My dear friend #TwitterlessHarvey has introduced me to many Atlanta restaurants. I have to admit DineWithDani might be better named anything that references him. My favorite of all of our restaurant outings has to be the cooking class with famed Atlanta chef Paul Luna– of Loca Luna and Eclipse Di Luna popularity. While he is no longer affiliated with those establishments, in 2010 he embarked on a new venture in Downtown Atlanta, Lunacy Black Market.
Located on Mitchell Street between Spring and Forsyth, this small eatery is only open for dinner Wednesday through Sunday. But one particular Tuesday evening, Chef Paul opened his doors for three of his favorite customers and me. I had never eaten at Lunacy nor had the pleasure of meeting Chef Paul—so I jumped at the chance to join Harvey for a cooking class.
Upon arriving, we sat in the small dining room designed purposefully with mismatched tables and chairs, mismatched glassware, flatware and silverware, and artwork that made me do a double take. I thought that was where we would spend our night, but when Chef Paul called the four of us into the kitchen I got giddy; we were going to get a live cooking demonstration in his kitchen! And so we did. The kitchen, much like the dining room, was a hodgepodge pieces with nothing matching. So naturally I loved it.
Even though he is known for his “flamboyant” and “over-the-top” personality, I was pleased and put at ease with his casual warm manner. He didn’t tell us what we were doing or making. And after ensuring we all had a glass of wine he dove right in.
