Owners of Hopleaf opening a new venture

Michael Roper, co-owner of the popular Hopleaf at 5148 N. Clark St., said he hopes to open a new eatery and wine bar by yearend in the two-story building, next door to his trendy tavern.

The as-yet-unnamed restaurant is to have 90 seats and an outdoor area. The menu will feature Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, an extensive wine list and about 20 American microbrews on tap.

In an interesting twist, Mr. Roper won’t offer liquor, bottled beer or any menu items found at Hopleaf, which opened in 1992 and is known for its Belgian fare and about 200 types of beer.

“It won’t be the greatest hits of Hopleaf,” he says.

Ms. Barbanente, who closed La Donna on July 15, said she plans to open a roughly 90-seat Mexican cantina and margarita bar, called “Deseo” in late September at 6340 N. Clark St., near Devon Avenue. A venture led by Ms. Barbanente, who opened La Donna in 1995, paid $1.39 million for the Edgewater property in December.