Let’s start the new year by catching up on several restaurants that opened late in 1995:
– La Donna Italian Eatery has opened at 5146 N. Clark St. Owner is Antonella Donnatelli, whose brother, Tony Barbanente, owns Via Veneto not far away. Like Via Veneto, La Donna offers a moderately priced Italian menu with particularly interesting pastas and a thorough wine list. Call 312-561-9400.
– Chapulin has opened at 1962 N. Halsted St., the site of the departed Santa Fe Tapas. Owners Don Hill and Dudley Nieto oversee an upscale, regional-Mexican menu. Call 312-665-8677.
– Also open is Luna Blu, 1554 N. Milwaukee Ave., a snazzy-looking restaurant with a rustic Sicilian menu; Luna Blu was opened quietly several months ago by Alfio Sciacca, former chef at Angelina’s and Topo Gigio. Call 312-862-2600.
– If you look like Elvis — check that — if you think you look like The King, Ed Debevic’s, 640 N. Wells St., is looking to celebrate Elvis’ 61st birthday on Monday by stuffing 61 Elvis look-alikes in the back room — soon to be dubbed “Ed’s Elvis Room.” Dedication ceremonies include appearances by well-known Elvis impersonators and a free lunch featuring bacon cheeseburgers, chicken a la King and other gutbusting Elvis faves. Pre-registration is required; interested Elvi should call Meg at 312-345-8500.
– Garardo’s Cafe Italiano, 1021 W. Ogden Ave., Naperville, is now open for dinner daily, and for lunch Mon.-Fri.; call 708-369-6100.
– Joe Murray, owner of Merlot Joe at 2119 N. Damen Ave., has purchased the building housing his restaurant. So apparently he’s in for the duration. Call 312-252-5141.
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Questions, comments, hot tips, gripes–e-mail them to Phil Vettel via pvettel @ aol.com, or post a note on the Tribune’s “talk to the Writers” message board on America Online.
