COUNTRY VS. TOWN: DR. NAMRATA BHANSALI

DR. NAMRATA BHANSALI grew up in the Northwest suburbs near Bloomingdale where her parents still lived in her childhood home until very recently. After attending the University of Illinois at Chicago for an undergraduate degree in Neuroscience, she spent the next 15 years living in the Gold Coast while attending dental school, then working after graduating. After moving back to the suburbs, a chance meeting turned into the career opportunity of her dreams in the heart of Hinsdale.

She now lives just a few minutes away from the Hinsdale dental practice she purchased in October of 2022, Smiles of Hinsdale. That was a busy month as 12 short days after closing on the dental practice, Namrata delivered her first child, daughter Nysa. “It’s been a hectic year full of changes, but I feel like I have come out stronger because of it. I feel blessed that I did not have to choose between my dream career and starting a family, all thanks to my amazing support system who have helped me along the way and continue to do so,” she says.

This dynamic new mom has been practicing general dentistry for about 10 years. Namrata says, “My passion is to give back to the community through dental service: I worked for a medical-dental clinic for 6 years in Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood where I provided care for those most in need, including refugees, children, and those living in underserved neighborhoods.”

After she and her husband moved back to the suburbs, Namrata continued to give back whenever her schedule allowed by volunteering at the Chicago Dental Society Foundation Clinic. Balancing running her own business while spending time with her now one-year-old daughter doesn’t leave much spare time, but she hopes to continue service through volunteering. She took a few minutes from her busy schedule to share a few of her favorites.

Mantra? There are no failures in life, only lessons to be learned. Learn from your mistakes and come back stronger than ever. What organizations do you support? St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Favorite workout? It’s been a while since I’ve hit the gym, but I’ve enjoyed working out to Pamela Reif dance-style workout videos. Best grooming tip? Getting a fresh haircut and a blowout can make you feel like a million bucks. The Dyson air wrap is a great hack to get that salon fresh feel right at home. Guilty pleasure? Indulging in some of my favorite desserts like the caramel apples from the Fruit Store in downtown Hinsdale. Even a dentist can have a sweet tooth. Music you love? I literally love all genres of music-there’s a genre to match every type of mood you’re in. I recently went to the Ed Sheeran concert, and he is beyond talented. Advice you would give to your younger self? You will only regret the chances you never took. Give it a try, what’s the worst that can happen?

WHEN IN THE COUNTRY

Your style is? Comfy and practical but keeping it stylish is a must. Anything athleisure from Lululemon fits the bill. I’m a believer that you can never go wrong with neutrals and earth tones. Favorite walk? Downtown Hinsdale early morning on a weekend, coffee in hand. There’s a special charm about roaming the streets and browsing the boutiques before the weekend rush begins. Can’t leave the house without? My cellphone. I am the worst with directions, so I need Google maps to help get me where I need to go. Place to celebrate? Nabuki or Davanti Enoteca. Best quick bite or hidden gem? Fontanos for the best work lunches and I love the salad bar at the Fruit Store. Favorite festival or special event? Farmer’s Markets. Best thing about the country? Ample parking everywhere. The perfect day is? Having no set plans, starting the morning with a coffee from a local coffee shop, strolling my daughter around her in stroller while shopping or running errands with my husband.

WHEN IN TOWN

Your style is? A Jumpsuit with comfy heels, a dress, or some trendy jeans with a crop top. Favorite walk? The Riverwalk near City Winery on a nice Summer day. There’s a special energy about everyone out and about, enjoying the weather we look forward to all year. Can’t leave the house without? Crossbody bag to hold my phone, credit card, and some lip gloss. Place to celebrate? Maple and Ash-hands down the best seafood tower in the city! Best quick bite or hidden gem? Velvet Taco or Time Out Market. Favorite festival or special event? The Chicago Gourmet Festival. I like to think of myself as a foodie. With so many hot and new restaurants there, you can spend all day eating and enjoying the Millennium Park backdrop. Shop? I love walking around and browsing the shops on Michigan Ave and on Oak Street Best thing about town? There’s no shortage of restaurants-there’s always a new restaurant or new cuisine to try. The perfect day is? Enjoying the company of good friends on a rooftop, then ending the night with a great dinner.