We asked active locals to share some of their favorite businesses and things in the area

Who doesn’t love donuts, paczki, pastries, cookies and cakes? I know we do! We started going to Delightful Pastries when they opened in the late 1990s in Jefferson Park. But this isn’t your ordinary bakery. They use natural ingredients — no preservatives — and get their fruit from local farms. And you can really tell the difference.

Besides sweets, they have homemade pierogis, soups, bigos and breads. They even have classes that teach how to make these. And the bread is really, really good! My wife loves the gluten-free bread that weighs like a brick. It’s a vegan bread that has no dairy ingredients and no sugar. It has many different types of nuts and seeds, and it’s all held together by maple syrup and olive oil. The other bread we like is the country rye bread which, if warmed in the toaster, tastes like it just came out of the oven. It too has no sugar and no dairy.

We definitely recommend satisfying your sweet tooth and hunger fix at Delightful Pastries. Done the old-school way and always fresh. Two thumbs up! Support local-owned businesses. You won’t go wrong.

— Agnes and Peter Dykas

I just have to compliment Lamaris Salon & Day Spa. I recently went in for a facial and my skin was glowing for days. Even my husband mentioned it! If anyone is looking for a facial, I highly recommend Laura Moldovan at Lamaris.

— Lisa Kay Kovilic

I want to get the word out about this newer addition to the PR dining scene. Can’t say enough about our delicious meal at Zaza Cucina recently. Wonderful dining room and bar. The menu has so many things I wanted to try.

I want to get the word out about this newer addition to the PR dining scene. Can’t say enough about our delicious meal at Zaza Cucina recently. It’s in the old Jason’s Deli location. Wonderful dining room and bar. The menu has so many things I wanted to try. Highly recommend — it was great!

Sweet and Tart

— Gretchen Welsch Barina

Dr. D’Imperio at the Park Ridge Animal Hospital is the most devoted, sincere and family-oriented vet we’ve ever known! Living six months of the year 2,000 miles away, she consulted with our other vets regarding our two poodles as if we were a part of her family. Lucky to know her and be her patients.

— J. Greene

Shoutout to Sweet and Tart! I totally got overwhelmed by Christmas and didn’t get around to ordering gifts for management. I called Sweet and Tart, and they were able to make gorgeous gift baskets and work with me for our price range so I could send home gift baskets the next day for New Years! These ladies are pros!

— Maria Hansen Lewis

I wanted to give a shout out to Dick Pond Athletics in Park Ridge for their excellent customer service! Chris went above and beyond to find me a comfortable pair of shoes. I just got back from an hour walk, and my feet have never felt better. If you need shoes for walking or running, go here!

— Theresa S.

From start to finish, the staff at Davis & Engert Dentistry could not have been more accommodating, more friendly or more thorough. I was the last patient for the night, but they made me feel like their first patient of the day.

If you are looking for good food, head on over to City’s Edge in Edgebrook. Great brisket, fun kids’ menu, very family-friendly. Enough TVs to keep your sports buff and Americas Funniest Home Videos lover pleased. Great service and to-go orders too. Owned by a Park Ridge native and husband.

— Michelle Nye

Fish Time

Shoutout to Michelle at The Flower Doctor for an awesome flower arrangement. Easy pickup near Oakton and Greenwood — even brought the flowers out to my car. This was my first purchase from her but definitely won’t be the last!

— Dan Cleary

The pizza bread and cheese sticks at House of Cakes on Canfield are the best. Great for catering parties. Also, Fish Time on Devon has some great smoked salmon.

— Matt Steiger

From start to finish, the staff at Davis & Engert Dentistry in Park Ridge could not have been more accommodating, more friendly or more thorough during my family’s first appointments with them. I was the last patient for the night, but they made me feel like their first patient of the day. They explained every step of the cleaning process during the appointment, gave knowledgeable tips and provided a few cosmetic options that no dentist has ever brought up in the past. I couldn’t be happier with this team of people. We feel lucky to have found our family dentist!

— Debbie Podmore

Chiming in with a high recommendation for Gianni Marinelli as an electrician (312-208-3947). I needed a light fixture re-positioned, and Gianni was very prompt in replying with a quote and a scheduled service date. He also saved me some money by making an alternative recommendation to what I was requesting, and it worked out perfect! If you’re in need of an electrician, I highly recommend him.

— Christine Pappas

The sea bass, scallops and risotto at Reyes Steakhouse are out of this world. Their Caesar salad topped with shrimp is delicious too!

— Helga Grosskopf

Spuntino Pizza on Higgins does not disappoint. We have ordered from them several times, and each time the delivery and food have been excellent! We had friends over and ordered the “family meal for six,” and it was quite the impressive spread for $46.99: trays of bruschetta, salad, chicken parmigiana and penne pasta with your choice of sauce… and a 12-inch pizza. Will be doing that again for sure.

 — Kelly Stebner

Spuntino Pizza