Chicago Botanic Garden

Peter Volpe

What you do for a living: My wife and I are both bankers, and fortunate to work at a real community bank located right here in Park Ridge. More than 40 years ago, we met at a bank we both worked for, and since have worked together at a few other different banks. Elsa was lucky enough to find a home at Time Bank over 20 years ago, and I was able to join the team about two years ago. People find it funny that we work together, but both in the office and out of the office, we are a great team.

How long you’ve lived in the area: We are residents of Elmwood Park, just about 20 minutes south of Park Ridge. Elsa is a village trustee, and I have been an elected school board member for more than 15 years. We love our community and enjoy volunteering to help keep it strong. We did live in Park Ridge for six years, but all our friends and family are closer to Elmwood Park, and that is why we made the move back 22 years ago.

What you like best about Park Ridge: We love the people and community spirit in Park Ridge. And unlike when we lived here, we now love the restaurants and small shops. When we lived here in the late ’90s, there weren’t a lot of places to eat or shop, but Park Ridge has done a great job in developing that space.

Best meal you’ve had recently: That has to be our most recent visit to Roberto’s Ristorante in Elmhurst. We split two dinners, the Chilean sea bass that was stuffed with lump crab meat, and the orecchiette with salsiccia and rapini (disc-shaped pasta with sliced sausage, broccoli, sweet onions, garlic, oven-roasted tomatoes, herbs and parmesan cheese). The Moreci family oversees everything to make sure your dining experience is second to none. And their wine list is incredible, with fine wines served by the ounce. No need to purchase an entire bottle to have an incredible wine.

Elsa really enjoys walking through all the shops in Uptown Park Ridge and seeing their unique items. On her list of favorites are Raffia Gifts, the Little Green Apple Hallmark store, and Edie Boutique. While she is doing her browsing, I go to Around the World Cigars and check out their inventory.

Donny G’s in Elmwood Park

Favorite restaurant in the area: While I do enjoy the eateries in Park Ridge, our favorite restaurant is Donny G’s on North Avenue in Elmwood Park. Interestingly enough, it is owned and operated by Park Ridge residents. The Italian food is incredible, and they have live entertainment on Friday and Saturday nights.

Favorite “hidden gem” restaurant: I have three. For a simple Italian meal and the best gelato you’ve ever had, you need to go to Massa Italian Café, which is located in Elmwood Park. For a casual adult evening, visit Mélange on North Avenue in Elmwood Park’s Restaurant Row. And last, but certainly not least, we love Patina Wine Bar in Park Ridge. We love choosing our own meats and cheeses and having some unique wines.

Best bar to grab a drink or catch the game: I am sure others have stated this, but how can you not say Harp and Fiddle? Great food, great atmosphere, and you are hanging out with friendly patrons.

A great night out with friends usually includes… a good bottle of wine and laughs. We do frequent Cooper’s Hawk in Arlington Heights often. The wine sampling is fun, and the food is good and reasonably priced. And the ambiance is awesome, in part because the room is not too loud, so conversations are easy to have. For those who don’t remember, the building was formerly Walter Payton’s nightclub, the Big Kahuna.

One of our favorite places is Tufano’s Vernon Park Tap in Chicago’s Little Italy. It’s an old-school Italian restaurant, where the menu is on a chalkboard on the wall. Their outdoor space is charming, with the sound of a fountain in the background to set up a nice, peaceful evening.

The best way to spend a Saturday in the fall: Eating outdoors and taking a nice walk after our meal to wind down the night. One of our favorite places to do this is Tufano’s Vernon Park Tap in Chicago’s Little Italy. It’s an old-school Italian restaurant, where the menu is on a chalkboard on the wall. Their outdoor space is charming, with the sound of a fountain in the background to set up a nice, peaceful evening. When we are done eating, we like walking down the side streets in the neighborhood to admire some great architecture, especially the churches like Notre Dame and the Shrine of Pompeii.

What’s something you look forward to every fall?  
A break from the hot, humid weather and the changing of the colors. We are members of the Chicago Botanic Garden and love going there to walk and reflect on all the best nature has to offer. It also provides us some inspiration for what we want to do with our landscape at home.

Favorite local store or best shopping area: Elsa really enjoys walking through all the shops in Uptown Park Ridge and seeing their unique items. On her list of favorites are Raffia Gifts, the Little Green Apple Hallmark store, and Edie Boutique. And while she is doing her browsing, I go to Around the World Cigars and check out their inventory.

Raffia Gifts

Secret spot: Café DiMaggio in Harwood Heights. It’s in a little strip mall on Lawrence, and the owner’s recipes are just like my family made things. It is just a simple place that makes you feel at home. The owner/chef is attentive and makes sure to say hello and ask how you liked your meal. They have a little bit of everything and a nice coffee bar with pastries.

We are members of the Chicago Botanic Garden and love going there to walk and reflect on all the best nature has to offer. It also provides us some inspiration for what we want to do with our landscape at home.

Underrated activity in the area: Heading to downtown Chicago, which offers so many cool places. Go eat at Carson’s Ribs and sit at the back bar, where the river view is incredible. And get over your fears — it is perfectly safe. Away from downtown in Little Italy is an awesome French bistro called Chez Joel on Taylor Street. And lastly, go to Hemmingway’s Bistro in Oak Park. It is a very romantic setting with great food and a good wine list.

Galena, IL

Favorite weekend getaway spot: We enjoy a trip to Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa in Galena. It is a blast to grab a few friends and rent a home. Galena has so much to offer, and the Eagle Ridge Resort has great golfing, fishing, and hiking. It is a bit of a drive, but definitely worth it.

What have you heard great things about but have yet to try?
I have heard great things about Pequod’s Pizza in Chicago and Morton Grove. They are famous for a thick, deep-dish pizza that has some nice caramelized cheese on the edges. Every time I want to go there, I think about the calories, but I have to give in and give it a try.

Pequod’s Pizza