Times change. There was a time when families had the luxury of enjoying an elaborate home-cooked meal. But these days, who has time to prepare such a dinner? And a night out at a restaurant is not always appealing.
That’s where Pappardelle in Park Ridge fits in. This gourmet Italian deli and specialty food store offers a variety of home-cooked meals for carryout.
“There are so many women who go to the ballpark to watch their kids play soccer and baseball who are always looking for a home-cooked meal,” said Joanne Orlando, one of the three owners of Pappardelle. “They want something quick but not (fast-food).”
Orlando and other Park Ridge moms Nancy Mersch and Maureen Davies combined their flair for cooking with a good business opportunity. Pappardelle represents a trend in food service the partners call “home meal replacement.”
Using recipes they developed in their own kitchens, these women have put together a menu that features sandwiches, salads, soups, pizza and entrees made on the premises. They also offer Italian pastries made by an outside baker to their specifications, plus an assortment of imported grocery items.
Daily entrees include pasta specials ($4.95), eggplant parmesan ($5.50), grilled chicken breast ($7.95 a pound), lasagna dishes ($4.95-$5.50) and rotolo primavera, pasta rolled with prosciutto, spinach, mozzarella and romano cheeses and sauce ($5.95). There are also daily specials, such as pepper steak and Italian roasted chicken.
Most sandwiches come in 6- and 12-inch sizes and include subs (Italian, American, beef, turkey and cheese) and meatball, Italian beef and Italian sausage. Prices range from $2.95 for a 6-inch cheese sub to $7.95 for a 12-inch beef-and-sausage combo.
———-
Pappardelle
626 Busse Highway, Park Ridge
Hours: 8:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday.
Phone: 847-384-5548
