Shemroon Kabab House in Park Ridge

Park Ridge Insider Jamie Kendall

What you do for a living: I am the Development Coordinator at Brickton Montessori School. We have been a part of the northwest side/Park Ridge community since 1986. Brickton Montessori is a fully accredited independent school serving students Pre-K through 8th grade and offering vibrant infant and toddler programs. My now 13-year-old has been here since first grade.

I’ve worked as a teacher and designer since 2002. Before I returned to education, I co-founded the restaurant Sweet & Tart in Uptown Park Ridge, which operated from 2020-2022. The community support and relationships formed during that time meant a lot, especially as we grappled with the pandemic. I’m thankful to have met so many wonderful people during that time.

How long you’ve lived here: We moved to Park Ridge when I was little, and I grew up here. I went to Carpenter and Lincoln, then graduated from Maine South in 1998. Before we moved to Norwood Park in 2017, I lived in Geneva, Streeterville, and Clemson, South Carolina.

What you like best about Park Ridge: The great shops, delicious restaurants, beautiful parks and proximity to Chicago. It’s a city of connections; you talk to someone for two minutes and realize you know their sister/cousin/neighbor!

Best meal you’ve had recently: When temperatures drop, I seek out cozy and filling comfort food. The French onion soup at Café Touché fits the bill every time. I had dinner with a good friend at Shemroon Kabab House recently and loved their chicken koobideh and extensive wine list. Off the Wall Café makes a great chai latte, too.

Nonna Silvia’s

Favorite restaurant in the area: There’s a lot of contenders! Bangkok Belly in Norwood Park is a short walk from my place and is always yummy. Pennyville Station and Thalaiva’s Indian Kitchen are consistently delicious. My Boompa (grandpa) was a Park Ridge resident for 55+ years, and his favorite restaurant was Nonna Silvia’s, so I stop in whenever possible.

My boyfriend and I ride our bikes along the North Shore Channel and explore the forests and gardens nearby. After a long ride, we love to go to restaurants like Vincent or Anteprima and catch a movie at the Davis Theater in Lincoln Square.

Favorite “hidden gem” restaurant: Panino’s has been around for quite some time, and it is consistently enjoyable. It’s right around the corner from Park Ridge’s Restaurant Row, and their gnocchi al forno is a treat.

Best bar to grab a drink or to catch the game: I’m consistently impressed by the beer selection and knowledgeable staff at Beer on the Wall. Their recommendations are always spot-on. I also love Hopleaf in Chicago’s Andersonville neighborhood for their rotating menu, welcoming atmosphere and mussels with frites.

The Ashburn in Rosemont

A great night out with friends usually includes… sharing memories and making plans over great food and drinks. I recently met up with my lifelong friends at The Ashburn (a gastropub inside the Loews Hotel in Rosemont), and we had a blast. It’s got a very inclusive menu with something for everyone.

The best way to spend a Saturday in the spring: My boyfriend and I love riding our bikes along the North Shore Channel and exploring the forests and gardens nearby. He is an avid photographer, so along the way we’ll stop and investigate, capturing moments with insects and plant life. After a long ride, we love to go to restaurants like Vincent or Anteprima and catch a movie at the Davis Theater in Lincoln Square.

During the spring, I love grabbing a delicious tea concoction from TeaLula and walking over to the Park Ridge Farmers Market. I always stock up on beautiful flowers, fresh fruits and veggies, and handmade soaps. The empanada food truck onsite is a nice bonus.

What’s something you look forward to every spring?
Grabbing a delicious tea concoction from TeaLula and walking over to the Park Ridge Farmers’ Market. I always stock up on beautiful flowers, fresh fruits and veggies, and handmade soaps. The empanada food truck onsite is a nice bonus.

Secret spot: The Fairway in Niles, which recently went through a big renovation. Every spring, Brickton Montessori holds our annual fundraiser, called The Big Leap. In 2023, we celebrated it at The Fairway, and the team loved the space and layout enough that we held the 2024 Big Leap in the same spot!

Raffia Gifts in Park Ridge

Favorite local store or best shopping area: I love Edie Boutique for fun clothing and accessories, Raffia Gifts for local artisan offerings and WineStyles for personalized service. I also love a good thrift store, and My Sister’s Closet never disappoints!

Underrated activity in the area: I grew up near Maine Park, so a lot of my childhood was spent at Wildwood Nature Center. I love the way the Park District has returned the land to a natural prairie, and I love going back to visit and walking around the pond.

Weekend getaway spot: We lived in Geneva for six years and still have connections to the town. When I pass by the Herrington Inn or see a new restaurant opening on Third Street, I’ll think, “I should make a weekend out of this!”

What have you heard great things about but have yet to try?
My 7th grader LOVES music, and has been asking for electric guitar lessons, so I’m definitely considering School of Rock Park Ridge. I also need to check out Leila Love Macarons. My mom loves them, and there’s lots of sweet holidays still to come this year.