There is no other restaurant in Brisbane that seems to inspire as much gossip or rumour as Aria. Every few months there's new talk ascertaining its imminent demise, much to the frustration of owners Matt Moran and Peter Sullivan.
"I think we are operating at the best we have ever been," says Moran. "We're not going anywhere."
The rumours were flying fast and thick in 2009 too, this time though, they were correct; the iconic Sydney restaurant was opening a second venue in Brisbane.
This month Moran and Sullivan celebrate five years of Aria Brisbane. "We're pretty excited," Moran says. "We've got plans for some changes; perhaps adding another 25 seats outside or an upmarket bar."
To celebrate the birthday, each table will be served a complimentary lunchtime dessert of passionfruit curd with toasted meringue and berries to share, on weekdays throughout August.
Matt Moran will host a greatest hits dinner featuring five of Aria's most popular dishes, one from each year of operation, matched with wines from the 2009 birthday vintage.
Greatest hits dinner, 6.30pm, Thursday, August 28. Five-course menu, matched wines, coffee and petit fours, $195 per person, 3233 2555, ariarestaurant.com
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