Happy Holidays from all of us at aria

Hirsch Vineyards Wine Dinner

From the extreme Sonoma Coast, high above the Pacific Ocean, we are pleased to announce our next wine dinner at Aria on Tuesday, October 18th at 7 p.m. with Hirsch Vineyards.

Hirsch Vineyards was founded in 1980 by our very special dinner guest David Hirsch.  Since then, the Hirsch Family and their team have focused on growing fruit (Pinot Noir and Chardonnay) with profound respect for vineyard site and vintage character.

Our wine dinner guests will enjoy five courses prepared by Chef Gerry Klaskala, to pair with each of Hirsch Vineyard’s  wines. Cost will be $110.00 per person (includes tax and gratuity). To reserve your spot or find out more, please call the restaurant at 404-233-7673.


Dinner Menu

Chilled Maine Lobster
fennel, green apples, creamy lime tarragon vinaigrette
Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast 09

Lasagnette
chanterelle mushrooms, jerusalem artichokes, veal ragu
Pinot Noir, Bohan Dillon, Sonoma Coast 09

Carolina Quail
duck confit stuffed savoy cabbage
Pinot Noir, “M”, Sonoma Coast 08

Twelve Hour Brisket of Beef 
slow cooked baby collards, smoked tomatoes, tobacco onions
Pinot Noir, San Andreas Fault, Sonoma Coast 09

Red Bartlett Pear Tart
puff pastry, orange cream, vanilla iceam
Gewurstraminer/Sauvignon Blanc, Lemon’s Folly by Littorai Vineyards, Sonoma Coast 08


**All wines will be available for purchase that evening via Perrine's Wine Shop

August at Aria: Groth Vineyards Wine Dinner

August is here and it’s time again for another wonderful wine dinner here at Aria.  This time, we are excited to welcome Groth Vineyards on Wednesday, August 24 at 7 p.m.

Located in the heart of Oakville in Napa Valley, Groth Vineyards is a family owned winery with a real understanding of how sustainable farming can translate into world-class  wine, both now and for our future.  We’re pleased to have Marco Esposito as our guest from the winery to tell us more about Groth Vineyard’s 27-year history.

Our wine dinner guests will enjoy five courses and four wines from Groth, including:

Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley 2010
Chardonnay, Napa Valley 2009
Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville, Napa Valley 2008
Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville, Napa Valley 2007

$120.00 per person (includes tax and gratuity)

For more details and to make your reservation, please call 404-233-7673.

The Attack Is Back !!!

Last summer’s Attack of the Killer Tomato Festival was a moment of reigning glory as Chef Gerry walked away with the title of 'Best Taste'.  This year’s competition will be as fierce as ever, with many of Atlanta’s best chefs coming up with their most tempting tomato creations and libations for all to sample.

The festival is held at JCT. Kitchen on Atlanta’s Westside and proceeds go to to support Georgia Organics.  The event is July 17 and tickets are going fast, so be sure to get yours online soon!

Ruinart Interpretation Dinner

When the summer heat is as scalding as this July’s, our palates dictate that we reach for something a little lighter and perhaps on the bubbly side when it’s time to imbibe.  Just in time for July’s worst, come refresh your palate with champagne at Aria with our Ruinart Interpretation Dinner, in partnership with Perrine’s Wine Shop on Thursday, July 14 at 7 pm.  Perrine will also be our speaker for the evening.

All guests will receive a Ruinart Interpretation Kit and then enjoy a four-course menu paired with Ruinart Blanc de Blancs and Ruinart Brut Rosé.
We will start the evening with a refreshing first course of Georgia Peaches with San Danielle prosciutto, arugula and white balsamic vinaigrette, lightly paired with Ruinart, Blanc de Blancs, Reims NV.  Enjoy a second course of Roasted Maine Lobster with snowpeas, lemongrass and cilantro along with Ruinart, Blanc de Blancs, Reims NV, followed by an entrée of Oak Grilled Poulet Rouge with ginger, sweet garlic and roasted fingerlings and Ruinart, Blanc de Blancs, Reims NV.  We’ll end the night on a sweet note with raspberries, vanilla cream and puff pastry, perfectly paired with Ruinart, Brut Rosé, Reims NV.

About Ruinart Interpretation: "With Interpretation, Ruinart invites you to discover a new and innovative way of tasting Ruinart Blanc de Blancs. The Chef de Caves has identified the 8 main aromas of Ruinart Blanc de Blancs, which are to be discovered one by one in a unique tasting experience.
Ruinart Interpretation is a moment of pleasure to share with friends".

Dinner will be $100 including tax and gratuity, and reservations can be made through Perrine’s Wine Shop by calling 404 254 5077 or emailing perrine@perrineswine.com.

See What’s Cooking with Chef Gerry at the Peachtree Road Farmers Market on 6/25

Chef demos can be seen every Saturday at the Peachtree Road Farmers Market, but this upcoming Saturday, June 25 is the only day you will be able to see our very own Chef Gerry Klaskala there in action.  Set the alarm and grab your basket, because the market opens at 8:30 a.m. and Chef Gerry will be sharing culinary tips at his demo at 10 a.m. While you’re grabbing all your in-season fruits and veggies, don’t forget to stop by!

Have to miss out on the Farmers Market? Catch Chef Gerry again at the Attack of the Killer Tomato Festival on July 17. Last year, Chef Gerry won “Best Taste”, so you never know what he’ll win this year…

A Shining Night Out at Summer in the City

Gorgeous setting, delicious food and an amazing cause… there is a lot to love about the upcoming Summer in the City – A Night of Epicurean Delights!  Aria is pleased to be taking part in this event on Wednesday, June 22nd from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. to support Shepherd Center’s Military Patient Program and its Adolescent Patient Program.

Show your support for the Shepherd Center’s important work by joining us at Greystone in historic Piedmont Park!   There will be fine food at chef stations from many of the best restaurants in Atlanta, wine pairings to savor, a mixology station, live music and more.  Put on your favorite summer casual attire and head into the night for a good time.

 Tickets are $80 each, with sponsorship beginning at $250 per couple.  For more information, visit the event page online.

Vidalia Onion Dinner: A Sweet Success

all photos by George Sanchez

Food lovers across Georgia and the South enjoyed taking part in Atlanta Food & Wine Festival this past month!  Our own Vidalia Onion Dinner was a sweet success as part of the festival, too.  We were joined by the talented duo of Jeffrey Buben of Vidalia in DC, and Daniel Lindley of St. John's and Meeting Place in Chattanooga and created a delicious dinner devoted to the Vidalia Onion.

If you weren’t able to join us, fear not!  The Atlanta Journal-Constitution published a wonderful article about the special qualities of Vidalia Onions that featured our own Chef Gerry Klaskala last month – and it included quite a few of his delicious recipes featuring Georgia’s sweet onion crop.

Columbia River Salmon

braised radishes, sugar snap peas, charred Vidalia onions, morel mushroom puree
Chef Daniel Lindley

BobWhite Quail

stuffed with foie gras mousseline, ramps, Vidalia onion soubise and rhubarb

Chef Jeffrey Buben

Roasted Rack Chop of Colorado Lamb

slow cooked Vidalia onion, tarragon shallot sauce, arugula endive vinaigrette
Chef Gerry Klaskala

Georgia Strawberry Tart

 lemon cream and chantilly
Chef Kathryn King

Read more online, including information about the brand new Vidalia Onion Museum -- and try your hand at creating Chef Gerry’s dishes including Georgia Peach and Vidalia Onion Salad With White Balsamic Vinaigrette and Caramelized Vidalia Onion Bread Pudding With Sweetgrass Dairy Fresh Goat Cheese.  You can also view more pictures of our Vidalia Onion Dinner on Flickr.

Ponzi Vineyards Wine Dinner

Take a little trip to the lush Willamette Valley with our Ponzi Vineyards Wine Dinner!
Reserve your spot at Aria for this special event on Wednesday, June 1 at 7 p.m.

Ponzi’s fine wines have been internationally acclaimed since the winery was founded in 1970, and now produces exceptional Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay and Riesling among others.  The evening will feature a special menu from Chef Gerry, perfectly paired with Ponzi's Pinot Gris, Reserve Chardonnay, Willamette Valley Pinor Noir,  Reserve Pinot Noir and Late Harvest Riesling.

We not only love Ponzi’s wines, but we also love that all 120 acres of the vineyard are LIVE Certified Sustainable, the world's highest standard for sustainable viticulture.

Dick and Nancy Ponzi were pioneers in Oregon’s Willamette Valley and their passion and philosophies are practiced today by the family’s second generation.  Maria Ponzi Fogelstrom will be our special guest at ARIA on the evening of June 1st to tell us more about the wines and the region.

Dinner will be $100 ( includes tax and gratuity)
Reservations can be made by calling us at (404) 233-7673.  We look forward to seeing you.

It Is Atlanta Food & Wine Time!!!!!

Hey Everyone,  It is time to let it be known!!
The South's next great event is happening in a week and a half. The 1st Annual Atlanta Food & Wine Festival has too many chefs to count. Be a part of tasting some of the most delicious offerings from the South's most talented. You probably missed the first Super Bowl, don't miss the First Atlanta Food & Wine Festival. Hope to see you all there.

Sincerely, Gerry

A Sweet Day! ARIA's Gerry Klaskala at Vidalia Onion Museum

What a sweet day!  A great time was had by all at the Grand Opening of the Vidalia Onion Museum in Vidalia, Georgia last Friday and Chef Gerry was proud to take part.  Take a look at Chef Gerry and the festivities in the slideshow and plan your visit to learn more about Georgia’s sweet onion crop.

Peter Michael Winery Dinner

Our Second wine dinner in partnership with The Fine Wine Connection is Peter Michael Winery on April 20th at 6.30pm.  We will feature new releases of their award-wining Chardonnays as well as their acclaimed Bordeaux style blends “Les Pavots” and “L’esprit des Pavots”

Reception

Champagne Pierre Morlet, France NV 

First Course

East Coast Halibut Fillet

vidalia spring onion & yukon gold gratin, pea shoots

2009 Chardonnay Belle Cote, Knights Valley, Sonoma County

 2009 Chardonnay La Carriere, Knights Valley, Sonoma County

Second Course

Breast of South Carolina Squab

baby spinach, golden oak mushrooms, sweet garlic

2006  L’Esprit de Pavots, Knights Valley, Sonoma County

2007 L’Esprit de Pavots, Knights Valley, Sonoma County

Entree

Roasted 1st Chop of Spring Lamb

fava beans, babette carrots, leeks

2007 Les Pavots, Knights Valley, Sonoma County

2008 Les Pavots, Knights Valley, Sonoma County

Dessert

Valrhona Chocolate Hazelnut Cake

crisped chocolate and drambuie crème anglaise

Please keep in mind that all availability and payments are handled directly by Chris Soluri at The Fine Wine Connection.

$190.00 per person (includes tax and gratuity).
For further information and reservation, please contact Chris at 770.984.9663

Atlanta Food & Wine Festival: ARIA's Vidalia Onion Dinner

Atlanta is beaming with excitement and pride for the upcoming Atlanta Food & Wine Festival this May! 

Our Executive Chef Gerry Klaskala is a member of the founding council and ARIA is pleased to be hosting a Vidalia Onion Dinner on May 20 at 7:30 p.m.  Those attending will find Chef Gerry collaborating with Chef Jeffrey Buben of Washington D.C.’s Bistro Bis & Vidalia, as well as Chef Daniel Lindley of Chattanooga’s St. John’s Restaurant & Meeting Place.  The three will pay homage to America’s favorite sweet onion, which has been inspiring chefs since its discovery in southeast Georgia in the 1930’s.

For tickets and information about all festival activities, please visit atlfoodandwinefestival.com

ARIA's Vidalia Onion Dinner is now sold out.

TABLAS CREEK WINERY DINNER

It’s time again to mark the calendar for another great wine dinner at Aria!


Join us on April 6th at 7 p.m. for our Tablas Creek Winery Dinner.  We’ll be joined by the Tablas resident foodie, Tommy Oldre, who will tell us more about these organic, award-winning wines, all of which are 100% estate grown and bottled on their 120 acre property in California.  Chef Gerry will be preparing a delicious menu to perfectly pair with each vintage from Tablas Creek.

Wines featured include:

-Patelin de Tablas Blanc 2010
-Esprit de Beaucastel Blanc 2009
-Cotes de Tablas Red 2008
-Esprit de Beaucastel Red 2008
-Vin de Paille “Quintessence” 2006

$100 per person (includes tax and gratuity)
Please call 404-233-7673 to reserve your spot for the evening!

Update:

Dinner Menu

Amuse 

Chilled White Asparagus Soup

soft whipped cream, sevruga caviar

First Course

Seared Sea Scallop

cumin roasted celeriac , carrots, avocado, fennel vinaigrette

2010 Patelin de Tablas Blanc

Second Course

Shallot Roasted Maine Lobster

spring peas, pea shoots, preserved tomato

2008 Esprit de Beaucastel Blanc

Third Course 

Cold Smoked & Then Roasted Breast of Duck

red cabbage, applewood smoked bacon, ginger lemongrass 

2009 Côtes de Tablas

Entree

Braised Shank of Colorado Spring Lamb

parsnip puree, fava beans, royal black trumpets, natural jus

2008 Esprit de Beaucastel

Dessert

Black Plum Tart

ginger brown butter

lemon ice cream

2006 Vin de Paille, Quintessence

LORING WINE MAKER DINNER

Our second wine dinner of the year is one for Pinot Noir lovers.

On February the 23rd we will welcome Brian Loring of the Loring Wine Company and we will focus on Pinot Noirs from Santa Lucia Highlands and Russian River Valley from the 2009 vintage.

Brian is a self-diagnosed Pinor Noir obsessed and he has been making wine from the top vineyards in California and Oregon since 2000; his Pinots are made in a style similar to those of his mentor Adam Lee of Siduri; softly structured, fruit forward and supple.

Reception starts at 6.30pm promptly followed by dinner at 7pm. $130 per person (includes tax and gratuity)

This wine dinner is a partnership with Chris Soluri, proprietor of Fine Wine Connection; for all reservation please call Chris directly at 770-984-9663.
Hope to see you on the 23rd.

Cheers!


Reception 

Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon , Château Guiraud, Bordeaux 09

Dinner 

Amuse

Ginger Prawn
madras curry aioli and pickled radish

First Course

Warm Smoked Breast of Duck
chicories, toasted walnuts, pecorino toscano
Russian River Valley 09
Santa Lucia Highlands 09

Second Course

Slow Braised Shoulder of Veal
cipollini, sweet red peppers, parsnips
Durell Vineyard, Sonoma Coast 09
Graham Family Vineyard, Green Valley of Russian River Valley 09

Entree

Cervena Venison Chop
black trumpets, hedgehogs & oyster mushrooms
yellow finn and sweet potato gratin
Rosella's Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands 09
Keefer Ranch Vineyard, Green Valley of Russian River 09

Dessert

Arborio Rice Pudding
caramelized mango, coconut ice cream

Upcoming Wine Dinners - IL POGGIONE

We are happy to announce that our first wine dinner of 2011 is almost upon us, with the second one coming up not far behind this February!  From Italy to California, there is much to explore about both of the wineries coming to visit, and we hope you can join us.

IL POGGIONE

February 2 at 7 p.m. marks the first wine dinner of the year, with our featured winery Il Poggione coming to Aria all the way from the village of Sant’Angelo in Tuscany, Italy.
We are honored to have Alessandro Bindocci join us to tell us more about the wonderful history of this legendary winery in the heart of Tuscany.

'Il Poggione owns approximately 250 acres of vineyards in the Brunello di Montalcino zone, with 118 acres producing the Brunello Riserva and Brunello wines. The remaining 132 acres are planted to Sangiovese for Rosso, Cabernet Sauvignon and several white varietals'

Enjoy five courses paired with four wines from Il Poggione, including Rosso di MOntalcino, Mazzoni (Sangiovese-Merlot blend), Brunello di MOntalcino and Brunello Riserva. $100 per person (includes tax and gratuity)

You can reserve your spot by calling us at 404-233-7673.
All featured wines will also be available for purchase through Perrine's Wine Shop

SAVE THE DATE
We’ll be revealing more details about our second February wine dinner very soon, but for now please save the date for February 23!  The wine dinner, focusing on all single vineyard Pinot Noirs from Santa Lucia Highlands and Russian River Valley, is in partnership with Chris Soluri of Fine Wine Connection.  We are excited that Brian Loring of Loring Wine Company, who has a self-diagnosed obsession with Pinot Noir, is joining us for this wine dinner from California to tell us more about each wine.

Stay tuned for more details to come!





Cheers!