PM360 talked with Amy Restko about her time spent exploring New Orleans during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Amy Restko
Account Planning Director, AbelsonTaylor Group
My Odyssey: New Orleans (NOLA). The Big Easy. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I spent two years as a digital nomad, traveling and living in different cities across the U.S. and Europe. The experience enriched my life and enhanced my work, giving me important new insights into the differences and similarities among people, against the common backdrop of a global health crisis. New Orleans spoke to me like no other place and is today the one city I just can’t get enough of. I try to get back there at least once a year because it feeds my soul, creativity and, of course, my appetite for Cajun cuisine.
Most people probably think of Bourbon Street and the French Quarter when they hear New Orleans. And sure, you can have a great time sitting on the patio at Pat O’Brien’s or strolling through the antique stores on Royal Street. However, that’s not the New Orleans I crave.
New Orleans to me is embodied in the city’s motto, “laissez les bon temps rouler,” which means, “let the good times roll.” It’s a city filled with people living life to the fullest. When you’re there, you’re reminded that life is good and meant to be enjoyed. It’s a place bursting with amazing food, art, live music, color, architecture, and community. The city and its people have faced more than their share of hardships—and have the scars to prove it—but radiate joy no matter what. They cherish their pleasures and gladly share them. In my New Orleans, people hang out on their front porches in the afternoon, waving to their neighbors and listening to music from famous New Orleans artists like Jon Batiste, Louis Armstrong, and Trombone Shorty.
Top row: NOLA’s noise and bustle are balanced by the tranquility of City-Park; Amy Restko (right) and her aunt Carol Fonds enjoying a crawfish boil at a local brewery; a mural painted by talented artist Brand BMIKE Odums outside his Studio BE gallery; the Spotted Cat is one of many great places to enjoy live jazz.
My Recommendations:
Get lost in City Park: Wander through the giant trees, read under the Singing Oak, immerse yourself in art at the interactive sculpture garden, and then treat yourself to a messy and delicious beignet at Café du Monde.
Picnic on the banks of Bayou St. John: Grab a po’boy sandwich from Parkway Bakery and enjoy it along the water during sunset.
Dance down Frenchman Street: Hop in and out of the local dives, and then dance to some great live jazz at The Spotted Cat.
Bike around Bywater: Admire the huge murals everywhere and visit Studio BE to see the work of artist Brandan “BMIKE” Odums. Then head over to Bacchanal, grab a bottle of wine and your choice of cheeses from their little shop, and they’ll make you a custom charcuterie board to enjoy on their patio while listening to live music.
Ride the streetcar down St. Charles: Stroll around the Garden District, and then hop on the streetcar and marvel at the massive old mansions as you pass them by. End your tour at Hot Tin, the rooftop bar atop the Pontchartrain Hotel, for a fancy cocktail overlooking the city.
