Foxtail on the Lake

What you do for a living: My wife and I each run our own business. I’ve owned my law practice as a criminal defense attorney for more than 20 years. The office is located in Addison, but I serve clients throughout Cook County and the surrounding areas. My wife, Jen, is a residential real estate agent with Berkshire Hathaway in Park Ridge. She absolutely loves being able to work in her hometown and serve clients throughout the Chicagoland area.

How long you’ve lived here: My wife and I were both born and raised in Park Ridge. I grew up attending Washington, Lincoln and Maine South… the same schools our three boys now attend. Jen grew up a bit north, attending Carpenter, Lincoln and Maine South (yes, before Emerson existed). After getting married at St. Paul of the Cross, we spent eight years living in Edison Park. We loved the EP community but decided to make the move back to Park Ridge when our older boys were two. We ventured a whopping two miles down the street and have been in our current home ever since.

What you like best about Park Ridge: Being raised in town, you grew up thinking you needed to move away from “Action Ridge.” But as adults, you quickly realize why your parents wanted to raise their families here. The tree-lined streets, character-filled homes and top-rated schools are just the start of the list. The close proximity to downtown Chicago and highways gives us both the accessibility I need to reach clients, commute to the various courthouses or hop on a train to get to a Cubs or Bears game. But most importantly, we love the sense of community and support this town has to offer.

Best meal you’ve had recently: Foxtail on the Lake is a recent new favorite for us, especially sitting on the patio overlooking the lake. We enjoyed ordering several shareables with friends while trying a fun new cocktail (or two) from their extensive drink menu. All were amazing.

Hay Caramba

Favorite restaurant in the area: Our heart belongs to Hay Caramba. We have enjoyed this Park Ridge staple for over 20 years. During the summer, we look forward to enjoying dinner outside and listening to the Concert in the Park across the street on Friday nights. Thank you to the Saavedra family for your warm hospitality and friendship over the years!

Favorite “hidden gem” restaurant: Sunrise Grill has the best breakfast!

Pennyville Station is one of our favorite local places to grab a drink. We enjoy listening to live music in the side bar area or snagging a table outside to enjoy a summer cocktail.”

Best bar to grab a drink or to catch the game: So many choices! Pennyville Station is one of our favorite local places to grab a drink. We enjoy listening to live music in the side bar area or snagging a table outside to enjoy a summer cocktail.

The best way to spend a Saturday in the summer: We enjoy starting the day with a morning walk to Uptown to grab coffee and head to the Farmer’s Market. Afternoons are spent outside — Centennial Pool, Cubs game or anything in the sun. On evenings, we host friends in our backyard to grill dinner and end the night with a drink around a relaxing fire.

Vine Street BBQ Festival

What’s something you look forward to every summer? 
Park Ridge has so much to offer in the summer, like dining outdoors at restaurants around town, cheering on our community in the Memorial Day parade, Concerts in the Park, Taste of Park Ridge, Farmer’s Market and the Vine Street BBQ Festival.

Favorite local store or best shopping area: We shop local as much as possible. As business owners ourselves, we make every effort to support our small businesses. American Science & Surplus is full of unique items for all ages. All of the shops along Prospect Avenue provide hours of shopping fun for Jen, while I can be found stocking up on summer cigars at Around the World Cigars.

Secret spot: I like to escape to get some fishing in with the boys at Belleau Lake in Des Plaines. Jen is a loyal member of PowHerhouse Fitness Studio, where she enjoys the early morning classes before the rest of the town wakes up.

2 Pigs Karaoke

Underrated activity in the area: If you are looking for a fun night out with a group of friends, check out 2 Pigs Karaoke on Dempster here in Park Ridge. Not only is it a full restaurant, but there are private karaoke rooms to belt out your favorite songs.

Weekend getaway spot: Northern Wisconsin, especially the Minocqua area, holds a special place in our hearts. We look forward to our time there when we can unplug and enjoy the simple life for a bit.

What have you heard great things about but have yet to try? 
We have several restaurants to try soon — Thalaiva’s Indian Kitchen and Seoul Mama in Park Ridge and Weso Restaurant in Edison Park.

I like to escape to get some fishing in with the boys at Belleau Lake in Des Plaines. Jen is a loyal member of PowHerhouse Fitness Studio, where she enjoys the early morning classes before the rest of the town wakes up.”