Photo above: Cindy’s

What you do for a living: If I’m not doing a photoshoot for an event, family/couple portraits or lifestyle/branding photos (NikkiAllenCreative.com), then I’m either hosting a whiskey tasting as the brand ambassador of Angel’s Envy or assisting my husband with our house-flipping projects.

How long you’ve lived here: I have lived in PR for six years now.

What you like best about Park Ridge: What I like best about Park Ridge are equal parts the huge sense of community and camaraderie of this town, and definitely the restaurant renaissance in Uptown.

Best meal you’ve had recently: My husband, son and I love going to Goldy’s Grill. We try to go every weekend. We love how the ladies there treat us like family. The daily soups are delicious and fresh, and we always look forward to what’s on the specials board.

Favorite restaurant in the area: Pennyville Station. Their eggplant caprese, Wagyu burger, (all) the desserts, and their Manhattan cocktails are my go-to choices.

Favorite “hidden gem” restaurant: A few hidden gems would be the steak sandwich at Booby’s in Niles, the roast beef at Tony’s Deli, and definitely the fajitas at Maria’s.

Best bar to grab a drink or to catch the game: Pennyville Station’s Bar Car! Personal favorites are their barrel-aged Angel’s Envy Manhattan or the frozen mai tai. Go for the drinks, stay for the live music!

Pennyville Station

A great night out with friends usually includes… a visit to Cindy’s rooftop downtown on Michigan Avenue for delicious cocktails and summer views, and then a walk around Millennium and Maggie Daley Parks across the street.

My husband, son and I love going to Goldy’s Grill. We love how the ladies there treat us like family. The daily soups are delicious and fresh, and we always look forward to what’s on the specials board.

The best way to spend a Saturday in the summer: A perfect Saturday would be where we fire up the grill, listen to classic rock, and hang out with the family and friends around the bonfire (don’t forget the s’mores).

What’s something you look forward to every summer? 

Walking over to the new Triple Scoop’d ice cream shop on Devon and trying to finish an espresso chip waffle cone on the way back home.

Marigold

Favorite local store or best shopping area: The best boutique gifts are definitely at Marigold in Uptown Park Ridge. We went there to get recent bridal and housewarming gifts.

Secret Park Ridge spot (or something in the area): Mac’s Restaurant on Cumberland & Higgins! Get their house salsa!

Underrated activity in the area: Walking or biking the wooded trails of Dam No. 4 and Southwest Woods.

Summer weekend getaway spot: Galena! It’s a 2.5-hour drive to do a little bit of dining out, horseback riding, boutique shopping, and so many more outdoor activities. Our stay at Timber Ridge was amazing!       

What have you heard great things about but have yet to try?

Reyes Steakhouse! What should I order?

Galena photo courtesy of EnjoyIllinois.com