What you do for a living: I am a periodontist who specializes in replacing teeth with dental implants as well as treating gum disease to save natural teeth. I come from a family of dentists, starting with my grandfather. The practice I am currently in (DiFranco Dental Specialists at 511 W. Talcott in Park Ridge) was established by my dad, Charles F. DiFranco. He was a periodontist, and his brother, Paul A. DiFranco Jr., opened alongside him practicing orthodontics. My aunts, Geri Ann DiFranco and Josie DiFranco-Bordignon, joined the practice soon after as periodontists. To say we have deep roots in the community is a bad pun, but a very true statement!

How long you’ve lived here: I was born and raised in Park Ridge, attending Washington, Lincoln and Maine South. I only moved away for college (Miami of Ohio), and returned to Chicago for my dental and specialty training at UIC. I met my wife at Maine South, and we married and moved back to Park Ridge right after my residency. It was important for us to raise our family in the community where I practice and the community we both grew up in. I know the people of Park Ridge and the surrounding suburbs depend on me and my team to provide the very best care possible, and that is what we are always striving for. We continually fall back on our principle, which is to treat our patients like family. The most rewarding part about that is so many of our patients truly do feel like family.

What do you like best about Park Ridge: Park Ridge has always been family-friendly. I believe the best part about the city is the small-town feel for a relatively large population. What has been great to see is the constant improvements to the restaurant scene. I also love all the local organizations that take so much pride in our city.

At DiFranco Dental Specialists, the most rewarding part is that so many of our patients truly do feel like family.

Pennyville Station

Best meal you’ve had recently: When I can get out of the office for lunch, I am usually looking for a lighter meal so I don’t crash during the second half of the day. I’m a big fan of the salads at Pennyville Station, Daniel’s Charcuterie and Sonny’s Express.

Favorite “hidden gem” restaurant: Only because it is still so new, but Elia Café is great. A lot of attention to detail, and many unique menu items. My kids love the sweet stuff like the Dubai French toast, whereas I am a fan of the savory stuff like the kalamata frittata.

Best bar to grab a drink or to catch the game: Holt’s is a great option with big screens everywhere, not to mention fantastic food. We love the brunch there.

Hay Caramba

Favorite restaurant in the area: Our favorite restaurant is probably Hay Caramba. Everyone in the family has their “go-to” order, and when the kids eat, everyone is happy.

A great night out with friends usually includes…
Great food, great service and lots of laughs. My wife Marissa and I had a great night with friends recently at Thalaiva’s Indian Kitchen. The spicy tamarind mojito was recommended by our server and did not disappoint. The fresh garlic naan, tandoori chicken and chicken vindaloo were all very tasty and flavorful. There is a certain energy there on the weekends that is undeniable. Seeing families walking in at 9 p.m. for dinner seems to be the norm.

My wife and I had a great night with friends recently at Thalaiva’s Indian Kitchen. … There is a certain energy there on the weekends that is undeniable. Seeing families walking in at 9 p.m. for dinner seems to be the norm.

The best way to spend a Saturday in the winter: We are not big outdoors people in the winter, but when there is snow on the ground, you better believe we are outside with the kids. Sledding at the Centennial Park hill is always fun, and the standard hot cocoa by the fire to warm up after.

What’s something you look forward to every winter?
Winterfest in Park Ridge the day after Thanksgiving. We have helped sponsor the trolleys for the past few years, and the family really enjoys riding from Uptown to South Park and back. It is great to see all the houses beautifully decorated. We love how it brings the community together and jumpstarts holiday shopping for the businesses throughout town.

Raffia Gifts

Favorite local store or best shopping area: I always find something unique at Raffia for that hard-to-buy-for person. Emily Larson does a great job there to keep things fresh and interesting. Solari & Huntington have fantastic jewelry pieces that my wife loves. I’ll never forget picking out my wife’s engagement ring there with the help of my dad.

When we venture out of Park Ridge, we love to go to Pasta D’Arte. … The pastas are fantastic, and they usually have great specials too. We love the gnocchi and usually can’t pass up the tortellini al forno.

Secret spot: When we venture out of Park Ridge, we love to go to Pasta D’Arte. I don’t think I’ve ever had a bad meal there. The pastas are fantastic, and they usually have great specials too. We love the gnocchi and usually can’t pass up the tortellini al forno.

Bottle & Bottega

Underrated activity in the area: My daughter recently celebrated her birthday with friends at Bottle & Bottega. They do a great job with kids’ birthday parties there, which was unexpected. The girls had a blast painting on a canvas and, of course, getting to take home their masterpieces. I would love to go back with a group of friends.

Favorite weekend getaway spot: Last summer we went up to Manitowish Waters in northern Wisconsin. It’s a bit of a hike, but totally worth it. My aunt and uncle have a lake house there, so we get to do some water sports and relaxing by the water. Family time is precious, and we get a lot of it up there.

What have you heard great things about but have yet to try?
I know I’m not alone in saying I am very excited for Kouklas Greek Eatery to open in Niles. We pass it every time I drive my daughter to dance class at Studio 22 High Tek, and I can’t wait for the day we can stop in on the way home for a family meal. Also, my next time in the city, I’d love to go to Rose Mary in the West Loop since I only hear great things about it. Both these restaurants have Park Ridge ties, so it’s a win-win!

Rose Mary in the West Loop