By Trent Modglin

Luvvli wellness studio opens above the Pickwick Theater

The inspiration for Luvvli was nothing out of the blue for owner (and Park Ridge resident) Jenny Sepulveda, whose been practicing many of the same wellness modalities for more than 20 years and who, as a Reiki Master, is certified to teach yoga, meditation and more.

Luvvli, which is located above the Pickwick Theater, incorporates a lot of Jenny’s preferred wellness activities — like meditation, breathwork, restorative yoga, sound healing, IV therapy, workshops and, eventually, even cryotherapy and acupuncture — under one roof.

“The idea is to educate and teach people about our mind and bodies,” Jenny tells us. “I wanted to share what I have lived and what has helped me. To focus on inner joy and peace in your life. I’ve done the private side of wellness, professionally, for so long that I felt like it was my time to share it with the community that I live in.”

This is your hour to charge yourself in mind and spirit. Find a deep relaxation to take yourself to another level, be more grounded and handle stress.” — Luvvli founder Jenny Sepulveda

All of the classes at Luvvli are restorative in nature, both in terms of healing and connecting with yourself.

“I like to compare it to when your phone dies and you need to charge it or your car needs an oil change,” says Jenny, who earned her MBA from Loyola last year. “Well, this is your hour to charge yourself in mind and spirit. Find a deep relaxation to take yourself to another level and be more grounded, handle anxiety and handle stress. Life is always going to throw us curveballs, but Luvvli’s classes and workshops will help teach you how to handle some of that, how to be present, live in a gratitude state, give out positive energy and get to your big goals.”

3 S. Prospect Ave., suite 203 in Park Ridge
. (847) 220-4228. 
Luvvli.com

Shemroon Kabab House’s new brunch, catering services and private party space


In just its first year, this contemporary Persian restaurant has earned quite a following with its scrumptious selection of grilled meats, friendly owners and continuing expansion. The tasty combinations of kababs, rice, vegetables and appetizers seem almost limitless, and now, they have a brunch buffet Friday-Sunday to help kick off the weekend.

“It was always in our heads to eventually do breakfast, but that was a little difficult because we’re open for late-night dining, so it’s an easier transition for us to do brunch instead,” says owner Mehdi Hajiaghazadeh.

The new brunch at Shemroon Kabab House seems limitless. And they now offer catering too — for everything from small groups all the way up to a recent 250-person event at Northeastern University.

The goal is to have several items from the main menu in the all-you-can-eat brunch lineup as well, so customers can test a variety of dishes out and pick their favorites (for when they come back for dinner). As of now, the brunch buffet consists of an assortment of salmon, beef, lamb, chicken, hummus, rice, garlic eggplant, soups, omelettes, vegetables, coffee and tea, and every week there will be new items introduced. Noteworthy too, is the fact that all of Shemroon’s meats are now halal. The brunch runs from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday-Sunday, and prices are $25.95 on Friday and $29.95 on weekends (kids are $15.95).

Shemroon now offers catering too — for everything from small groups all the way up to a recent 250-person event at Northeastern University. And this winter they added a third room, perfect for weekend overflow or a private party room for up to 50 people. Additional note: Parking is free after 5 p.m. behind Brick & Mortar.

9 N. Prospect Avenue in Park Ridge. (847) 518-5101
. ShemroonKababHouse.com

Weekend brunch at Patina Wine Bar


Business partners Tim Arifi and Carissa Shaffer opened Patina Wine Bar last spring to rave reviews. And while brunch was always in the plans, they wanted to make sure they had their feet firmly beneath them as a restaurant before adding a weekend brunch to the mix.

“We opened up and it was great, but once we started brunch, not a lot of people knew about it or they already had their favorite brunch spots,” Carissa admits. So they decided to partner up with the Park District, and anyone who participated in the Park District’s free weekend yoga sessions in Hodges Park across the street got a free mimosa or non-alcoholic cocktail which, along with a flower-filled side walk patio, started to draw people in.

For Patina’s brunch, expect a seasonal-focused spin on some regular favorites like glazed French toast with fresh berries, salmon pastrami toast with cream cheese or the Florentine flatbread with scrambled eggs and crispy prosciutto.

This spring, Patina has been busy adding more items for brunch (which now runs 12-3 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday). Mimosa flights and bottles? Yep, they’ve got those too now.

As for the menu, expect a seasonal-focused spin on some regular favorites like glazed French toast with fresh berries; chilaquiles; salmon pastrami toast with cream cheese; Florentine flatbread with scrambled eggs and crispy prosciutto; and, for those looking for something a little lighter, the banana split, consisting of a caramelized banana with granola, honey, Greek yogurt and fresh berries. 

In addition to brunch, Patina does offer a kids menu for dinner and brunch, and they’re now open for lunch on Fridays from noon-3 p.m. as well.

112 S. Prospect Avenue in Park Ridge. 
(847) 696-7911
. PatinaWineBar.com

Dermoni Medspa opens in Village Green Shopping Center


The new Dermani Medspa is dedicated to “providing the best evidence-based aesthetic treatments at a great value with stellar customer service.” They offer convenient, affordable membership programs that allow clients to pay over time as well. Also, new clients can get any one of these services:
* $20 off your first Botox session
* One free small-area laser hair removal session
* $50 off a signature hydrafacial
* A microdermabrasion, chemical peel, facial or dermaplaning for $49 (a $120 value).

535B Busse Highway in Park Ridge
. DermoniMedSpa.com

Let’s talk about Une Année’s new chimichurri steak sandwich, which they promised to keep on the menu for the forseeable future. They may lose a friend if they don’t.

Uné Année Brewery’s chimichurri steak sandwich and weekday happy hour

First off, let’s talk about Une Année’s new chimichurri steak sandwich, which they promised they plan to keep on the menu for the forseeable future. They may lose a friend if they don’t. It’s just that good. Partner this super tender, juicy and flavorful steak sandwich with some of their seasoned fries and a hazy IPA or barrel-aged stout and you’re all set.

Choosing your own flight is definitely the best way to explore the draft list, which is constantly changing with new creations and seasonal favorites. Also, they offer a solid weekday happy hour from 2:30-5:30 p.m. with half off appetizers and $4 select drafts. Grab yourself a picnic table on the patio this spring or summer. You won’t be disappointed.

6343 W. Gross Point Road in Niles
. UneAnnee.com

Daniel’s Charcuterie is now offering breakfast

Daniel Boland has never shied away from wanting to try new things. His charcuterie board combinations are always changing and customizable, and the sandwich and salads are creatively tweaked here and there. But in case you hadn’t heard, last fall he made a big jump to include breakfast, opening at 8 a.m. Monday-Saturday.

“We have a really good lunch following, and we started seeing more activity around us and the Metra station in the morning,” Boland tells us. “We also have more confidence to try new ventures. The neighborhood and customers have been responding well, so we felt it’s time to do something a little extra.”

One of the staples of the new breakfast menu is the delectable cold smoked-salmon bagel sandwich with arugula, tomato, onions and cream cheese, served on an everything bagel.

One of the staples of the new breakfast menu is the delectable cold smoked-salmon bagel sandwich with arugula, tomato, onions and cream cheese, served on an everything bagel. Also on the menu: A breakfast bagel; English muffin with scrambled eggs, bacon and cheddar; avocado pico de gallo toast; yogurt parfaits with fresh fruit; and peanut butter toast with honey, blueberries and slivered almonds. Talk about a light, easy and tasty to get you on your way in the morning.

Check out their new morning and afternoon hours online, and keep them in mind for catering and pickups that are perfect for Concerts in the Park this summer.

15 S. Fairview in Park Ridge
. DanielsCharcuterie.com

Sal Pique Mexican restaurant opens in Uptown

Recently opened in the Shops of Uptown, Sal Pique definitely offers up a modern vibe yet cozy atmosphere, which we appreciated during a visit on a cold February evening. An attentive staff, too. The steak burrito and barbacoa tacos are recommended, the pitchers of fruit-flavored margaritas are a plus and the food presentation is eye-catching for sure. Whether you’re with a large group, the family for a quiet dinner or just having a post-work cocktail at the bar, Sal Pique looks to be able to handle it all.

130 N. Northwest Highway in Park Ridge
. Sal-Pique-ParkRidge.com

BFT Park Ridge opens in Village Green Shopping Center

There was a lot of anticipation surrounding the opening of a BFT location here in Park Ridge, and after a lengthy buildout on the vacant space, classes are underway in Village Green.

The goal here is to transform your body, mind and life with Body Fit Training, using a proprietary system of “science-backed progressive workouts that will build lean muscle and blast away fat.” BFT utilizes a variety of 13 class types that are carefully curated based on the power of 3, meaning each week coaches will activate your three muscle fiber types, work through your three planes of movement and stress your three energy systems.

575 Busse Highway, space 2 in Park Ridge
. BodyFitTraining.com/location/park-ridge

YSB Legal, LLC opens on Northwest Highway
As a proud resident who relocated to Park Ridge in October of 2020, Yvonne Brower has been busy not only growing a home for her family but also nurturing the growth of her own legal practice. When her youngest son embarked on his full-day preschool journey in the fall of last year, she knew it was the perfect time to establish a physical professional presence in the community. Yvonne’s general legal practice is designed to offer comprehensive assistance in various legal matters, including everything from real estate and estate-planning transactions to supporting local businesses to ensure they have the necessary protections in place to keep their operations running smoothly.

422 N. Northwest Highway, Suite B5 in Park Ridge. YSBlegal.com

Shine cleaning services expands to Park Ridge
Specializing in window cleaning, gutter cleaning, pressure washing and landscape and holiday lighting, Shine of Chicago North has been in business for three years and has recently expanded to include Park Ridge, Glenview, Morton Grove and Niles. They’re so confident in their work that they guarantee if you are not completely satisfied, they’ll make it right or give you a full refund. Call them today for an estimate and get your home ready for spring. ShineInfo.com