Eclipse di Luna Gives Parents a Lunch Break

Live Music Makes Me Happy

Having live music at a restaurant is kinda like having chocolate sauce on your ice cream. Not a necessity, but it sure does make it better. I have really enjoyed some good music this spring, including a recent spur-of-the-moment trip to the 40 Watt Club in Athens. Something about this time of year makes me want to listen, sing and, yes, dance. Here's a quick run-down of some good places to catch some tunes and add a little something extra to your night!

• Salsa, Latin jazz and acoustic guitar rotate through the week -- seven days a week -- at Eclipse di Luna - Miami Circle.


• JCT. Kitchen & Bar takes it to the terrace for live music from 6 – 9 p.m. every Thursday and in the bar on Friday and Saturday nights beginning at 8 p.m.


• Marlow’s Tavern makes music all over town with live music everywhere except Midtown.


• At Marlow’s in Alpharetta, John Oswald plays Thursday nights from 8 – 11 p.m.


• In Marlow's Duluth, Andrew Black takes on Friday nights from 10 p.m. until 1 a.m., and Andy Birdsall entertains Saturdays from 9 p.m. until midnight.


• Local acoustic favorites are popular Thursday and Friday nights from 8 – 11 p.m. at Marlow’s Tavern Northlake.


• There’s a full musical agenda at Marlow’s in Vinings: Under the Porch plays Tuesday nights from 8 – 11:30 p.m.; Andy Birdsall and Dave Onorato take over Wednesdays from 8:30 p.m. – 1 a.m.; Eric Hinton and Troy Rushing perform Thursdays from 8:30 p.m. – 1 a.m.; Nelson Brownstone plays Fridays from 9 p.m. – 1:30 a.m.; Jason Fulton and Troy Rushing cover Saturdays from 9 p.m. – 1:30 a.m.; and Galen Crader finishes the week on Sundays from 8 – 11 p.m.


• Up in Kennesaw, Marlow’s Tavern has live music Fridays and Saturdays from 7 – 11 p.m.

Wine Tasting at Eclipse di Luna!

Eclipse di Luna at Miami Circle hosts a wine tasting the first Tuesday of each month and you know that means. The tasting for June is tomorrow! From 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. the restaurant offers wines tastes with appetizers for only $10. This is such an awesome deal that you should go ahead and mark your calendar for the rest of the year! Located in Buckhead at 764 Miami Circle; 404-846-0449.

Sunday Paper Reader's Choice Awards

The Sunday Paper has announced the winners of the Reader's Choice Awards and a few of our favorite places around town have received recognition. Congratulations to everyone - click here to view the complete list of winners in the categories of Food and Drink, Style and Shopping, City Living, Arts and Entertainment, Health and Body and Sports.

Best Tapas: Eclipse di Luna

Best Southern: South City Kitchen

Best Restaurant to See and be Seen runner-up and Best Wine List runner-up: Ecco

Best Fried Chicken runner-up: JCT Kitchen & Bar

Best Patio runner-up: The Nook

Best Health Food, Best Eco-Friendly Goods and runner-up for Best Buffet: Whole Foods Market

So Many Choices, So Little Time! Here's a Peek at What's Coming Up for Cinco de Mayo Next Week!

It's time for margarita mayhem! Cinco de Mayo is just a week from today and it's time to make plans. From drink specials to Mexican mega-meals, Atlanta restaurants are giving us plenty of reasons to head out and enjoy the holiday! Check out what's happening around town!
Marlow's Tavern in Alpharetta celebrates "Marlow's de Mayo" with a cantina party on Saturday, May 2. Festivities begin at 1 p.m. with fiesta food favorites including carne asada, carnitas and grilled chicken and south of the border drink specials of $3 beer and $5 margaritas and sangria. Live music follows from 2-5 p.m. Marlow's Tavern Alpharetta: 3719 Old Alabama Road; 770-475-1800.

The Latin beat comes on strong for Cinco de Mayo festivities at Eclipse di Luna at Park Place on Tuesday, May 5. Always lively, the pulse kicks up a notch or two at 5 p.m. as Fernando Fernandez jockeys up the tunes, and the Winton Peck Band plays throughout the evening. Traditional tortas and burritos are some of the $5 Mexican tapas to devour while gathering $3 Dos Equis, $4 margaritas and $6 Herradura margaritas at the multiple bar locations. There's no cover, but there will be plenty of prizes! Eclipse di Luna - Park Place: 4505 Ashford-Dunwoody Road, Suite 11; 678-205-LUNA (5862).

Say "El Yeah" to the festivities at El Taco in the Highlands. You can't go wrong with buckets of Dos Equis (5 for $15). Or try the "EL-a Tasty!" -- the bartender's special margarita of the day, combining Sauza Blanco tequila, strawberry flavor and house made sour mix -- just $7.25. After a couple of those, your high school Spanish will come right back to you. Add in El Taco's great tacos, some chips and salsa, and a bunch of amigos and you're guaranteed one 'el of a good time! The Original El Taco: 1186 N. Highland Avenue, NE; 404-873-4656.

Uncle Julio's Casa Grande will be home base for Cinco de Mayo celebrations in Buckhead this week. Come casual to this eclectic eatery with its big patio and be ready to imbibe in some of Uncle Julio's signature margaritas, such as the Swirl (frozen margarita swirled with frozen sangria). Go your own way by choosing from more than 15 different tequilas for your margarita or try different Mexican beers from the "grande" selection. For authentic, border-style go-withs, dig into smoky grilled fajitas, sizzling shrimp brochettes or marinated grilled quail served with roasted fresh vegetables and spicy salsa. Uncle Julio's Casa Grande: 1860 Peachtree Road, NW; 404-350-6767.

We've been waiting with anticipation and the time is finally here! Five Seasons Brewing is opening its newest location at the intersection of Howell Mill Road and Marietta Street with a Cinco de Mayo celebration. Georgia Organics will benefit from "Five Alive on the Westside" from 5 - 10 p.m. on Tuesday, May 5. Come help the party grow! There will be plenty of hors d'oeuvre made from farm ingredients to enjoy. Your $5 donation goes straight to Georgia Organics. Five Seasons Brewing: 1000 Marietta Street, NW.

17th Annual Dining Out for Life

Maybe dining out is a big event for you or maybe it’s something you do several times a week without really thinking about it. Sometimes those who need nutritious food the most can’t get out to get it. That’s where you step in and step out into one of Atlanta’s numerous restaurants participating in the 17th Annual Dining Out for Life on Wednesday, April 22 to benefit Open Hand.

Partcipants include great restaurants such as Fifth Group Restaurants’ South City Kitchen Midtown and Vinings, Ecco, The Original El Taco and La Tavola Trattoria; Eclipse di Luna - Miami Circle and Park Place, Kozmo Gastro Pub, Aria and Portofino and Woodfire Grill.

Click here to make reservations and know that 20 percent of our tab is going straight to Open Hand’s work in our community. The organization helps people prevent or better manage chronic disease through Comprehensive Nutrition Care™, which combines home-delivered meals and nutrition education as a means to reinforce the connection between informed food choices and improved quality of life.

Eclipse di Luna Celebrates Administrative Professionals Day

Put down the files and have some fun! Administrative professionals can take a lunch break on Wednesday, April 22 and head over to Eclipse di Luna in Buckhead or Dunwoody for two free tapas. Hold off on taking that last phone call before lunch—the special is available only until 2 p.m.! Take a breather and kick back on the patio…perhaps honor the day with a margarita or glass of sangria.

Love Me, Love My Tree: Earth Day, Week and Month Events Around Town

Remember when Earth Day was just one Day? Well, not anymore! As we have grown to understand the relationship between our actions and the environment, the need to protect the Earth (from ourselves) has become even more apparent. Next week, several of our favorite local spots are highlighting things we can all do to enjoy Mother Earth a little longer:

Basically, every day is Earth Day at LEED-certified Pizza Fusion in Buckhead. So it's no surprise that on Earth Day, Wednesday, April 22, Pizza Fusion has more green goodies! While Pizza Fusion has been serving pizzas in Atlanta since fall, the team saved the ribbon-cutting celebration to coincide with Earth Day. Live music and food specials will abound, along with $3 select organic beer and $1 Honest Tea. The Captain Planet Foundation will receive a portion of the day’s proceeds, and the good Captain himself will be available for photos between 5-9 p.m. Celebratory giveaways on April 22 include a free personal organic cheese pizza (POCP) and Honest Tea for the first 50 people who walk, run, bike, take MARTA or drive a hybrid/Smart car to the event; a free POCP and Honest Kids beverage for the first 50 kids; a free Pizza Fusion reusable tote to the first 50 people who order a specialty pizza; and an enter-to-win opportunity to win one of six birthday or office parties.

Pizza Fusion: In the Astoria at the Aramore building, 2233 Peachtree Road, Suite M; 404-351-9334.

Whole Foods Markets won't make you dig around for ways to protect the Earth all month. This month, the company marks one whole year without disposable plastic grocery bags, keeping an estimated 150 million bags out of landfills and tripling reusable bag use. Shoppers can pick up Whole Foods Market’s “Make a Green Change: 30 Ways in 30 Days” calendar, crammed with small daily actions that make a big difference over the course of a year. Through month end, enter the “Recycle Your Old Fridge Sweepstakes” online and test your family’s green IQ. You may win a new, ENERGY STAR-qualified Bosch Evolution refrigerator stuffed with natural and organic foods from Whole Foods Market. Earth-loving teens are digging Project Green Prom! Besides creating videos on how they’ll green their proms for Teens Turning Green, they’re attending in-store Prom Prep Day events with eco-makeovers, fashion, flower and decorating tips, and eating right for prom night.

Eclipse di Luna in Buckhead is pouring $15 pitchers of margaritas Monday- Thursday during Earth Week. After all, isn’t this warm weather beverage a lovely shade of green? This high-energy lunch, dinner and night spot tops off your tank with small plates of tapas before you head out to burn some fuel on the dance floor!

Eclipse di Luna - Miami Circle: 764 Miami Circle in Buckhead; 404-846-0449.

Uncork A Cure...An Inspi(red) Event

I enjoyed a fun filled night of wine sampling, food tasting, mingling and auction bidding at the ARCA's 19th annual Uncork a Cure. The Foundry at Puritan Mill was a wonderful space to hold such a large event. Although I sipped many fabulous wines, I have to say the most clever was Cabernet Glavingnon, Tom Glavin's new wine.

Now on to the food. My first bite was a trout snack from Shane Touhy at Dogwood.

I was then drawn to a field of strawberry topped sushi from Steel.

While at the sushi plate, I eyed mini beers and chocolate dessert from Gordon Biersch. The beer tasting was refreshing after all the wine.

My sweet tooth was satisfied again with a red velvet cupcake from Highland Bakery.

Back to the savory side for steak and mashed potatoes courtesy of Morton's Steakhouse.

As the night is winding down, I visit El Taco for a pork filled tortilla.

And to end my culinary adventure, I stopped at Eclipse di Luna for a taste of Ben McPherson's unique combination of popcorn and shrimp.

Any event that encourages me to indulge on dessert in between wine tastings and food samplings is a success! Uncork the Cure 2009 proved to be a relaxed yet elegant event for a wonderful cause.

Sweet Springtime Sangria

Spring is on its way! Soon the trees will be green, temperatures will be rising and the sun will be shining. What better way to enjoy this beautiful season, than with some sweet sangria?! The folks at Eclipse di Luna have perfected this cool concoction and I am here to spill the beans! Here is the recipe, perfect for springtime parties (makes 5 gallons):

2 gallons cheap red wine
1 gallon white wine
1 liter Triple Sec
1 liter Spanish brandy
1 liter 7-Up
1/2 liter pineapple juice
1/2 liter cranberry juice
1 liter simple syrup
Add chopped fresh fruit (lemons, limes, strawberries, pineapples, oranges, etc.)

If you don't feel like whipping it up yourself, you can visit the restaurant to get a glass or take advantage of their special on Sundays: $10 bottomless sangria.

Eclipse di Luna in Buckhead is located at 764 Miami Circle; 404-846-0449.

America’s Next Top Chef?

With the recent cheflebrity of local Top Chef finalist and new Creative Loafing columnist, Richard Blais, several local chefs have decided to get in on the action. This Sunday, chefs from all over the state will line up to show casting directors that they’re packing more than their knives at the casting call for an upcoming season of Bravo’s hit series. With all the culinary talent Atlanta has packed into this city, many great chefs are not going to make the cut. And, since we all know that how one does on camera is just as important (maybe even more so) as how they do in the kitchen, many creative chefs who are the strong, silent type are going to appear to be side dishes next to natural performers.

Nevertheless, I'm excited at the prospect of having the chef of one of my favorite local eateries being showcased on the show! Atlanta has a lifetime supply of chefs who are at the top of their game and I hope Bravo recognizes it. Good luck to all the brave chefs who make it out to the audition and let’s all hope that the next Top Chef is one we Atlantans are proud to call our own and are fortunate enough to share with the rest of the world. Here is a brief list of chefs that I know are trying out. *(Feel free to add to the list if you know more!)

• Ben McPherson at Eclipse di Luna


• Craig Richard at La Tavola Trattoria


• Kevin Gillespie at Woodfire Grill


• Hector Santiago at Pure Vida


• Travis Collum at (the newly opened) Kozmo Gastro Pub

Bonne chance!

Eclipse di Luna Hosts Atlanta Photography Group's Second Annual Silent Aucion

Last night was the Atlanta Photography Group's second annual silent auction event. The bidding began at only $10 for many of the items. Eclipse di Luna provided complimentary appetizers for the guests, and there were tons of cocktail specials at the bar. Over 60 people attended the event, and many left with more than one item. I was outbid on four of the items I bid on. I guess that's what happens when you're refilling your glass of wine at the bar!

The Atlanta Photography Group's primary goal is to promote and support contemporary photography as a significant form. It seeks to challenge photographic conventions, stimulate new thinking and exploration of experimental forms of photographic expression.

Last Minute Love

In case you've been slacking off on making Valentine's Day plans, Eclipse di Luna- Miami Circle and Whole Foods Market have come to the rescue with events, recipes and gift ideas that don't require too much planning. While Eclipse di Luna keeps the party going for couples and singles with special cocktails and desserts in addition to a South Beach-inspired soiree complete with the sounds of DJ Mike Smith and percussionist DeShaun Williams beginning at 10:30 p.m., Whole Foods Market says home is where the heart is with romantic meal options, two dozen roses for $19.99, wine, gourmet cheeses and chocolates. Check out this article that ran in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution today featuring these suggestions and more.

Eclipse di Luna in Buckhead: 764 Miami Circle; 404-846-0449. Admission is free.
Whole Foods Market: Seven Atlanta-area locations. For a store near you, click here.

Marlow's Northlake Entertains Atlanta Photography Group

Forty photographers from the Atlanta area gathered at Marlow's Tavern on La Vista Road for a monthly meet and greet last night. Marlow's served The Atlanta Photography group firecracker shrimp, hummus, spinach dip, kettle chips and their popular shrimp and crab nachos. The February meet and greet was a perfect warm up for the 2nd Annual Silent Auction on Wednesday February 18th at Eclipse Di Luna.

Atlanta Photography is a not-for-profit organization that supports the photographic arts. 100% of their funding comes from individuals and photographers in the Atlanta area and they need your help for 2009. So, come out and join us for a fun evening of photography and friends.

When: Wednesday February 18th, 2009 - 7pm to 9pm
Hosted by: Eclipse Di Luna (764 Miami Circle, Atlanta, Georgia 30324 404.846.0449)

I Love The Wine Opener Event!

Last night my friend Annie and I "sipped and savored" our way around The Atlanta Wine Opener at the Mason Muer Fine Art Gallery. The annual event benefits the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. The gallery is unassuming from the exterior but inside the gallery is a wonderful space. Inspiring art, delicious food, fine wine filled the gallery. Chef Ben McPherson of Eclipse Di Luna introduced the crowd to shrimp ceviche with spicy popcorn. I ate a piquello pepper stuffed with mushrooms at Ecco's table before dunking strawberries and graham crackers in the chocolate fountain. Oh and we did drink wonderful wine!

Fun and Casual Valentine's Day Dining Ideas

If you're looking out for your wallet or looking for something more casual than the traditional Valentine's Day options, Eclipse di Luna's Miami Circle location, all Marlow's Tavern locations and Uncle Julio's Casa Grande provide fun alternatives that won't break the bank:

Eclipse di Luna offers specialty drinks like a strawberry and ginger mojito, berry love martini and a heart-fluttering Red Bull drink on Valentine's Day. Dessert devotees will enjoy chocolate mousse with ganache, red wine and raspberry sauce and olive oil tuile. Around 10:30 p.m., the party starts as D.J. Mike Smith spins the place into the “Miami Love Lounge,” and the affair continues until 2:30 a.m. No cover. For reservations, call 404-846-0449. Eclipse di Luna in Buckhead: 764 Miami Circle.

All six metro-Atlanta Marlow’s Tavern locations have a huggable deal: a three-course Valentine’s Day menu for $29.99 per person. Marlow’s Tavern: Alpharetta at 3719 Old Alabama Road, 770-475-1800; Kennesaw at 745 Chastain Road, NW, 770-425-8777; Midtown at 950 West Peachtree Street, 404-815-0323; Vinings at 2355 Cumberland Parkway, 770-432-2526; Northlake at 4156 LaVista Road, 678-987-1197; and Duluth at 1950 Satellite Boulevard, 770-622-2033.

“Plato de Amor” sounds so romantic -- and tastes even more so when polished off with that special someone at Uncle Julio’s Casa Grande Monday, February 9 through Sunday, February 15. This spot is great for new couples, and the platter includes cold water lobster tail, shrimp brochette, chicken and beef fajitas, as well as guacamole, pico de gallo, rice and beans. Stay sweet by finishing with Uncle Julio’s famous coconut flan or cinnamon sugar-covered churros. Uncle Julio’s Casa Grande: 1860 Peachtree Road, NW; 404-350-6767.

Recession Proof Drink Deals

Who doesn't love a good time, or a night out on the town? Lots of restaurants in the area are making it more affordable than ever to head out and enjoy one of your favorite cocktails or a glass of wine. Here are some of the great deals hitting the Atlanta area. This way, you won't have to skimp on your beverages, or a night out with the girls.

Good times at Eclipse di Luna - Miami Circle are affordably endless. Bottomless, you might say, when you consider the $10 bottomless glasses of sangria on Sundays followed by buy-one-get-one-free Monday Mojito Madness. Friends can easily find their way to Buckhead's congenial tapas restaurant and bar where laughter flows as readily as the sangria, and sharing specialty tapas is a cinch.

Midway through the week you may find yourself in need of some relaxation. What better way to enjoy a Wednesday night than with Aqua blue Restaurant's wine flight? The $14 wine flight will consist of 3 different types of wine paired with a delicious cheese plate. Each Wednesday, a different wine and cheese pairing will be offered so don't be afraid to go more than once!

Half-off wine can never go wrong in my book, that is why I am so glad I heard about Woodfire Grill's deal to offer their wine list at half price every Thursday night through March! This 50 percent discount will be taken off every wine, both by the glass and by the bottle. The diverse list changes weekly to stay current with the best new releases from all over the world as well as to complement Chef Kevin Gillespie's ever changing menu.

Eclipse di Luna - Miami Circle: 764 Miami Circle; 404-846-0449.
Aqua blue Restaurant: 1564 Holcomb Bridge Road; 770-643-8886.
Woodfire Grill: 1782 Cheshire Bridge Road; 404-347-9055.

We've Lots Up Our Sleeves For a Fun New Year's Eve!

Raise a glass of bubbly and say "So long!" to 2008. Here's to Atlanta's fabulous restaurants for offering plenty of ways to wine and dine while ushering in 2009! Make your way to one of these dining destinations for a fabulous New Year's Eve celebration!

Aqua blue at 1564 Holcomb Bridge Road; 770-643-8886

Dogwood in the Reynolds Condominium Building at 565 Peachtree Street, NE; 404-835-1410.

Eclipse di Luna Miami Circle at 764 Miami Circle;
404-846-0449.

South City Kitchen Midtown and Vinings: Visit the Midtown location at 1144 Crescent Avenue; make reservations at 404-873-7358 or the Vinings location at 1675 Cumberland Parkway. Make reservations at 770-435-0700.

La Tavola at 992 Virginia Avenue, NE. Make reservations at 404-873-5430.

Marlow's Tavern: There are five locations in the Atlanta area: Alpharetta at 3719 Old Alabama Road, 770-475-1800; Kennesaw at 745 Chastain Road, NW, 770-425-8777; Midtown at 950 West Peachtree Street, 404-815-0323; Vinings at 2355 Cumberland Parkway, 770-432-2526; and Northlake at 4156 LaVista Road; 678-987-1197

Morton's Steakhouse - There are two locations in the Atlanta area: Morton's in Buckhead is located in the Peachtree Lenox Building at 3379 Peachtree Road, NE,
404-816-6535 and downtown in the SunTrust Plaza Building at 303 Peachtree Center Avenue,404-577-4366.

Toulouse at 2293 Peachtree Road, NE; 404-351-9533.

Woodfire Grill at 1782 Cheshire Bridge Road, NE;
404-347-9055.

Food Photography Workshop at Eclipse Di Luna

I want to extend a huge thank you to Frank and Max of Atlanta Photography for teaching the MLA team the tricks of photographing food last night. Eclipse Di Luna was the perfect restaurant to practice taking photos in dim mood light. I quickly discovered that shooting food has unique challenges, and I was not using my point and shoot camera to its full potential. With a few tips on restaurant lighting, camera angles and composition, our photographs drastically improved. The top take away from the workshop was to turn off your flash! From now on, the MLA team and I are ready to take food photos with confidence.

www.atlantaphotography.org

www.eclipsediluna.com

Please Fasten Your Seats Belts and Put Your Seat Backs And Tray Tables in the Upright and Locked Position…

I love when people know how to party!! Any good party planner knows that the tone of the party is set long before guests begin arriving. That’s why I knew that I was in for a trip when I received my invitation to the Concierge Society of Atlanta’s holiday celebration, which was fashioned to look like an airline ticket. The theme for the event on Thursday, December 4, was “Fly Away with CSA” and the attire was “70s airline chic” …oh, the possibilities were endless.

Needless to say, those wild and crazy concierges did not disappoint. Everyone really got into the spirit!! I don’t think I have seen so many afros since the last time the hubby made me watch Pam Grier (the only woman we have agreed he may leave me for; even though she is twice our age)in Foxy Brown. From the bad wigs and stewardess uniforms (yes stewardess, not flight attendant), to the bellbottoms and flower shirts, I felt like I was in an episode of That 70s Show, minus that adorable Wilmer Valdarrama.

We played games for delicious prizes like dinner for two at City Grill and $50 Visa gift cards before drawing the winner of the door prize – two airline tickets to San Francisco (courtesy of Airtran Airlines), three nights in the Hyatt and a $300 transportation credit from Boston Coach. Although I left without the trip to Frisco, as we Californians call it, the swag bags were no consolation gifts. How could I complain about gifts from Dailey’s, Eclipse di Luna, Morton’s, Uncle Julio’s and Bliss Spa. Peace and happiness; good stuff.