Amie

Amie, 32, is Executive Director for the West Ridge Chamber of Commerce.  She is a lifelong Chicago resident, happily married and lives in Portage Park with her husband and dog, Stella.

What neighborhood do you live in? How long have you lived there?
We live in Portage Park and adore it! I grew up in the neighborhood and after a brief stint in Roscoe Village in my early 20s we bought a bungalow in Portage Park 4 years ago.

What do you like best about living in your neighborhood?
The friendly people! Portage Park is almost like living in a small town. Because of the large number of single family homes, people tend to live in the neighborhood a long time. It makes for great friends and neighbors!

What do you consider to be your neighborhood’s best hidden or undiscovered gem?
The Portage Park swimming pool. Many people don’t realize that the park hosted the U.S Olympic swimming trials in 1972. The pool has since been renovated and is a great place to relax on a hot summer day – plus it’s free!

What is the best way to explore your neighborhood? 

Our neighborhood is definitely for those who like to get out and bike. Not only to we have several Chicago Parks to enjoy, but we are extremely close to the North Branch Trail that can take you all the way to Chicago Botanic Garden or Ravinia.

What would you consider to be not-to-be-missed restaurants in your neighborhood?
Poretta’s is great for Italian, Las Tablas, Jeff's Red Hots, for an authentic Chicago hot dog stand experience, La Palapita, for great burritos
La Pena has wonderful Ecuadorian cuisine and fabulous margaritas!

Are there any big festivals or popular public events that take place in your neighborhood?
My personal favorite is the St. Pascal’s Carnival & Family Fest. It has been an annual event for nearly 30 years. It’s held in early June and has always been one of the first signs that summer is here. Sample food vendors from around the neighborhood, meet your neighbors in the beer garden and listen to great local bands.

Are there any noteworthy or unique retailers to be found only in your neighborhood?
City News Stand has been in Portage Park for over 20 years. They sell more than 3,000 different magazines. The owners even offer a $10 reward for anyone who brings them a magazine that they don’t carry. Additionally the Portage Theatre is where Silent Film Society of Chicago is located.

Where is the best place to grab a cup of coffee in your neighborhood?
The Burgundy Restaurant.

What are five words you would use to describe your neighborhood?
Safe, welcoming, authentic, pet friendly, family oriented.

What are some ways that residents show their neighborhood pride?
Having perfecting manicured lawns and gardens. Proudly displaying bumper stickers and lawn signs for area Catholic schools.

Tell us a little about the history of your neighborhood.

The Portage Park name comes from several nearby routes used by Native Americans and fur traders to portage their canoes between the Des Plaines and Chicago Rivers. Many of our homes were built around 1913 when the actual park was created.

What is a popular gathering place in the neighborhood?
Portage Park – corner of Central & Irving Park Road

What are some popular spots to bring children in the neighborhood?
Austin Irving branch of the Chicago Public Library, all of the area Chicago Park District parks. 

If you have a favorite neighborhood beside the one in which you live, what is it and why?
Roscoe Village. I love the quaint feel of it. Lots of couples and families strolling along Roscoe shopping or stopping for a drink. It has a great atmosphere.

Where do you like to go for fun?
We love to watch Chicago sports so you can usually find us at Wrigley Field rooting for the Cubbies or the United Center catching a Hawks game.

What is your favorite restaurant in the city?
Tango Sur. Huge, delicious steaks and empanadas to die for!

What is your favorite pizza place?
For thin crust Pete’s Pizza is the best. Nice and cheesy.

What is your favorite seasonal Chicago activity or event?
Opening Day at Wrigley Field. My friends and I started a tradition of going to opening day about 7 years ago. The weather is usually cold, but it’s a great day. You feel the electricity and excitement radiating from the crowd. The hope and anticipation of the summer to come.

Cubs or Sox fan?
Cubbies!

Do you have a favorite Chicago tradition?
Block Parties. Chicago, particularly Portage Park streets have legendary block parties. It’s that one time a year when you really get a chance to bond with your neighbors. At our block the kids call the party to order at 9am with a horn parade and bike ride. We have also started the tradition of inviting the neighbors into our houses to see the work that we all have been doing. New kitchens, bathrooms, wood work, etc. Living in a one hundred year old bungalow, it’s great to get ideas on how to update.

What’s the best place to view the city skyline?
On a Mercury Chicago Cruise on the Chicago River. My personal favorite is the Canine Architectural tour. People and pups and see the sights in the City and learn about Chicago Architecture. Doggies are also provided complementary treats!

Where do you like to bring visiting friends or out-of-town guests?
A Wrigley rooftop, while nothing is better than seats inside the park; rooftops are a unique experience that everyone needs to do at least once. Additionally, Devon Avenue is something that everyone should experience. Known as the International Marketplace, shoppers can experience a taste of South Asia. Indian and Pakistani Restaurants, Sari shops and much more!

What is your favorite hidden Chicago treasure, a spot or activity that few else know about?
In addition to Devon Avenue, I love to drive the Chicago Boulevards. They completely circle the city and connect many of the City’s most beautiful parks. On the north side you see Logan Square and Lincoln Park and you head as far south as Jackson Park.