Park Ridge Insider (and Northwind Exteriors owner) Joe Breisch on his family’s favorite dishes at Nonna Silvia’s and Blufish Sushi, the Pennyville and Harp & Fiddle patios, Saturday afternoons at the Park Ridge Farmers’ Market and Rosemont’s Parkway Bank Park, and a trio of hidden gems near Lake Geneva

What you do for a living: I’m the owner of Northwind Exteriors in Park Ridge, where we specialize in roofing, James Hardie siding, windows and gutters. I’m also a partner in , providing cabinets, countertops, flooring, interior doors and trim for homeowners, contractors and developers. Outside of work, I stay busy coaching my son Aiden’s football and basketball teams and cheering on my daughter, Everly, in her cheerleading and dance. I genuinely love what I do, but being a dad is by far the most important for me.

How long you’ve lived here: I grew up in River Grove, and my wife, Jacqueline, grew up in Rosemont. About 15 years ago, after having plenty of fun and adventures living in the city, we decided to move back to Rosemont, and it’s been home ever since.

What you like best about Park Ridge: It strikes the perfect balance of city and suburban life, with a strong sense of community. It’s not one of those cookie-cutter suburbs where all the homes look the same. Through Northwind Exteriors, we have worked on hundreds of homes throughout Park Ridge. It’s fun to work the spectrum from historic homes to modern new builds. We have also met some of the kindest, most welcoming people. It’s a pleasure doing work here.

The sacchettini porcini from Nonna Silvia’s is amazing! It’s a rich dish that’s full of flavor and perfect for the season. Another favorite is the crispy rice spicy tuna from Blufish Sushi Bistro. My son and I usually order it once a week.

Best meal you’ve had recently: The sacchettini porcini from Nonna Silvia’s is amazing! It’s a rich dish that’s full of flavor and perfect for the season. Another favorite is the crispy rice spicy tuna from Blufish Sushi Bistro. My son and I usually order it once a week.

Favorite restaurant in the area: When the weather’s nice, my family and I love sitting outside at Harp & Fiddle or Pennyville Station. Both spots have great food and a fun vibe.

Favorite “hidden gem” restaurant: My six-year-old daughter has Celiac, so finding good gluten-free options is always a challenge. Nonna Silvia’s is our go-to spot for their delicious gluten-free pasta and pizza. And for dessert, LeilaLove next to our office on Higgins has the most amazing macarons. LeilaLove might not be hidden though, based on the non-stop people we see walking in there.

Best bar to grab a drink or to catch the game: Holt’s is one of my favorites because of the craft beer selection and the pizza.

Once the weather warms up, we love starting our Saturdays at the Park Ridge Farmers Market — grabbing some fresh produce and saying hi to familiar faces. From there, it’s usually coffee at Off the Wall or breakfast at Mr. Stacks.

A great night out with friends usually includes… dinner and drinks on a patio is always a win. But honestly, the best nights are spent grilling steaks at home with friends, watching the kids play and just enjoying good company.

Crust Brewing in Rosemont

The best way to spend a Saturday in the spring: Once the weather warms up, we love starting our Saturdays at the Park Ridge Farmers Market — grabbing some fresh produce and saying hi to familiar faces. From there, it’s usually coffee at Off the Wall or breakfast at Mr. Stacks. We’ll swing by DAM (Devon Avenue Meats) to pick up some steaks or chicken kabobs to throw on the grill later.

If it’s warm enough, we’ll head over to Crust Brewing in Rosemont’s Parkway Bank Park entertainment district and grab a spot on the patio. The kids love playing on the turf afterwards while we relax a bit. Then it’s home for an outdoor movie on our covered patio, glass of wine in hand, and the firepit going. Unless Aiden’s basketball tournament falls on a Saturday — then we are gone all day!

What’s something you look forward to every spring?  
There’s just something about the energy in town once spring hits. You see kids out early riding bikes or playing, neighbors walking the dog, and everyone just seems happier to be outside.
At Northwind Exteriors, we work year-round, but there’s definitely a buzz once the weather warms up. People are getting their homes ready for spring and summer, and there’s more excitement around our roofing and siding projects. I actually love popping by jobs on Saturday mornings — neighbors often come over to see what we’re working on, and I end up having a bunch of great conversations. Also, my son Aiden and I have a goal to visit every NBA stadium before he turns 18. He’s only eight, and we’ve already checked off 11!

Favorite local store or best shopping area: My wife is a big fan of 2 Sisters A&L on Prospect Avenue for the latest fashions and accessories.

Kishwauketoe Nature Conservancy

Secret spot: Kishwauketoe Nature Conservancy in Williams Bay, Wisconsin is a great spot to go for a hike that starts in a wooded area and then opens up to a prairie. When we’re at the lake house, it’s the perfect place to walk my dog, recharge and enjoy nature.

Underrated activity in the area: Parkway Bank Park in Rosemont is a great spot for a family day. Grab lunch, catch a movie and let the kids burn off energy in the open area. It’s simple, but our family enjoys it. Kings Bowling there has giant screens to watch sports.

Our hidden gem for dinner in the Delavan/Lake Geneva area is The Duck Inn, which serves a great king cut prime rib and a delicious brandy old fashioned.

Weekend getaway spot: Our lake house in Delavan, Wisconsin, is our go-to escape. Boating, swimming and enjoying the lake life — it’s the perfect recharge and change of scenery. Our go-to spot for coffee and breakfast sandwiches is Boxed & Burlap. Their sausage, egg and cheese sandwich is amazing. Our hidden gem for dinner is The Duck Inn, which serves a great king cut prime rib and a delicious brandy old fashioned.

What have you heard great things about but have yet to try?
Café Touche’s brunch is at the top of my list. Between work, kids and sports, free weekends are rare, but I’m determined to make it happen soon.

Café Touché