Reclaiming Segregated Spaces Through Southern Cuisine: Episode 10 of 'Let's Go Together' Season 2

After a year of coming together and staying home for the greater good, it’s time to gear up for an incredible return to travel.

We’re here to celebrate the bright future ahead, including the reopening of borders and the joy of planning trips together once more with brand new episodes of our podcast, Let's Go Together, which explores how travel transforms our perspectives on ourselves and the world.

In the inaugural season, our adventurous host, Kellee Edwards, introduced us to a variety of world travelers, illustrating that adventurers come in all forms and backgrounds. From the first Black woman to explore every country globally to a man who navigated Machu Picchu in a wheelchair, we encountered remarkable individuals. Now, as we dive into our second season, we're excited to share fresh faces, places, and insights.

In our most recent episode, Edwards engages with James Beard Award-winning chef Mashama Bailey and her partner, John O. Morisano, discussing their restaurant, The Grey, which resides in a formerly segregated Greyhound bus terminal. They emphasize the significance of reclaiming such historical spaces.

"The building that is now The Grey—a once-abandoned Greyhound bus terminal—stands as a stunning example of Art Deco architecture in the South, particularly in Savannah, where such designs are rare. It required restoration, so I took on the challenge of revitalizing this 1938 terminal," Morisano explains. "The moment I acquired the property, my long-held dream of entering the restaurant industry and becoming a restaurateur suddenly surged to life."

Yet, Morisano notes that while he owned the building, he lacked a chef. So, he reached out to Mashama with a letter, inviting her to meet. She agreed, and that meeting marked the beginning of a remarkable culinary journey.

For Mashama, her restaurant represents more than just exquisite cuisine; it's a tribute to all that Savannah embodies and a means to uplift those in her community.

"Savannah has a penchant for its tranquility and its small-town charm. With the port's expansion and the city's overall growth, I believe it's evolving. I aim to convey through our cuisine that this place is broadening and has a global influence. There's a wealth of profound history here," she remarks. "Some of it is somber, but not all. It’s essential to highlight the full spectrum—the good, the bad, and the ugly—through our dishes. By supporting local farms and integrating into the local economy, we can contribute to the city’s undeniable growth trajectory," she adds.

Listen to Chef Bailey, Johno, and Edwards share insights about the South, The Grey, and more on Let's Go Together, available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Player.FM, and all major podcast platforms.