Eclipse di Luna celebrates 20 years

President James Ehrlich talks about how to survive and thrive in Atlanta

By Hilary Cadigan Tuesday January 24, 2017 05:00 PM EST

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Legendary chef Paul Luna and partner James Ehrlich introduced Atlanta diners to Spanish-style tapas when they opened Eclipse di Luna back in 1997. Since then, chef Luna has moved on and a second location has opened in Dunwoody, but the original Miami Circle location remains, keeping things festive with plenty of live music, salsa dancing, tasty small plates, and cocktails.

This week, Eclipse di Luna Buckhead is celebrating 20 years in the biz with a special $20 prix fixe menu for lunch and dinner, Monday through Saturday. Guests can choose from any two tapas and a dessert while sipping on the restaurant’s famous sangria. Signature mojitos will also be available at a discount. Creative Loafing caught up with Eclipse di Luna’s president James Ehrlich to find out more about the past two decades.

Twenty years! Not many Atlanta restaurants make it that long. How does it feel?

Starting 20 years ago as the pioneers of tapas in Atlanta, introducing a new style of dining, you didn’t think about longevity — you were just trying to make it, one day at a time. Now that we have been privileged to be such a big part of the Atlanta dining scene for two decades, it feels incredible to look back and count our blessings.

What do you think has allowed Eclipse di Luna to survive and thrive for this long?

Our constant focus on quality and consistency, offering authentic Spanish/American/Mediterranean tapas and cocktails in a lively and festive atmosphere with impeccable service, all while showing a genuine appreciation for hospitality and the guests who have made us who we are. We love Atlanta!

What is your fondest memory of the past two decades?

There are so many, but celebrating our 20th anniversary really takes the cake.

Your least fond memory?

The market crash in ‘08, but whiskey helped me forget that one... I honestly focus on the positives and have only fond memories.

What’s the one piece of advice you’d give to restaurateurs just starting out in Atlanta?

Wake up every day with passion for the business, and show genuine appreciation for the guests who choose to share their valuable time with you. Value the employees who work so hard for you, each and every day.

Eclipse di Luna. 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Mon.-Sat., Jan. 23-28. 764 Miami Circle N.E., Suite 138. 404-846-0449. www.eclipsediluna.net.