GERRY KLASKALA

Zagat Survey calls Aria "one of the top five restaurants in Atlanta," and Klaskala has received numerous accolades in some of the nation's top publications, including Bon Appetit (Best New Atlanta Formal Restaurant) and Esquire, where Aria was named to "The Definitive List of Best New Restaurants in America. In Atlanta, Aria ranks among the city's "Top 50 Restaurants" according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and has been ranked "number one restaurant in Atlanta" in Jezebel magazine's Top 100 restaurant issue. Klaskala was the chef and managing partner at Buckhead Diner, one of Atlanta's highest volume restaurants. During his tenure, Buckhead Diner was consistently one of the most acclaimed dining establishments nationwide and was featured in the nation's top culinary and leisure publications. Klaskala also managed the start-up of 45 South in Savannah, Ga. and spent 10 years working with the Hyatt Hotels Corporation.

While he heads up the kitchen at Aria, Klaskala's influence is also found at Canoe, which he owns with partners George McKerrow Jr. and Ron San Martin of We're Cookin' Inc. Both restaurants are distinct in concept, yet very similar in popular appeal.