What you do for a living: Currently I am a father, a graduate student and work two jobs trying to improve our local community and its infrastructure. I am also an elected official serving the residents of Maine Township as Highway Commissioner. I began working there as a summer help at age 15, so it’s very rewarding to be able to currently serve in this capacity.

How long you’ve lived here: For the most part, I have lived here all 40 years of my life. I have also lived in Chicago and down in Bloomington-Normal.

What you like best about Park Ridge: One of the best things I love about Park Ridge are the people. There’s so many people who give up their free time to help make community events the best they can be. Also the Uptown area is pretty sweet!

Daniel’s Charcuterie

Favorite restaurant in the area: This is a tough one and also a loaded question! There are so many good restaurants in Park Ridge and the surrounding suburbs. For lunch, I really enjoy the sandwiches at Daniel’s Charcuterie. For dinner, I like a number of restaurants, including Fire + Wine, Pazzi di Pizza, Shakou, Lou Malnati’s and Foxtail on the Lake to name a few.

The best meal I’ve had recently was at Thalaiva’s Indian Kitchen on Prospect Ave. The food was very good, and the owners’ hospitality and generosity is top notch.”

Best meal you’ve had recently: I would have to say Thalaiva’s Indian Kitchen on Prospect Ave. The food was very good, and the owners’ hospitality and generosity is top notch.

Favorite “hidden gem” restaurant: I’m open to suggestions. Anywhere that has a fantastic tavern-style Italian beef, sausage and giardiniera pizza would be a good place to start. The Pines Room is also a great Park Ridge hidden gem to have a drink or a quick night cap.

Countryside Saloon

Best bar to grab a drink or to catch the game: Countryside Saloon in Des Plaines. It has a great neighborhood vibe, and you definitely feel at home when you’re there. I also enjoy Harp and Fiddle, especially if Jerry is around.

A great night out with friends usually includes… going to a baseball game and then trying new restaurants and food throughout Chicago. As a foodie, I like to start early and try as many places as I can. Usually by the end of the day I am full — but never too full for some Rita’s Italian Ice or Triple Scoop’d ice cream.

The best way to spend a Saturday in the fall: Outside with family and friends around a fire pit with a warm drink in hand!

What’s something you look forward to every fall? I know you want me to say pumpkin spice or cinnamon-scented candles, but I am going to have to say Trader Joe’s pumpkin pancake mix. You have to get it while you can.

Favorite local store or best shopping area: The suburb of Geneva is a fun place to go to for shopping and just to walk around. It has a charm about it, and it’s great to support local business owners whenever possible.

Secret spot: I can’t just pick one. The most underrated place would have to be Green Mill on Chicago’s north side on a Thursday night. Great jazz and big band music and even better company. Also, Gilt Bar in Chicago is definitely up there on the list, and my type of joint.

Underrated activity in the area: Biking, hiking or kayaking on the many lakes and rivers in and around the Chicagoland area. There’s so much to do outside in state parks and local forest preserves. The Shawnee National Forest, Starved Rock, Waterfall Glen and many of county forest preserves are fun for biking.

I have not had the chance to check out the 606 trail in Chicago yet, but I’ve heard they did a great job blending the history with beautiful scenery. I also want to check out Wolf & Company, the new restaurant, bar, butcher shop, grocery store, floral shop and cafe on the trail along Western and Armitage.”

Favorite weekend getaway spot: Going up to Door County or a lake in Wisconsin. It doesn’t get any better than that. In Door County, Ellison Bay and Ephraim are two of my favorites. Can’t go wrong with the sunsets and a root beer float at Wilson’s.

What have you heard great things about but have yet to try?
The 606 trail in Chicago. I have not had the chance to check it out, but I’ve heard they did a great job blending the history with beautiful scenery. I also want to check out Wolf & Company, the new restaurant, bar, butcher shop, grocery store, floral shop and cafe on the trail along Western and Armitage. The gastropub in Logan Square called Gretel too.

Wolf & Company