Behind the Box is Harvie’s way of connecting you to the people behind your weekly grocery delivery. Meet Mar Martinka, Delivery Driver. His favorite things about Harvie? The mission, our sustainability practices, and the people.
What is the last thing you ate?
Farfalle noodles and four-cheese ravioli topped with my family’s secret Sicilian red sauce. It’s a recipe that has been passed down through several generations. Growing up, it was a huge hit with all of my friends and it continues to be a staple of holidays, special occasions, and in this case, just a random weekend.
My wife (who is an amazing cook) learned the recipe from my mother a long time ago and I’m thankful for that. I’m not much of a cook but I handle breakfast and have a few recipes I’ve come up with over the years, but I’m not on the same level as my wife in the kitchen.
What’s your favorite comfort food, go-to meal, or recipe?
Besides my family’s red sauce, I’m a huge fan of all Asian foods, and in the last few years, Chicken Pad Thai has become my go-to meal. I love trying out new Thai restaurants here in the city as well as when I travel. I was surprised by how different the same meal can taste from restaurant to restaurant. Currently Burgh Thai in Verona is my favorite place for Pad Thai in the Pittsburgh area.
What’s your favorite Harvie product?
I’m a snack lover. I have an entire cupboard overflowing with various snacks. So, I have to go with the Best Granola Ever. I thought the name was a little arrogant and jokingly scoffed a little before I opened up the bag. Turns out it is actually the best granola that I’ve ever had! When you can back up your claim, you can go ahead and crown yourself the best.
What’s your favorite spot in Pittsburgh?
For sentimental purposes, I would have to say Central Oakland. It is where my wife and I got our first apartment together and where our daughter was born. From getting pizza at Antoon’s to going to Grateful Dead night at Thirsty’s in North Oakland to shopping for tie-dye clothing at Telaropa, I have so many great memories of that time in my life. So much happened in the relatively short period of time I was there but that time holds a very special place in my heart.
What’s your favorite thing about Harvie/Working for Harvie?
I absolutely love what Harvie is here to do. Directly linking up local farmers and artisans to the public and building and supporting the community while doing it. I love how we are as sustainable as possible when it comes to reusing as much of our packaging as we can. There is so much waste in this world and the fact that we are doing our part in not contributing to that really means a lot to me.
I also absolutely love my co-workers. The energy here is so much different than other companies I have worked for in the past. I enjoy coming in to work every day.