On the Town: Tasty Tapas and a Terrific Tale

Happy hour was on our radar last Friday, and what better place to celebrate the start of the weekend than a hip, vibrant, locally-owned restaurant that’s conveniently located at the Perimeter? It’s no wonder Eclipse di Luna was voted “Best Tapas,” “Best Place to Take a Date” and “Top 50 Restaurants” by a collection of local publications. Their eclectic Latin decor, exotic cocktail options and diverse menu made us cha-cha.

These are among the Eclipse di Luna drinks we relished.

Greeted by lovely hosts, we were seated in the center of their energetic dining room among a diverse group of patrons ranging in age. Looking over the cocktail menu, we opted for a delicious Bacardi coconut mojito and a delightful Cape Codder. It’s summer after all, friends!

The menu was loaded with tempting options. Our server offered us a succulent assortment of tapas that was perfect for us to sample and relish.
The tasty selection included:

Ensalada de Sandia: watermelon, heirloom tomato salad, avocado, balsamic reduction, feta cheese, red onions and sunflower sprouts.
Salmon a la Parilla: grilled salmon, sauteed spinach and herbed butter

Chuletas de Borrego, grilled lamb chops, was a table favorite.

Chuletas de Borrego: three grilled lamb chops with a mint Moroccan sour cream sauce

Coca de Vegetales: roasted squash, zucchini, eggplant, crushed tomato, sunflower sprouts and San Simon cheese on flat bread

Queso Frito con Miel: fried goat cheese with caramelized onions and honey

Coliflor Roztizada: roasted colorful cauliflower with agave-white balsamic and whole grain mustard reduction, toasted Marcona almonds and basil

Primavera Arroz: sautéed basamati rice, roasted crimini mushrooms, spinach, spring peas, patty pan squash, drizzled with smoked paprika chili oil
Everything was scrumptious and although we were full, we had to have a bite of their assorted desserts. We don’t want to tell you what to order, but don’t miss out on the Tres Leches.

Eclipse di Luna has happy hour 4 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday with half-off tapas and well drinks. They also feature music and salsa dancing, so bring your appetite and your dancing shoes!

“Driving Miss Daisy” runs through July 21 at Oglethorpe’s Conant Performing Arts Center.

Our night and our column wouldn’t be complete without entertainment. Our friends at Georgia Ensemble Theatre invited us to enjoy its production of “Driving Miss Daisy,” a Pulitzer Prize winner for drama and a Broadway hit written by Atlanta playwright Alfred Uhry, at Oglethorpe University’s Conant Performing Arts Center.

Set in Atlanta and spanning a quarter century, from 1948 to 1973, the piece takes place before, during, and after the civil rights movement.

“Driving Miss Daisy” is the story of an unlikely friendship between two people who need each other. Daisy Werthan is an elderly Jewish widow who needs a chauffeur and Hoke Colburn is a driver who needs an income. Miss Daisy is a feisty and fiercely independent woman who resists being driven around and Hoke is a quiet, gentle and witty African American man who was hired by Miss Daisy’s son after she wrecks her car. The story unfolds over 25 years of friendship, loss, racial tension, and ultimately, love.

This delightful one-act play starred only three actors: Ellen McQueen as Daisy, Rob Cleveland as Hoke and William S. Murphy as Boolie. We went into this play asking: How could these actors pull off these considerable roles portrayed by Jessica Tandy, Morgan Freeman and Dan Aykroyd in the 1989 film? Their on-stage chemistry and superb acting, along with their perfect Southern accents, allowed them to pull off these roles spectacularly!

We highly recommend this production, which runs through July 21. “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” is the next play in season 27 at the GET, running from September 12-29.

For more information about “Driving Miss Daisy” and for upcoming performances at GET, visit www.get.org.