
Marie Elena Martinez
Newsday FeedMe reportermarieelena.martinez@newsday.comMy first print byline came in 2010 as a freelancer for Newsday’s travel pages. I had recently left my job as a literary publicist and spent years traveling around the world solo, learning, eating and connecting with people of various backgrounds, cultures and customs. I wanted to share those stories, and Newsday, my childhood paper, gave me that opportunity. What followed was a steady freelance gig with Newsday and other publications around the country that allowed me the freedom to explore and record the beauty of the world at large.
It quickly became apparent to me that food was the ultimate connector. While every country has its culinary tradition, it was over meals that language and politics disappeared, and bonds formed. So, I started writing about food, mostly through a Latin American lens. Freelancing led to founding editor positions, even the creation of an editorial brand focused on the Americas. I launched a destination-driven chef dinner series, sat on global restaurant juries, spoke annually at the Culinary Institute of America, and while I was beyond proud of what I was doing, I lacked the stability I needed to build the life I envisioned.
Newsday told the stories of my community as a child, and now – with a mature palate – I get to contribute to telling those stories, through our readers’ bellies.
In 2018, I had my daughter, and began to contemplate a less-nomadic life. Living in Brooklyn didn’t seem as glamorous anymore; I craved green spaces, fresh air and a quieter life without 2 a.m. garbage trucks loitering outside my window. When the COVID pandemic struck, I was out of choices – city life felt untenable. Having grown up in Syosset, it felt obvious to move back to Long Island. When I saw a listing for a food reporter at Newsday, I reached out to that editor who gave me my first shot in 2010. She replied to my email within the hour. I joined the FeedMe team in December 2022.
Revisiting the restaurants of my youth, rediscovering the Island through new eyes, has been a wild ride. I think in some recess of my mind, I always knew I’d come back to Newsday. Newsday told the stories of my community as a child, and now – with a mature palate – I get to contribute to telling those stories, through our readers’ bellies. I couldn’t be more excited for the future.
Marie Elena Martinez's Work
- New diner opens on LIMarie Elena MartinezMarch 10, 2025 5:00 am
- Upscale cocktail lounge-restaurant opens on LIMarie Elena MartinezMarch 5, 2025 5:00 am
- Longtime LI chain opens 2 new locationsMarie Elena MartinezMarch 2, 2025 5:00 am
- Covering Long Island like no one else canJanuary 3, 2023 8:39 am
- 5 standout spots for jerk chicken on LIMarie Elena MartinezFebruary 24, 2025 5:00 am
- NYC restaurant owner opens long-awaited LI locationMarie Elena MartinezFebruary 13, 2025 5:00 am
- NYC Italian chain opens newest LI locationMarie Elena MartinezJanuary 28, 2025 5:00 am
- LI Restaurant Week returns with prix fixe dealsMarie Elena MartinezJanuary 20, 2025 5:00 am
- Sushi by Kuryu in Roslyn Heights closes after 2 yearsMarie Elena MartinezJanuary 16, 2025 5:00 am
- Upscale bar and grill The Parkview opens in WantaghMarie Elena MartinezJanuary 13, 2025 5:00 am
- Long Island's best brunch restaurantsMarie Elena MartinezJanuary 11, 2025 5:00 am
- Swank new restaurant-lounge opens in HuntingtonMarie Elena MartinezJanuary 3, 2025 5:00 am
- Bay Shore restaurant closing after NYE partyMarie Elena MartinezDecember 31, 2024 5:00 am
- Popular ice cream brand opens 2nd LI shopMarie Elena MartinezDecember 28, 2024 5:00 am
- Best things we ate on LI in 2024Newsday StaffDecember 23, 2024 5:00 am
- The Milleridge Inn opens new wine barMarie Elena MartinezDecember 20, 2024 5:00 am
- 10 LI restaurants you'll find in FloridaMarie Elena MartinezDecember 2, 2024 5:00 am
- Burrito chain opens first LI locationMarie Elena MartinezNovember 27, 2024 5:00 am
- Nostalgic burger spot opens at LI mallMarie Elena MartinezNovember 19, 2024 10:00 am
- Trendy pop-up bagel shop opens permanent locationMarie Elena MartinezNovember 16, 2024 5:00 am
More Newsday Journalists

Growing up, I spent countless hours in the cozy library at Aquebogue Elementary. Those stacks...

I grew up first in the Ridgewood section of Queens and then in New Hyde...

When I first moved to Long Island from Minnesota years ago to take a...