Photos by Nikki Allen Creative

Patina Wine Bar
112 S. Prospect Ave. in Park Ridge
847-696-7911

PatinaWineBar.com

Q: What drew you to Park Ridge for this new venue?

A: We have always loved Park Ridge. It’s a beautiful town with a very active Uptown area and a vibrant restaurant scene. We love that the neighbors support the local businesses and that Park Ridge is a dining destination. We feel like the neighborhood needs a fun wine bar with unique wines and awesome food.

Q: Tell us a bit about your history in the restaurant business.

A: “I started working in the restaurant industry in 1997 and immediately fell in love with the business. After high school, I attended culinary school in Chicago and worked all over the city and suburbs for Lettuce Entertain You, Francesca’s Restaurants and the Boka Restaurant Group.

In 2014, I opened my own restaurant, Knife & Tine, in Lincoln Park. After a great four-year run, I decided to close it and take on the role of director of operations and managing partner with Bobby’s Restaurants. Tim and I spoke often about opening a wine bar where we can bring together our combined years of experience and love for wine and food, and we are excited to make our dream a reality with Patina Wine Bar.” — Carissa Shaffer

A: “My father, grandfather and uncle opened Cafe Lucci in Glenview in 1995 and as soon as I was able, I was working there. I have done everything from bus tables to wash dishes to valet cars to now serving as the CFO and managing partner of Bobby’s Restaurants. I have always loved the restaurant business, but especially love the wine and spirits side of things.” — Tim Arifi

We spoke often about opening a wine bar where we can bring together our combined years of experience and love for wine and food, and we are excited to make our dream a reality.

Q: What do you have in store for us with Patina Wine Bar?

A: Not only is Patina a gorgeous wine bar with fun wines and delicious food (such as marinated octopus, ahi yellowfin tuna, steak tartare, creative flatbreads and charcuterie boards, etc.), but we also have a retail/gift shop and a wine club.

Q: Finish this sentence: A night out at Patina will be… fun, sexy, unpretentious.