Anderson Japanese Gardens

What you do for a living: I am a full-time server at Harp & Fiddle in Uptown Park Ridge. It’s a lot of fun, I get to meet a lot of great people, and it keeps me out of trouble.

How long you’ve lived here: I lived in Park Ridge for two years and just recently moved to Portage Park on Chicago’s NW side.

What you like best about Park Ridge: How close the community is and how many great events we have in town. The Market After Dark has been a fun addition to the summer calendar for sure.

Best meal you’ve had recently: There’s a place called Baha that specializes in Mexican-style seafood in the Belmont-Cragin neighborhood of Chicago near Six Corners. I had the camarones a la diabla — spicy shrimp with rice, salad, seasoned fries and a piece of garlic bread. They give you a small sample of their homemade ceviche, but you can’t stop eating it and end up placing a couple more orders for the table.

Don Juan’s margaritas

Favorite restaurant in the area: Of course it’s Harp & Fiddle, but right there with my place of employment is Don Juan’s Cantina. Their margaritas hit the mark every time, especially the frozen raspberry. I love the sandwich de Milanese, which is a breaded chicken breast served on a brioche bun with bacon, avocado and chipotle mayo, and it comes with hand-cut fries that are tossed in chili tajin. It’s so good.

Favorite “hidden gem” restaurant: It’s in Oak Park and it’s called Crepas Culichi. They are all about specialty crepes, and the craft cocktail lineup is so creative. We go for brunch, and it’s such a fun, colorful place.

Crepas Culichi in Oak Park is all about specialty crepes, and the craft cocktail lineup is so creative. We go for brunch, and it’s such a fun, colorful place.

Best bar to grab a drink or to catch the game: I might be a bit biased, but Harp & Fiddle is always fun and it’s very welcoming. Even on my off days, I can’t stay away. It’s like my second home. For football season, I will be camped out here watching Caleb Williams and the Bears.

A great night out with friends usually includes… drinks at Harp & Fiddle, dinner nearby and dancing someplace where there’s a good band.

The best way to spend a Saturday in the fall: Wake up early and go for a walk in a nearby forest preserve. I like hiking, so I’m always looking for new trails and then having a picnic afterward. Caldwell Woods is a favorite.

Christkindlmarket Chicago

What’s something you look forward to every fall or early winter?  
I usually don’t do much for the holidays, but this year I really want to make a point to see all the lights displays in the suburbs and Rosemont, go to the Christkindlmarket downtown and go snowboarding at Alpine Valley or Grand Geneva. I’ve been once before and have all the gear, so I’m looking forward to actually using it again.

Harp & Fiddle is always fun and it’s very welcoming. Even on my off days, I can’t stay away. It’s like my second home.

Favorite local store or best shopping area: My friends and I religiously go to the Fashion Outlets of Chicago here in Rosemont, and our favorite store is Aritzia, which is like a magical girl world of trendy clothes — everything from workout clothes to leisurewear to business attire.

Secret spot: I fell in love with the Anderson Japanese Gardens in Rockford. I took my grandma there and just walked around and soaked it all in. You can feed the geese and koi, and it’s so beautiful to walk through anytime of year.

Off the Wall Café

Underrated activity in the area: Reading a book outside on the patio at Off the Wall Café right here in Park Ridge. All by myself, with headphones on to block out everyone. The book I’m enjoying now is Strange the Dreamer.

Lake Geneva is so close, and there is lots to do — shopping, good bars, good food and beaches. I love Simple Café up there and the bakery next to it.

Weekend getaway spot: Lake Geneva. It’s close, and there is lots to do — shopping, good bars, good food and beaches. I love Simple Café up there and the bakery next to it.

What have you heard great things about but have yet to try?
A+ Italian Steakhouse in Edison Park. I’ve been hearing from so many Park Ridge people about it, and I’m anxious to go check it out. I love a good bone-in, medium-rare ribeye with a big class of cabernet.