by Rachel Leigh Mays

Faubourg Bayou St. John is a gem of a neighborhood, a true melting pot with a vast array of culture and cuisine that essentially takes you around the world. A must-stop along the journey is the Pan Asian restaurant Asian Pacific Cafe, located at 3125 Esplanade Avenue and owned by Al and Amy Martinez.

At this Hawaiian-, Philippines-, New Orleans-, Japanese-influenced restaurant, be prepared to hear Aloha, Mabuhay, Domo Arigato, or simply, “How y’all doing.” Come to Asian Pacific Cafe for Asian foods with Hawaiian flare and New Orleans hospitality. And perhaps your favorite flick.

Sushi aficionados and rookies alike are all too familiar with rolls such as the California or Crunchy Shrimp offered at any and every sushi house. True to its eclectic environs, Asian Pacific Cafe specializes in such rolls as the Katrina, FEMA, Mardi Gras Delight, Mid City, Metairie, Uptown, and Louisiana.

In addition to creative menu conglomerations, Asian Pacific Cafe is frequented for their infamous movie nights on their cozy patio. On any given temperate evening, Al has been known to show everything from a Neil Young concert to a wildlife documentary to Finding Nemo. In fact, local college students often reserve the screen for a special request to enjoy with a group of friends over sushi.

Though a native New Orleanian, Al’s work as a merchant seaman for 26 years often kept him out at sea. Al met his wife-to-be, Amy, on a little island north of Guam called Saipan. Fast forwarding to the happy ending, she eventually joined him in New Orleans where they entered yet another joint partnership with the Asian Pacific Cafe.

Before Asian Pacific Cafe was born, it was originally Japon of Esplanade. In October 2004, the opportunity arose for a change of hands. The Martinezes decided to roll up their sleeves and crank out some rolls. Less than a year later, the water seemed to find the former seaman, determined to flood them out of business. Residents of Metairie, the Martinez home was unscathed. The family evacuated, however, 5 days after Katrina to Florida. While away, a couple of close friends kept close watch over the restaurant, safeguarding against potential looters. After about 10 days, the friends retreated to clean up their own messes.

Meanwhile, a mystery artist-gone-squatter temporarily occupied the abandoned establishment and was nice enough to leave behind an unsigned commemorative piece of art, hanging in the restaurant today.

Upon returning to New Orleans, the Martinez family succeeded in reopening approximately 4 months after the storm. Clearly, Katrina’s aftermath was an equation for unimaginable troubles. Amy laments, “You try and try to build your business, but you cannot pool anything with the sharp increases in insurance and merchandise.”

But Katrina also prompted a remarkable synergy amongst the tight knit cluster of businesses that have witnessed one another”s fall and rise. A heightened sense of humanity has fueled a number of fundraisers hosted by the Martinez’ with full support from their neighbors.

One such event, Fun-ds for France, benefits local students for a school trip to France. Most recently, a neighbor and friend of Bayou St. John was in a terrible accident resulting in the loss of a leg. The Martinezes organized Toddorama in honor of Todd who, without health insurance, was blessed indeed when the fundraiser brought him $18,000 in aid.

It is no secret that New Orleans is a treasure chest of precious jewels, including that gem of a neighborhood known as Faubourg Bayou St. John. But when you ask folks what sets New Orleans apart, a common reply is simply: the people. Bayou St. John is a magnet for many of those people, including Al and Amy Martinez. After all, if you ask Al, he’ll tell you, “It’s a Wonderful Life.”

Asian Pacific Cafe
3125 Esplanade Ave.
New Orleans, LA 70119

Tues. – Fri. 11:30 am – 2:30 pm
Tues. – Sun. 5 pm – 10 pm
Tel. (504) 945-1919

Thanks to Al Martinez