Thursday, April 21, 2016

After 16 Years of Accolades and Accomplishments, Aria Makes Changes for the Future

For more information:
Emily Connolly or Morgan Dyches
 Melissa Libby & Associates
404-816-3068


AFTER 16 YEARS OF ACCOLADES AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS,
ARIA MAKES CHANGES FOR THE FUTURE
Unveiling on May 2 After One-Week Closure April 24 – May 1

ATLANTA (April 21, 2016) – After 16 years of topping the lists of Atlanta’s best restaurants, Aria is about to take it to the next level with a renovation that will turn heads and bring renewed excitement to a night out. On May 2, the new Aria will open with a fresh look, but there’s one thing that won’t change: Chef-owner Gerry Klaskala will still be in the kitchen preparing the food that critics have called “visually striking dishes that strike a tone of quiet seasonality and luxurious charm” and “colorful, flavorful, elegant food.” Aria diners have voted it “best American restaurant,” “best for business dining” and “most romantic night out.” Just this year, Aria received the highest cumulative score of any Atlanta restaurant from Zagat readers.

“Not many chefs in this city spend every evening in one restaurant,” said TV and radio host Mara Davis. “But Gerry has focused and perfected the experience at Aria, and that’s why it is a relevant restaurant to this day. I don’t know many people who wouldn’t count Aria as one of their top five favorite restaurants in Atlanta.”

“The redesign is an opportunity for us to reintroduce Aria,” explains Klaskala. “When we opened in 2000, our guests wore coats and ties and came in for a special occasion. These days, dining out is a part of our daily routine and restaurants can be the family table, the business desk or just a place to unwind. We’re reacting to that, providing somewhere new for our existing guests to enjoy and reaching out to a younger diner. What once was conservative will now be more playful.”

Stacey Kirby of Atlanta’s Seiber Design is overseeing the redesign of the restaurant. After months of planning and sourcing, the talented designers will take just a week (April 24 – May 1) to recreate Aria as a restaurant that will be as relevant in 2032 as it is today.

Kirby describes warm gray walls, bright canary yellow drapes and glowing backlit custom mirrors, along with gorgeous new leather banquettes. There’s an oversized antique mirror in the upstairs dining room and white oak tabletops along the banquettes in the main dining room.

Aria’s bar area will be opened up with seating for casual diners (no reservations required), spotlighted by a new signature white marble bar top along a rich walnut bar display to highlight an array of premium and small batch liquors.

“We’re taking away the formality and bringing more radiance and texture into the space,” explains Kirby. “We want the room to artfully complement and reflect the artistry of Gerry’s menu.”

While the building’s exterior will retain its trademark white hue, new black accents will be added to the door and windows. A new Aria sign has also been commissioned for installation out front. Diners wondering about a favorite piece of art or design element at Aria will have to wait for May 2 to see what is still there! Seats are sure to fill up quickly for the big reveal week, so eager diners are encouraged to make reservations now. Those in need of Mother’s Day plans will be thrilled to hear Aria is opening at 5 p.m. on Sunday, May 8 (a day they are usually closed).

Aria is located at 490 East Paces Ferry in Buckhead. Dinner is served Monday through Saturday beginning at 5:30 p.m. For more information, call 404-233-7673 or visit aria-atl.com.

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