Don Juan’s chicken nachos and margarita

What do you do for a living?
I am a senior mortgage advisor with Wintrust Mortgage here in town. My main branch is Village Bank & Trust on Cumberland and Touhy, which is a Wintrust Bank location. I’ve been in the industry for 25 years and specialize in structuring complex financial scenarios for my clients, lending in all 50 states as well. I personally attend most of my closings, and the best part of my job is seeing the faces of my clients when they receive their keys after the loan officially closes. It’s priceless.

How long have you lived here?
I was born and raised on the northwest side of Chicago in Jefferson Park and lived there most of my life. My wife, Tina, and I moved to Park Ridge when our twins, Nicholas and Maya, were born in 2006. Like many others, it was the schools and strong sense of community that brought us here. A funny (and not so funny) story — Tina was on bed rest at Northwestern Hospital downtown for almost two months during her pregnancy, so I had to take video of the house we purchased since she couldn’t leave. We completed the transaction and moved in before she was released. It was an interesting process to say the least, but it all worked out.

What do you like best about Park Ridge?
One of the best things about Park Ridge is its focus on kids and families. From the wide range of classes and activities offered by the Park Ridge Park District, to events at the Park Ridge Library and annual traditions like Winterfest hosted by the Chamber of Commerce and the city, there’s just so much to do. And that’s only scratching the surface.

Harp & Fiddle’s filet risotto

What is the best meal you had recently?
There are so many great options that I frequent regularly, but the most recent standout was the filet risotto at Harp & Fiddle. Chef Jerome does an excellent job with this dish. The perfectly cooked filet is outstanding, but the mushroom risotto with the red wine demi-glace is just as impressive.

Whether I need a butterflied turkey breast for my baked stuffed turkey roll, prime steaks or marinated meats, there’s always something great to choose from at Devon Avenue Meats.

Favorite hidden gem restaurant
Park Ridge isn’t the largest city, so it’s tough to call something truly “hidden,” but my pick would be Devon Avenue Meats. It’s technically not a restaurant, but it’s been a staple since the mid-1980s. The founder, Vince, has done an incredible job as a local butcher — everything in the store is top quality. Whether I need a butterflied, skinless turkey breast for my baked stuffed turkey roll, prime steaks or marinated meats, there’s always something great to choose from. The staff is incredibly friendly and knowledgeable. It’s been one of my favorite places for years.

Favorite restaurant in the area
This is a tough one because there are so many great options. I don’t necessarily have one favorite, as I go to different places for different experiences. Happy hour at fire + wine is a great deal, and the outdoor space is fantastic. The loaded nachos at Don Juan’s Cantina are perfect to split, especially with one of their hand-shaken margaritas. And the salmon skin sushi roll at Blufish (not on the menu — you have to ask for it) is one of my favorites. Too many great choices to pick just one.

fire + wine in Park Ridge

Best bar to grab a drink or catch the game
Don Juan’s Cantina is my go-to for a margarita and catching the game. The TVs are positioned perfectly throughout the restaurant, and Jake always has the right sports on. It’s a cozy spot with a great vibe, and the outdoor seating in the summer is a big plus.

Happy hour at fire + wine is a great deal, and the outdoor space is fantastic. And the loaded nachos at Don Juan’s Cantina are perfect to split, especially with one of their hand-shaken margaritas.

A great night out with friends usually includes…
One of the great things about Park Ridge is its proximity to everything. My wife and I might start with dinner at Blufish Sushi Bistro, then head to Rosemont for a concert in Parkway Bank Park, and finish the night at Rivers Casino, usually at the circle bar in the middle. The people-watching there is always entertaining, no matter the day of the week. Sometimes we’ll head back to Park Ridge afterward and stop at Don Juan’s to see Jake or Harp & Fiddle if it’s later in the evening. All great options.

Lake Park Golf Course in Des Plaines

The best way to spend a Saturday in the summer
That’s a tough one because there’s so much to do. Often, my daughter and I will take the convertible out for a morning drive, stop at a coffee shop, relax and catch up. In the afternoon, maybe play 18 holes at the Lake Park par-3 course in Des Plaines with my son (it only takes a couple of hours). Then in the evening, dinner in Park Ridge with my wife on Main Street to enjoy the summer weather. For me, that’s a very fulfilling day.

What’s something you look forward to every summer?
Spending time with my kids. Whether we’re traveling to Europe, exploring somewhere in the U.S., or just spending time together locally, having them home from school is something my wife and I always look forward to.

At Nottoli’s Italian Foods, everything is homemade daily — Italian sausage, meatballs, beef roasts. Their subs are made with old-school Italian bread, with meats sliced fresh to order and a fantastic Italian dressing.

Favorite local store or shopping area
I have a serious sweet tooth, so the new Kilwins on Prospect Avenue is a regular stop for me. I try to go in without a specific craving because otherwise I end up buying way too much. Everything looks and tastes incredible. They have such a great selection.

Secret spot
Just outside of Park Ridge on Harlem Avenue, south of Foster, is Nottoli’s Italian Foods. Their subs are made with old-school Italian bread, with meats sliced fresh to order and a fantastic Italian dressing. Everything is homemade daily — Italian sausage, meatballs and beef roasts studded with garlic and baked fresh for their Italian beef sandwiches. Around the holidays, their homemade lasagna catering trays are always a hit. Frank, the owner who took over from his father, takes tremendous pride in the food, and it shows. Definitely worth a visit.

Di Marko Cafe in Park Ridge

Underrated activity in the area
Grabbing a cup of coffee solo — whether at newcomer Di Marko Café or another local spot — and sitting outside on a bench to just take a moment to relax, unplug and recharge. It’s something we don’t do enough, and for me, it’s a great way to reflect and stay focused.

Favorite weekend getaway spot
Lake Geneva. There are so many great hotels and resorts, beautiful golf courses, excellent dining and plenty of lake activities. It’s an easy drive from Park Ridge and makes for a very relaxing weekend.

What have you heard great things about but have yet to try?
Reyes Steakhouse, without question. I’ve heard nothing but great things, and we’ve had plans to go a few times, but life keeps getting in the way. I haven’t met anyone who hasn’t raved about it, and I’m looking forward to finally trying it soon.