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  • Around Town
  • E-newsletter
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The Real Park Ridge

  • Home
  • Around Town
  • The Local Angle
    • Chicago Scene
    • Feel-good Focus
    • Kid Zone
    • Park Ridge Insider
    • Recommendations
  • Eat. Drink. Shop
    • Good Eats
    • Signature Dishes
    • Shop Around the Corner
  • General Features
  • Interviews
  • Magazine
  • Park Ridge Insider Annika Schmidt

  • Inside Scoop: Market After Dark July 25, the National Sports Collectors Convention in Rosemont July 29-Aug. 2, Concerts in the Park and Jazzin’ at the Shedd

  • Inside Scoop: Family-friendly events this July & August from the Park Ridge Park District

  • Light bites perfect for patio season

  • Park Ridge Insider Jerry Kussy

EAT DRINK PLAY

Home›Featured-Blogs›Category: "EAT DRINK PLAY"
  • Three cocktails on a patio table: a lime-garnished orange drink in a short glass, a dark espresso martini in a coupe, and an orange spritz in a tall glass with a lime wedge and straw.
    Good Eats

    Light bites perfect for patio season

    By Trent Modglin
    July 7, 2026
    We went in search of some lighter dishes that would be ideal for lunch or dinner on the patio this summer By Trent Modglin ...
    Read More
  • Clothing store display with folded polo shirts and tees on a table, surrounded by racks of shirts and a mannequin wearing a striped polo in the background.
    Shop Around the Corner

    Summer faves: We asked two local boutiques for a pair of their top-selling seasonal items

    By Trent Modglin
    June 17, 2026
    2 Sisters Boutique A&L 33 S. Prosect Ave. in Park Ridge Shop2SistersPR.com Men’s golf shirts Brother J’s, the store’s men’s section toward the back, ...
    Read More
  • Plate of pasta with pink sauce and green herb garnish on a patterned blue-and-white dish, on a wooden table.
    Good Eats

    Good Eats at fire + wine

    By Trent Modglin
    May 7, 2026
    This stylish and welcoming addition to Park Ridge offers an impressive array of chef-driven Italian favorites and creative seasonal options By Trent Modglin 608 ...
    Read More
  • Good Eats

    Hunger games
: We’ll let you in on some of the best local dishes we tried this winter

    By Trent Modglin
    April 2, 2026
    By Trent Modglin Beacon burger at The Beacon Tap This lively sports bar in Des Plaines has some of the best daily specials you’ll ...
    Read More
  • Shop Around the Corner

    Spring faves: We asked two local boutique owners for their favorite items in the store right now

    By Trent Modglin
    March 18, 2026
    Raffia Gifts 13 S. Prospect Ave. in Park Ridge
 RaffiaGifts.com What’s new: Plenty of great spices, salsas, sauces and spreads from Finch + Fennel ...
    Read More
  • Good Eats

    Good Eats at Old Irving Brewing Co.

    By Trent Modglin
    January 16, 2026
    By Trent Modglin Old Irving Brewing 4419 W. Montrose Ave. in Chicago OldIrvingBrewing.com Monday-Thursday: Noon-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday: Noon-midnight Sunday: Noon-10 p.m. History in short: ...
    Read More
  • Good Eats

    Winter warmers: Perfect cold-weather dishes to indulge in this winter

    By Trent Modglin
    January 1, 2026
    Harp & Fiddle’s French onion soup By Trent Modglin French onion soup at Harp and Fiddle There are lots of worthy options to warm ...
    Read More
  • Shop Around the Corner

    Shop around the corner: Spotlight on 2 Sisters Boutique A&L

    By Trent Modglin
    December 7, 2025
    2 Sisters Boutique A&L 33 S. Prosect Ave. in Park Ridge Shop2SistersPR.com Named after… Owner Natalie Amabile’s two daughters, Ava and Lily, both of ...
    Read More
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The Real Chicago — an eye-catching, family friendly entertainment magazine for active locals and tourists — originally launched in 2006. It now has a sister publication: The Real Park Ridge. Proud to be servicing our new home in Park Ridge, as well as the surrounding areas of Rosemont, Niles, Des Plaines, Mt. Prospect and NW Chicago.

The Real Park Ridge is printed and distributed seasonally four times per year (December, March, June and September) to thousands of Park Ridge homes, as well as more than 150 area restaurants, bars, boutiques, coffee shops, salons, spas, offices and hotels. Make sure to sign up for our e-mail newsletter and download our new digital app for the latest events, deals and feature articles.

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Wondering what’s happening to the old @thalaivasin Wondering what’s happening to the old @thalaivasindiankitchen space on Main Street? During a recent lunch, we were filled in on the plans for Mandram, which means “a place where people gather.”

Operated by the owners of the popular Thalaiva’s, we’re told to expect an assortment of small sandwiches and kati rolls (a type Indian wrap with butter chicken or chicken tikka masala inside), as well as customized fresh juices blended in front of you and milkshakes made of dried fruit and nuts. 

Keep an eye out for the upcoming fall issue of The Real Park Ridge for more details about Mandram, opening in September.
A little drizzle isn’t spoiling the fun at the ann A little drizzle isn’t spoiling the fun at the annual @vinestbbq Competition today in Hodges Park. The food, drinks and music will be going until 10pm.
In case you haven't heard, the @parkridgeparks jus In case you haven't heard, the @parkridgeparks just announced that the long-awaited reopening of the Oakton Driving Range is happening on Wednesday, September 9! Can't wait.
From our big summer issue... Q&A with @olivia.san From our big summer issue...

Q&A with @olivia.santelli whose popular lakefront @risepilatesclub — and TV appearances on @thetodayshow and @kellyclarksonshow — has led to her own @within.thestudio in Edison Park 

Read the full interview now at TheRealParkRidge.com
Two weeks away… the final Park Ridge Market after Two weeks away… the final Park Ridge Market after Dark of the summer. You won’t want to miss it. @mad60068
Did you know, if you can’t decide between two of y Did you know, if you can’t decide between two of your faves, you can split a single scoop cone amongst two flavors at @triplescoopdicecream ?

Did you also know they offer ice cream cookies and customized ice cream cakes that are perfect for any occasion?
Proud to be volunteering again as a director with Proud to be volunteering again as a director with @falconsfootballcheer where an estimated 3,150 kids will be participating in flag, tackle and cheerleading leagues this fall — a new record. What's most impressive? The girls flag football numbers more than doubled from last year. Quite the program we have here in town, and it shows.
Hammitt handbags are always in style, no matter wh Hammitt handbags are always in style, no matter what season we’re in. Come check out the large assortment at @raffiagifts next to the Pickwick this week.
Chicago Scene: The Architecture and True Crime Tou Chicago Scene: The Architecture and True Crime Tour, water taxis, @naiaontheriver opens, the Anne Frank exhibit at the @griffinmsi and falling in love with @popupbagels 

Read the feature from our big summer issue now at TheRealParkRidge.com
The @cityofparkridge and @parkridgepolicedepartmen The @cityofparkridge and @parkridgepolicedepartment have a fun night planned for the annual National Night Out. Come join in the community fun tonight in Hodges Park
From our big summer issue's cover story on light b From our big summer issue's cover story on light bites perfect for patio season...

The southwest chicken salad at @howardstreetinn 

Keeping it light: This is not your normal sports bar menu. Far from it, actually, and it’s easy to fall in love with a new dish each time you stop by. The menu is that robust. Perfect for summer, in our mind, is the southwest chicken salad that has grilled chicken breast topped with fresh pico de gallo, corn and grated cheddar served over a bed of chopped romaine lettuce — all packed in a crispy baked tortilla shell. Throw on a little spicy ranch dressing and pair with a cold draft beer and you’re set. And pretty guilt free. 

And did we mention Howard Street has arguably the best daily drink specials in the area?
Monday fun fact: The weekend brunch at @eliacafe_ Monday fun fact: The weekend brunch at @eliacafe_ in Uptown Park Ridge is something to behold.
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