A Windy City Garages and Doors are the best contractors ever! The project: tear down of an existing two-car garage and replace it with a new slab and a larger, nicer two-car garage with connecting art studio. Vince and Joe were amazing to work with. The garage/studio was on time, high quality to the last detail, and worth every penny. The whole experience was such a pleasant one from the time we planned it to the time it was completed. … Joe and Vince always respond to messages, are great communicators, showed up, and not only understood my vision, but seemed genuinely interested in creating just what I wanted with this project. The few unexpected changes that come along with any project were always met with a positive attitude and a timely and creative solution.

— Melanie

Just wanted to sing the praises of Kiko’s Flower & Gifts on Busse Highway. They knock it out of the park every single time.

— Patrick

Our teens and tween (and also the 40-something and 60-year-old) loved The Color Factory at the Willis Tower. If you drive, use Spot Hero to get discounted parking across the street for less than $10 on a Saturday.

— Michelle

We should all be excited by the fact that Chicago Ramen has moved into the old Frosty Penguin! I know it is a big change from burgers and soft serve, but this a bonafide quality ramen shop. I grew up in Arlington Heights eating Mitsuwa and Misoya ramen, so I am thrilled to have something of that quality just down the street!

— Mandy

Thinking about aging is not always a fun thought, and I think it’s important to do a little something for yourself occasionally. Danielle Oyasu from Beautifully New Med Spa did an absolutely amazing job. She specializes in injections that offer a very natural result … and talked me out of my original request (for plumper lips). She truly knows what looks best! You’ll feel completely comfortable in this upscale, beautiful space. I can’t wait for my next appointment!

— Amy

Café Touché in Edison Park is so intimate and cozy. They have amazing food, and it’ll make you feel like you’re in Paris!

I just had my trunk and bumper fixed at Derek’s Auto Repair on River River Road, and they did great work!

— Jane

Café Touché in Edison Park is so intimate and cozy. They have amazing food, and it’ll make you feel like you’re in Paris!

— Sherry Watkins

Anthony Valentino Salon on Main Street in Park Ridge

Anthony Valentino Salon for Hair was able to give me an appointment in such a short notice for hair and makeup for a wedding I was going to. Georgette did a fabulous job on my hair. She listened to how I wanted it styled — and executed! JoAnn did my makeup and was very professional and did a great job as well. I received lots of compliments that night. Plus, both are so kind, welcoming and friendly! The owner even retouched my hair after the makeup to make sure it would hold all night. Definitely coming back again.

— Maria A

We go to Moses’ Barber Shop on Higgins, and Moses is absolutely great with my son, who’s autistic and has a lot of sensory needs. He’s patient, kind and understanding. My son is 6 and has had more success with Moses than at the kids’ haircut places.

— Maggie M

Gene & Georgetti

Gene & Georgetti under the tracks downtown is my favorite restaurant in the entire world. Any of the steaks — the ribeye, T-bone or filet — they’re all so good. The original is just such a classic place. Also, Gale Street Inn for ribs in Chicago’s Jefferson Park. They’re just reliably excellent. It’s a fun, funky place.

— Mike O’Grady from Emerald Decorating

South Haven and St. Joseph, Michigan are just two hours away, and the wine trail is fun. Apple picking and blueberry picking, great beaches, etc.

— Trisha K

Pazzi Di Pizza is one restaurant the entire family will say yes to every single time, regardless of whether we are dining in or ordering out.

Bead World in Palatine for ear piercing. They made my daughter feel comfortable even though she was a little nervous.

— Jennifer L

Pazzi Di Pizza is one restaurant the entire family will say yes to every single time, regardless of whether we are dining in or ordering out. They have numerous tasty dishes, but their pizza is the closest to authentic Italian pizza we’ve found in the area.

— Dr. Milena Bulic from MPowered Orthodontics

I have bought several items from Sooo Cute Boutique, such as hats, purses, earrings and necklaces, and I’ve been getting so many compliments on them all. My daughters love shopping there! Park Ridge needed a cute boutique like this.

— J.K.