishment a name, someone suggested they call it Uncle Sam. The name has stuck ever since. Having the foresight to take the business to a whole new level, Uncle Sam expanded it into an extremely viable commodity. Nestled on over 2 acres of land, Uncle Sam & Son’s Restaurant and Bar is home to the original, unmatched, finger-licking taste of Fried Bake & Shark and offers a host of other tasty delights such as Fried King Fish, Shrimps, Salmon, Butter Fish, Boneless Chicken & Chicken Wings, Aloo/Potato Pies,etc. Uncle Sam bravely boasts of being a one stop shop for all those foodie enthusiasts or anyone looking for a tasty, filling meal on the beach.
Due to an overwhelming response, another branch, known as the “Uncle Sam Beach Deck,” was opened recently at Maracas Bay beach facility on the western end of the beach. This new “Beach Deck” gives patrons a true, tropical atmosphere combined with the cool, comfort of outdoor dining and is already considered “the place to visit when on the beach.” Families can now sit, sip cocktails and socialize as they enjoy the local culture of live pan music, while viewing the latest sports and other various events on LED screens, strategically placed throughout the outlet.
As an introductory offer at the “Uncle Sam Beach Deck,” Uncle Sam took customer satisfaction to yet another level, offering Combo deals on menu items, inclusive of beer and cocktails’ specials. This offer is still ongoing.
Uncle Sam leads the community in providing employment to the villagers and is always ready to assist those in need. For the past 20 years he has held an Annual Christmas Party for the children of Maracas and neighbouring communities. From Maraval, Santa Cruz, Las Cuevas, Blanchisseusse and beyond, they arrive by the bus loads in maxi-taxis for this special event. It is a sight to behold; hundreds of children accompanied by their parents descend into Uncle Sam’s establishment for an afternoon of fun and enjoyment. For many of these children, this is the only opportunity they have to receive gifts presented by Santa. No-one is turned away and every child receives a gift. Uncle Sam also provides Bouncy Castles, ice cream, popcorn and other treats for the kids. When asked about the reasons for his generousity, Uncle Sam’s face lights up as he explains, “I have lived in Maracas all my life and would not be here now without the support of the people. I remember growing up without most things that people take for granted. Giving the kids this treat is my way of bringing happiness to those who might be in the same situation I once was.”
A true community leader and business visionary, Uncle Sam also organizes various events during the year, including an Easter Football Competition, held on the beach directly opposite his establishment. Over a three day period, teams compete in a 5-a-side tournament for cash and prizes following which, a huge party called Sand Dance Cooler Party is held by Uncle Sam. Following Carnival, the Ash Wednesday Cooldown takes centre stage at Uncle Sam with hundreds gathering to party and listen to various guest artistes performing. For the summer holidays, an “August Summer Splash” gives visitors and students the opportunity to enjoy one last fling before returning to their daily routine and studies. Diwali celebrations presents Uncle Sam with another reason to give to the community. On that day, the business closes early and Uncle Sam distributes roti, free of charge, to anyone coming to the establishment. Uncle Sam also reached out to flood victims affected by the heavy rains during last year’s rainy season. He organized a calvacade of vehicles filled with hampers, and together, with a police escort, delivered the much needed supplies to affected residents in Sangre Grande and outlying areas. This humanitarian effort was so well received that, in one district, the vehicles were literally swarmed by residents seeking aid.
Uncle Sam is constantly seeking ways to take his business to a higher plateau and has plans for a series of new and exciting innovations. The first being, introducing the Beach Bar to Social Internet Networking where Locals & Foreigners can now book the facility online for private functions such as Weddings, Parties, Concerts & After Work Lime’s etc.
The second being; creating external, concert-designed bars along the periphery of the venue to introduce Uncle Sam’s all new cocktail experience. Uncle Sam also seeks to attract tourist participation in various nightly entertainment activities like Limbo Dancing and to this end would create various themes like Tropical Nights, complete with Live Entertainment & Buffet Style Dining. Additionally, he plans to enhance the beach, Sunday Party Experience with the introduction of an array of Local & International Artistes, Radio Station Promotions, Bike Shows, Car Shows, Ms.Maracas Bikini Competitions, etc. Details of these events and activities are being finalised and due to begin shortly.
Currently, Uncle Sam and his wife, Kamini, oversees the operations of both branches, although their children, Matthew, Mark and Emily play an important role in the day-to-day operations, able assisted by a well trained staff. During the carnival season,the brand can be seen at many popular, Carnival All Inclusive’s such as Moka, Hilton and UWI. No visit to the Maracas’ sandy shores can be complete unless you taste the world famous Bake & Shark from Uncle Sam Bake & Shark.
