Latest news with #CommonThread
Eater
a day ago
- Business
- Eater
Getting to Know Aria's New Owner
Aria in Buckhead has experienced a whirlwind of activity in the past couple of months. The restaurant recently announced its new executive chef, Joseph Harrison, from Savannah's Common Thread. The team is heading to the James Beard Award ceremony in Chicago on June 16 to find out if they've won the award for Outstanding Hospitality. It is the only restaurant in Georgia to be named a finalist this year. All of the excitement comes on the heels of renowned chef and owner Gerry Klaskala announcing his retirement after 25 years of opening Aria. Klaskala's last service is this Saturday. The person taking the reins is the new owner, Andrés Loaiza, a longtime general manager and sommelier of the restaurant, who began there in 2007. We sat down with Loaiza to find out what his plans are for the Atlanta institution ahead of the Beard Awards. Henna Bakshi, Eater: What does an Andres reign over Aria look like? What can we expect? Andrés Loaiza: Aria has been a part of Atlanta for 25 years, and a big reason for that longevity is our ability to stay true to the experience we want to deliver, while continuing to evolve. This next chapter is an opportunity to do just that: to embrace thoughtful evolution, to refine the details, and to elevate the elements that make a dining experience memorable. It's not about changing who we are; it's about making what we do feel even more special. Are there any changes in staffing? Yes. Remy Loet, who's been with us for over two years, has stepped into a new role as Senior Sommelier. At Aria, we love wine, and this new position is designed to reflect that. Our goal is to enhance the guest experience by having someone in the dining room whose sole focus is sharing that passion. Remy's focus will be on connecting with guests at the table — helping them navigate the wine list, and finding a special bottle or wine pairing. (Since this conversation, the team has brought on Harrison as the new executive chef. He begins on June 18. Renovations to the restaurant's interior and exterior are also expected.) What does it mean to get the James Beard nod for hospitality? Oh, it's huge. I am just so proud of the accomplishment of our team, their hard work, and their commitment to creating an experience that feels warm and genuine for every guest who walks through our doors. They have worked very hard to get to this point, and I think it makes our path forward even clearer: stay focused on the guest, see the person, make the moment matter, and create a memorable experience. Help us understand: What is hospitality in restaurants? I think we all know good hospitality intuitively; we feel it. We feel at ease. We feel cared for. I think in restaurants, hospitality is a mindset — one centered around authenticity, positivity, mindfulness, and generosity of spirit. As patrons, we sense that mindset, and it gives us comfort. Gerry Klaskala tells a great story about going to a dinner party years ago. He didn't know that part of town and was a little nervous about who might be there. But when he rang the doorbell, the host opened the door, threw up his arms, and shouted, 'Gerry!'— then gave him a big hug. All of that nervousness disappeared instantly. That's great hospitality. It's the feeling of being seen, welcomed, and genuinely cared for. It's the sense that someone is fully committed to making you feel at home. We just celebrated Gerry's retirement. What has it been like working with him? What's your retirement message to Gerry? What an education it's been. Everyone knows Gerry as a gifted chef and operator, but fewer realize just how many people he's mentored along the way. He's the one so many in Atlanta's restaurant community turn to for advice when they are trying to deal with an issue or think their way through a problem. Now imagine spending 12 hours a day, five or six days a week, alongside someone like that for 18 years. It's been nothing short of a privilege. 'Gratitude' hardly covers it. Gerry, enjoy this next chapter. You've earned every moment of it. The legacy you leave behind is one we'll honor and build upon with care and pride. I'll miss seeing you every day, but your presence lives on in the spirit, values, and heart of Aria. We love you. And if you ever need help with your iPhone, I'm only a call away. See More:
Eater
3 days ago
- Business
- Eater
Aria Reveals New Executive Chef
A chef from Savannah will now lead the kitchen at Aria. The Buckhead restaurant has appointed Joseph Harrison as its new executive chef. This comes after renowned chef and owner, Gerry Klaskala, announced his retirement after 25 years of opening Aria. Harrison is a James Beard Award semifinalist for Best Chef Southeast and the former executive chef of Common Thread in Savannah. He begins his new role on June 18. Klaskala handed over the reins to longtime general manager and sommelier, Andrés Loaiza, and together they began searching for a new chef. They've kept an eye on Harrison's culinary growth over the years, from starting at Mystic Grill in Conyers to his time at top restaurants including Lazy Betty, Mujo, and Cooks & Soldiers. Harrison helped open Common Thread in 2021, where Loaiza dined quietly. Dishes like North Carolina flounder with berbere spice and redfish with jalapeño emulsion and pickled green tomato sealed the deal for Loaiza. Harrison has been working at Aria for a month, learning recipes and implementing menu changes. 'Joseph's talent and vision immediately stood out to us … From the moment I sat down with him, it was clear he shared our commitment to creating meaningful experiences for guests. I'm excited for the future of Aria with Joseph at the helm in the kitchen,' said Loaiza in a statement. At first, Harrison wasn't expecting the offer. 'Anyone working in this industry knows who Gerry Klaskala is,' said Harrison in a statement. 'I quickly learned Andrés and I share a passion for hospitality. It's rare to find someone who feels just as passionately about the front of house as you do about the kitchen.' In addition to changes in the kitchen, Aria is getting a facelift. Starting June 18, expect new landscaping, exterior cosmetic changes, new china and glassware, and menu changes. Though Aria will never be the same without the legendary Klaskala walking the halls and greeting diners, Harrison acknowledges his responsibility and says he's stepping into the role with humility and excitement. Aria is the 2025 James Beard Award finalist for Outstanding Hospitality. Harrison, Klaskala, and Loaiza are travelling to Chicago this weekend for the James Beard Award ceremony on June 16. See More:
Yahoo
29-01-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Kraken Celebrate Year Of The Fire Snake
Seattle, WA - On Tuesday night, the Seattle Kraken hosted the Anaheim Ducks at Climate Pledge Arena for their Lunar New Year celebration "Year of the Fire Snake". It was the third and final matchup between the teams, with the Ducks taking the series after a 6-4 win. The theme night's specialty jersey was designed by Shayla Hufana, a local artist and founder of ConceptShell who drew inspiration from her Filipino heritage and Seattle roots. The design featured a striking color palette of red, orange, brown, and earth tones, symbolizing the adaptable PNW garter snake and the Kraken team's agility. The use of triangle patterns represents familial bonds and protection in Filipino culture, while bamboo sticks honor the Tinikling dance and Arnis martial arts. A secondary logo with two snakes around the Space Needle signifies luck and positive energy Common Thread theme nights represent the Kraken's commitment to inclusion and unity. The evening featured special moments that highlighted inspirational members of the Asian American hockey community and the trailblazers whose impact is still being felt on the ice today. The Heroes of the Deep award was presented to the family of the late Larry Kwong, the first NHL player of Asian descent, who played in 1948. In addition, a $32,000 donation from the Bonderman family, led by Kraken majority owner Samantha Holloway, will be made to two nonprofits supporting the Asian American community. During the first intermission, fans cheered for the Mak Fai Kung Fu Dragon & Lion Dance Association, who put on a beautiful performance at center ice. View the 6 images of this gallery on the original article The next Common Thread theme night is Black Hockey History Night on February 4th against the Detroit Red Wings. Join the discussion with others in your hockey community! Just bookmark Seattle Kraken Forum or create an account to receive the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Related
