What you do for a living: I’m a hair stylist and colorist right here in Park Ridge at Salon Twenty Three. I’d love to have you in my chair! Check out my work on Instagram: @HairByClaudiaL

How long you’ve lived here: I’m a Park Ridge native, through and through. 27 years to be exact.

What you like best about Park Ridge: It’s a very close-knit community. Working at one of the businesses Uptown, it’s really awesome to see how much each business supports each other.

Best meal you’ve had recently: The seven spicy ahi from Shakou. I could eat that, and only that, for the rest of my life.

Favorite restaurant in the area: I really don’t have a favorite, they’re all so good! But if I had to pick, I think I’d say Pennyville Station. Their menu really has anything and everything. The mussels are my favorite.

Favorite “hidden gem” restaurant: Sonny’s Express is such a hidden gem. They have the best chopped salad in the whole world, and I stand by that.

Mel’s Craft BBQ has a great ambiance to sit at the bar and grab a drink. The staff there is fun, and the vibes are always great.

Best bar to grab a drink or to catch the game: Mel’s Craft BBQ has a great ambiance to sit at the bar and grab a drink. The staff is fun, and the vibes in there are always great.

A great night out with friends usually includes…    
Food and drinks are a must. Honestly, my friends and I enjoy restaurant hopping in Uptown. We usually start at Harp & Fiddle and see where the night takes us. Nine times out of 10 we always end up back at Harp by the end of the night.

Pennyville Station brunch

The best way to spend a Saturday in the summer: Definitely the bottomless brunch at Pennyville Station. It’s especially fun if you’re lucky enough to snag a table outside when the weather is nice. I highly recommend the avocado toast. It’s so yummy.

The bottomless brunch at Pennyville Station is especially fun if you’re lucky enough to snag a table outside when the weather is nice. I highly recommend the avocado toast.

Favorite local store or best shopping area: I love Marigold! If you enjoy buying home decor just as much as I do, it’s definitely the store for you. I can’t walk in there without buying something. I also love going to Sooo Cute Boutique for jewelry.

Marigold gift shop

Secret Park Ridge spot: The John E. Traeger picnic area here in Park Ridge right off of Touhy. My husband and I always take our dog there, and have cute little family picnics when the weather is nice.

Underrated activity in the area: The Park Ridge Wine Walk every spring and fall. It’s seriously so much fun. It is such a great way to get to know the surrounding businesses, plus you get a glass of wine every place you stop.

Weekend getaway spot: My husband and I love going up to my family’s lake house up in Wisconsin on the Lauderdale Lakes. It’s so nice to just go up there for a weekend, have a couple drinks and cruise on a boat.

What have you heard great things about but have yet to try?
I’ve heard many great things about Zia’s Social. My friends and I used to love going to Zia’s Trattoria when it was in Edison Park, but I have yet to try their new location in Norwood Park.

Zia’s Social patio