Intruducing Our New Executive Chef
Hello friends,
I have some exciting news to share.
Over the past several months, I’ve spent a great deal of time thinking about the future of Aria and searching for the right person to lead our kitchen. Today, I’m thrilled to introduce Austin Goetzman as our new executive chef.
Austin has worked in some of the country’s most respected kitchens, including The French Laundry in Napa Valley, EL Ideas and Acadia in Chicago, and most recently Lazy Betty here in Atlanta. What impressed me most, however, wasn’t his résumé.
Many years ago, Austin worked in the Aria kitchen under Gerry Klaskala. He understands this restaurant, the standards we hold ourselves to, and the culture that has defined Aria for more than twenty-five years. As we spent time together throughout the search process, it became clear that we shared the same vision for Aria’s future.
We both believe that great restaurants should never stand still. They should continue to evolve and improve while remaining true to the things that made people fall in love with them in the first place.
Austin has already begun introducing some wonderful new dishes to the menu, and I hope you’ll have the opportunity to experience them soon. Looking ahead, you can expect the menu to evolve more frequently as our kitchen explores new ingredients, new dishes, and new ideas throughout the seasons. Whether you’re joining us for the first time or the fiftieth, our goal is for there always to be something new to discover at Aria.
More than anything, I’m excited for you to meet him.
Warmly,
Andrés L.
Important Dates
Important Dates
Sunday, May 10: Opening at 4:30 p.m. for Mother's Day
Monday, May 25: Closed for Memorial Day
Tuesday, June 9th: Closed for a private event
Wednesday, June 10th: Closed for a private event
Monday, June 15: Closed for the James Beard Awards
A Night in the Windy City
On June 15, Aria will be closed for the evening as our team travels to Chicago for the James Beard Awards ceremony.
For the second consecutive year, Aria has been named a finalist for Outstanding Hospitality, an honor that means a great deal to all of us.
Hospitality has always been at the heart of who we are. It is the way we welcome guests, care for one another, and strive to make every visit feel special. To be recognized on a national stage for something that is so central to our identity is incredibly meaningful.
I am especially excited that nearly half of our team will be traveling to Chicago together. Opportunities like this are rare, and being able to share the experience with the people who make Aria what it is every day means more to me than any award ever could.
Thank you for your support, your encouragement, and for allowing us to do what we love. We are honored to represent Atlanta and grateful to be included among this year’s finalists.
Wish us luck.
May Newsletter - A Few Notes From The Bungalow
Hello friends,
Thank you to everyone who responded to last month’s newsletter about our little bungalow. We learned so much from every note and really appreciate your taking the time to share with us. It reminds me that kindness goes both ways. I’m grateful to have so many guests who really care.
490 E. Paces Ferry
Special thanks to the guest who combed the AJC archives to provide us with address listings over the years. Who knew that Aria was once Roni and Dee’s restaurant, Gerald on Paces spa and Paguacci’s bakery?
We look forward to welcoming you to our dining room.
See you soon,
Andrés & the Aria Team