Introducing Patina Wine Bar: Co-owners Carissa Schaffer and Tim Arifi share their background in the restaurant industry, plans for their sleek wine bar and what drew them to Park Ridge
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.
