By Trent Modglin

Que Onda’s shrimp tacos and a margarita

This Mexican cantina in the heart of Edison Park focuses on “the freshest flavors,” and we’ve got a meal in mind that exemplifies just that idea — the shrimp tacos and a flavored margarita.

When ordering the street tacos, you get a nice portion of four and can order two-and-two to mix things up or go with all four of the same kind (shrimp, barbacoa, pork belly, chicken, carne asada, al pastor, fish, etc.)

We love them all, but the shrimp tacos just feel right on a warm summer day, especially if you can grab a spot on their sidewalk patio. The succulent shrimp come lightly slathered with a honey-chipotle mayo and cucumber slaw and are served with the perfect complement of black beans and rice to round out the meal. Tacos don’t have to be just for Tuesdays. They’re too good to miss out on the rest of the week.

6701 N. Northwest Highway in Edison Park. QueOndaEdisonPark.com

Zita’s offers several take-and-bake options that are perfect for busy families dealing with soccer and baseball practices or afternoons at the Centennial pool.

Take-and-bake options at Zita’s Novelty Gifts

The new Zita’s Novelty Gifts doesn’t just offer an array of items like home decor, jewelry and dishware from more than a dozen different vendors. That would be more than enough, but utilizing the old kitchen from Wally’s, Zita’s owner Michelle Chicago also creates several take-and-bake options that are perfect for busy families dealing with soccer and baseball practices or afternoons at the Centennial pool.

Lasagna, chili, olive bread and rotating other casseroles and baked dishes are ready for you to scoop up and take home to serve that night — or throw in the fridge for later in the week when you need it.

“I’ve always had a passion for cooking since I was a little girl, watching and helping my mom and grandma prepared food,” Michelle tells us. “So those who don’t like to or have the time to cook, Zita’s has it for you ready to go!”

2020 Oakton Street in Park Ridge
. ZitasNoveltyGifts.com

The apple and spicy walnut salad at Daniel’s Charcuterie

There’s no denying the comfortable, cozy European bistro feel of Daniel’s Charcuterie. Chef Daniel Boland’s focus with the menu is to create new items you don’t see everywhere else. “By design, we have a smaller menu, but the items have been thought through very thoroughly,” he says. In other words, diverse, hand-cut charcuterie boards, tasty sandwiches and appetizers, creative salads, and a sommelier-selected wine list.

Perfect for a light summer lunch or dinner (along with a glass of white wine of course) is their apple and spicy walnut salad consisting of a pile of mixed greens topped by green apples, spicy walnuts and goat cheese and tossed in a sweet honey vinaigrette. Healthy, satisfying and tasty is a great combination.

Insider’s tip: Daniel’s regular or personal charcuterie boards make for perfect snacks or meals for the family for Concerts in the Park down the street this summer at Hodges Park.

15 S. Fairview in Park Ridge. 224-585-6100. DanielsCharcuterie.com

Insider’s tip: Daniel’s regular or personal charcuterie boards make for perfect snacks or meals for the family for Concerts in the Park down the street this summer at Hodges Park.