Great food ideas

New uptown spot on way
Aria Tuscan Grill and Bar La Scala, the latest from restaurateur Pierre Bader, is slated to open Jan. 15 at 100 N. Tryon St.
Executive chef William Schutz’s menu, dubbed “old world comfort food” by Bader, includes crispy suckling pig, pappardelle with braised duck ragu, osso buco, veal scallopini, grilled Angus ribeye, fettuccine alla carbonara, risotto with artichokes and more. The wine list is international but with an Italian concentration, and a wine wall for up to 1,000 bottles fronts the first-floor bar.
Look for leather wrap, steel and textured stone walls, and a sculptural chandelier of replica 1910 Edison bulbs lighting the main dining area. Also of note are a second-floor lounge (including a “nest,” a suspended semicircular niche overlooking the main floor), entrances from Trade Street near College and through Founders Hall, and the fact the place was designed with sustainable principles and materials. The place seats 170, plus a chef’s table for eight in the kitchen, and there’s a private room for up to 50. Aria will also serve as caterer for the renovated Founders Hall.
Lunch weekdays; dinner Monday-Saturday. 704-376-8880; the Web site wasn’t functional at post time, but is at www.ariacharlotte.com.