As she left the Oak Park Public Library on April 3, Swati Saxena, 40, of Oak Park stopped to answer a few questions for the Oak Leaves.
Q: Occupation?
A: I’m a real estate agent with Baird & Warner.
Q: What’s the best part of the job?
A: I love helping people. I was an engineer … but when I bought my condo, I really enjoyed the process. When my engineering firm closed, I thought, this is the sign I was waiting for!
Q: What is it about Oak Park that attracts buyers?
A: The community aspect. It really is what makes all the difference. … Coming from India — and I’ve lived in a lot of Chicago suburbs — the sense of community is great here. That’s the biggest thing. It’s so easy to get to places, too. And being right next to Chicago.
Q: When you moved here, what were some of the biggest differences you observed between India and America?
A: Everything is so big here. The expressway is big; the squirrels are big; the portions are big. [laughed]
Q: Favorite dish at a local restaurant?
A: The black bean burger salad at Munch. I used to ask if I could have the burger without the bun, and now it’s an item on the menu. I follow a plant-based diet. Sugar Beet is my favorite store. The selection of vegan cheeses is amazing.
Q: Hidden gem of Oak Park or River Forest?
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A: It’s not hidden, but the Little Gem Café. … Finally, we went and it was really good. I had a vegetable dish that was beautifully layered and baked. And they made it vegan for me.
Q: Favorite thing about spring?
A: The blooms, the grass is a different color. It’s so magical.
Shout Out is a weekly feature in which we get to know and introduce our readers to their fellow community members and local visitors throughout suburban Chicago. Check out more online at ChicagoTribune.com/ShoutOut.
Caitlin Mullen is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press