Harp & Fiddle’s flatbread

What you do for a living: I am fortunate enough to work at 2 Sisters A & L with awesome co-workers surrounded by amazing merchandise. Before 2 Sisters, I worked at St. Paul of the Cross School in Park Ridge.

How long have you lived here?
That’s an easy question. I have lived here for 15 years, I know this because my youngest son, George, was born here right after we moved in.

What do you like best about Park Ridge?
The best thing about Park Ridge is the people. I have been fortunate enough to meet some lifelong friends in the last 15 years being a part of this community and the unlimited amount of activities for our family to participate in. When we moved here, having not been from here, my mom told me to “bloom where you’re planted.” And I have been trying to do that ever since.

Best meal you’ve had recently: Harp and Fiddle. We have never been disappointed by a meal (or drinks) at Harp & Fiddle. Just the other day I went with friends, and we had all of our favorite appetizers for dinner: flatbreads, bang bang cauliflower, boom boom shrimp, steak tacos and mahi mahi tacos. Clean Plate Club winners all around!

Favorite hidden gem restaurant: It’s gotta be Shawarma Inn on Devon here in Park Ridge. If you haven’t been, get the chicken schwarma or a kabob dinner, and no one at home will be disappointed.

Best bar to grab a drink or catch a game: Having graduated from the University of Iowa (many moons ago), I have to say Easy Street Pizza is my go-to for watching football. It has a great game-day atmosphere, the pizza is delicious, the fried chicken sandwich is my kids’ favorite, and the Devon salad is second to only to Sonny’s chopped salad (IYKYK). Ask for the Devon salad chopped. You will not be sad you did.

Foxtail on the Lake

Favorite restaurant in the area: Probably Foxtail on the Lake. Never, ever disappointed. The food is great, drinks delicious, the staff is amazing and the atmosphere is awesome. It’s beautiful! I love going here for special occasions or just because.

A great night out with friends usually includes… good wine and a gluten-free crostini at Patina Wine Bar is a fave. A Pennyville Station cocktail (or two) always makes an appearance. But our go-to is Harp & Fiddle. The staff is so welcoming and accommodating. And hands down Park Ridge’s best margarita!

Good wine and a gluten-free crostini at Patina Wine Bar is a fave. A Pennyville Station cocktail (or two) always makes an appearance as well. … And Harp & Fiddle has hands down Park Ridge’s best margarita.

The best way to spend a Saturday in the winter: For me, a great Saturday includes working at 2 Sisters A&L, and then some pizza and wine at Pazzi di Pizza after. I absolutely love my job, and locking up and heading down the street with friends for a limoncello spritz, snacks and maybe some gnocchi with a good glass of red is a fave. The fact that I probably shopped while working and usually have something new and cute in a bag helps. And I almost forgot… I have to start the day with a coffee and a blueberry lemon scone from Off the Wall Café. Yum.

What’s something you look forward to every winter?
The Christmas lights — duh! I do not start Christmas before the turkey gets his turn, but once that Friday hits, gimme all the lights, all the music and, of course, all the shopping!

2 Sisters Boutique

Favorite local store or shopping area: Do you have to ask? 2 Sisters A&L and Brother J’s of course! I have two teenage boys, and this is about the only place I go to for them. We have 7 Diamonds, Flag & Anthem and Johnnie O brands. 7 Diamonds has a new comfy line for guys, and it’s crazy soft. As for me, I have what some might call a “shopping problem,” but I like to think I just like to look cute. Rarely do I leave 2 Sisters without a pretty new something for myself. My current obsession is our infinite amount of sweaters for the cold weather, especially from Free People. Those are amazing. Or a new piece of jewelry. I love lots of layered-up bracelets and necklaces at the moment.

Rarely do I leave 2 Sisters without a pretty new something for myself. My current obsession is the infinite amount of sweaters for the cold weather, especially from Free People. Or a new piece of jewelry. I love lots of layered-up bracelets and necklaces at the moment.

Secret spot: I don’t know! I feel like we have explored all over the area, but I am open to suggestions on new spots to try. If I am not at work or feeding a hungry teenager, I’m usually on a field or a bench watching my boys play baseball or football.

Underrated activity in the area: Honestly, I think the most underrated activity in Park Ridge is just exploring Park Ridge. We all need to get off our phones or computers and walk around. A day spent in PR walking around, getting a cup of coffee, shopping, eating, or drinking. Whatever we choose is one of my favorite things to do. (I’m sensing an eating/drinking theme with me.)

Milwaukee’s Third Ward

Favorite weekend getaway spot: Ha! Weekend getaways with busy teenagers is not a thing. Weekends for me consist of multiple trips back and forth to Notre Dame College Prep for practices or games, baseball training in Edison Park at Chicago Rake, and a meal or two out. If we do get 24-48 hours to ourselves, we tend to go to my parents in Hinsdale or Milwaukee to visit my sister and her crew. Milwaukee (read The Real Park Ridge feature on Milwaukee here) is a great spot for families looking for a weekend away. It is easy to get around and has options for all ages. Christmastime at the Pfister Hotel is one of our all-time favorite activities. Irish Fest every summer is a must too. (Sorry Chicago!)

What have you heard great things about but have yet to try?
The candle, soap and personalized scent parties at Co-Op California Boutique in Edison Park. I have heard great things about these parties for all ages but have yet to try them myself. It is on my list for sure.