RESTAURANT HAS AN OPTION TO SATISFY EVERYONE’S TASTE
Eatery born out of a need for a neighbourhood hangout that caters to specialized diets
A breakfast spot, an after-work hangout, or simply somewhere to relax and share a meal with friends — Aria Food + Spirits aims to be something for everyone.
Jessica Litman has a long history in the restaurant industry. From local restaurants to chains, she has seen — and done — everything. She never expected to become a restaurant owner herself, she said.
The idea to open a place like Aria began after she realized how tough it can be to find a place to eat in Saskatoon that offers food for anyone, regardless of their specialized diets, allergies or food sensitivities.
“I have a few dietary restrictions and I found that in Saskatoon there was not a whole lot of diversity to some of the menus out there — and we have a lot of restaurants,” she
said. “I wanted to do something that had a little something for everyone.”
She chose her location in the heart of Rosewood so the restaurant could grow alongside the neighbourhood and give residents a local haunt where they can feel at home. When she realized people were also looking for somewhere to grab a hearty, healthy breakfast, she decided to expand her hours and put together a dedicated breakfast menu.
“I thought (Rosewood) could use something a little different, something local,” she said. “Being in such a residential area, with lots of home businesses and families … there were a lot of people who wanted to come in earlier.”
What Litman said really sets Aria apart from other restaurants is its heavy focus on menu diversity. Aria has options across the food spectrum — from comfort foods to vegan options and gluten-free choices.
Litman also notes that even though the menu is built to be diverse, customers regularly will often find something new to try, thanks to the seasonally changing menu designed to best showcase local products, from produce to meat.
“We have such a plentiful variety of resources around us,” she said. “Being a local business owner, I know how difficult it can be to live in a world of large-scale consumerism, so it’s nice to know that it’s the local businesses that will support you and you support them — it’s a nice camaraderie because that is how local businesses succeed.”
With a menu offering a little bit of everything, it might be tricky to decide what to try first. Litman said her personal favourites are the fish dishes, but she also noted that other options like the crispy glazed pork ribs and pizzas regularly get A+ customer feedback.
“Our pizzas are really good,” she said. “That’s one thing we’ve heard consistently, is that they are just the best pizza our customers have ever had.”
Diners looking to wet their whistle won’t be starved for choices. Aria has four wines and 22 beers on tap — many of which come from Saskatchewan breweries.
So far, people seem to love the atmosphere, Litman said. Three months after opening, Aria already has a swath of regulars from around the neighbourhood excited to have something different and local right on their doorstep.
“People really like that local aspect; they can meet me, meet my family and get something a little different in a place that feels unique.”