Meet Martina Yvette: Youth Advocate & Food Journalist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Martina Yvette and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Martina, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
I am inspired by my community, it’s amazing to see the landscape of Savannah, GA change over time especially when it comes to food. Food is now a lifestyle and it creates conversations and tells a beautiful story about the rich history of my city. I’m really excited about the ability to speak about the various food dishes within my city and to introduce people to local eateries that are not on the beaten path. I love my job as a food journalist.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a journalist by trade and my writing has always kept me motivated. Starting as a spoken-word artist at the age of 13. I was used to being on stages and presenting my works. It wasn’t until I attended college at Savannah State University for undergrad, that I realized that my words could be used as a journalist. I worked for many years in the media industry, but my first love was always in giving back to my community. I experienced many moments of peace by advocating and giving back to my city as a participant in All Walks of Life Incorporated. I now model myself as my mentors once did for me, by serving as a Youth Advocate and Teaching Artist with the Deep Center where I teach creative writing workshops after school. This opportunity allows me to spread my love for food writing with my young people. Though there were many challenges and this path was not linear, I am at the peak of my happiness and I can’t wait to see what happens next. I want the world to know that the worst parts of my stories were my best teachers for life, and that I’m still continually learning and growing within this area. I’m just excited that what I thought would be the end of me, actually made way to a beautiful beginning.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
You asked one of my favorite questions! I love eating in my city and I must say that my favorite brunch spot is the Common Restaurant Bar in downtown Savannah, where they serve a mimosa jam glazed rib and Belgian waffle entrée that doesn’t need any syrup to make it better. We could end our tour there, because you’ll be super full after brunch, but next we must have cocktails at Jen’s and Friends. Jen’s and Friends has a combination of martini’s that are out of this world like their- Rice Krispie Treat martini, Twix martini, or my favorite the Watermelon Lemon Drop martini. You can’t come to Savannah and not have seafood! Why even visit? Let’s travel to Shabazz Seafood Restaurant on West Victory where we’ll have one of the best fish sandwiches in the city along with their signature Malika Shabazz juice. If we have more room to eat, let’s throw in one of their bean pies as well. Last but not least, let’s end with a light meal at Finches Sandwiches and Sundries where we can shop for exclusive crafts, jewelry, and clothing while we dine with a bottle of wine and their delicious grilled cheese sandwich paired with tomato soup. The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to give a huge shoutout to the city of Savannah, GA. I never thought that by coming back to my hometown, I would be granted the opportunity to have a show that focuses on highlighting the Savannah food scene with an emphasis on black Savannah. Hosting Dine and Dash with Savannah Morning News is a great honor! From having conversations with local chefs and patrons who use food as a way of connection and a necessary way to create their own peace. Especially in the brink of Covid-19. To every hand that prepares their unique food items, to the locals and tourists, I just give a big thank you and shoutout to you for embracing me with your loving arms and trusting my suggestions.

Website: https://www.adashofthat.net/

Instagram: a_dashofthat

Other: Check out my latest Dine and Dash videos on https://www.savannahnow.com/ or their Instagram page at @savannahnow.