La Speranza is coming soon to Rockville, opening at 806 Baltimore Rd. in the location that was most recently home to Tia Ochi in the Burgundy Park shopping center that has been the longtime home of Jonathan’s Sports Pub.
While an exact opening date is not yet available, the restaurant had its alcohol license hearing with Montgomery County’s ABS last month and expects to open this month. La Speranza will feature both Tex-Mex and Italian cuisine, with a menu created by executive chef Neptali Mendoza, according to the restaurant’s website. Additional information from its website below:
“Neptali Mendoza, is an experienced chef who has worked in many well known restaurants to gain knowledge and have familiarity with the preparation of Italian cuisine. The newly founded La Speranza Restaurant, which is a Tex-Mex restaurant, will include Neptali’s expertise on Italian cuisine and his prior skills of Mexican food.
Neptali’s journey in the world of culinary arts started at the Michelin guide, Obelisk Italian Restaurant (2006-2010) where he worked under the owner, Peter Pastan, a well-known chef in DC. While working in preparation, he learned the production of fresh pastas and the backstage environment of a restaurant’s kitchen. RedRocks Pizzeria in Alexandria, Virginia, was the next step for Neptali as he worked as the kitchen manager. Neptali was able to gain even more understanding and capability on how a successful restaurant is run and the work ethic it entails. Baronessa Italian Restaurant, was the final step before opening La Speranza Restaurant, as Neptali worked as the sous chef there. This enabled him to perfect his skills in the craft of cookery and gave way to the final preparation for the opening of his own restaurant. During this time, not only was Neptali working to gain valuable experience, but he also completed a demanding training program offered by the Culinary Arts Program at Carlos Rosario International School.”
The full menu can be seen here.