Meet Sylvio Martins | Actor & Food Writer

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

Hi Sylvio, how do you think about risk?

I think risk is necessary, especially if you’re feeling stuck in your surroundings or career trajectory. I tend to run towards risk when I want to see results or crave personal growth. It forces me to think on my feet, push myself, walk more confidently. Even if you fail, you can say you came out stronger on the other side.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

Thank you! Sure thing. I’m a staff writer for The Infatuation LA, so I’m a full-time restaurant critic in Los Angeles. It’s a very fun job, and I get to work with incredibly funny, kind, creative, quick-witted people. I’m lucky to be where I am.

I come from a very food-obsessed family, and my parents previously owned restaurants and cafés, so it makes sense that I ended up in this field. I’m originally an actor—still am, but, as we all know, it’s a grind. I started diving fully into writing over the pandemic and came out with this entirely new career. Nowadays, I juggle the two—it can be a lot sometimes, but I make it work. I love them both, so I can’t complain.

At The Infatuation, we don’t accept comped meals, PR invitations, or anything that could compromise our integrity, so you’re always getting our honest, unbiased opinion. We visit restaurants multiple times before we write full-length reviews because restaurants naturally evolve throughout their lifetime. Some start great and trickle off, others are great but have occasional bad nights, and others are true gems. The vast majority, though, are perfectly fine. But my job is very collaborative. We debate, join each other for meals, and help formulate a clear thesis surrounding a restaurant. It’s a thorough process, and we take pride in our work (which I love).

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

I would take my friend to coffee in the morning somewhere in Silver Lake or Echo Park, maybe Cafe Tropical or Canyon Coffee, and then we’d go drink said coffee in line at Courage Bagels. Yes, they’re touristy but they’re my favorite bagel. From there, we’d check out the views from The Griffith Observatory (it’s cool and free–why not) and then get tacos somewhere in East LA, maybe Tacos Los Cholos or Tacos Y Birria La Unica. Post-taco drinks at Bar Flores, concert at the Hollywood Bowl, and post-concert dinner in Koreatown, probably Sun Nong Dan for late-night galbi jjim.

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’m very fortunate to have people in my life who ground me and believe in my work (sometimes more than I do myself). Working in a creative field can be very unpredictable, so having someone to call, enjoy a meal with, or simply vent to is important. I think of my parents, sister, girlfriend, and roommates who saw me go through my tumultuous freelance years—those were rough. I also think of all the editors, fellow writers, and creatives who I’ve met through work and have passed my name along, mentioned me in the right rooms, or simply offered some words of encouragement. The people in your network can open new doors for you, and I am very grateful. Support your friends. Support creatives. Support each other. Support yourself. Take a vacation and be your friend. It’s tough out there.

Website: www.sylviomartins.com

Instagram: @sylvmartins

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sylviomartins/

Image Credits
Pupusa photo: Andrea D’Agosto Michelada Photo: Bon Appetit Taco photo: Jakob N. Layman