KBQ K-Nites (AYCE)

The holidays are upon us and you might be looking for a delicious meal with loved ones. Head to Greenfire at 6795 E Riverside Blvd, Rockford, IL 61114 for a fresh luxury local experience.  Greenfire has been serving culinary classics for years now. With a menu that covers fine dining, gourmet burgers, pasta, and wood-fired pizza, your holiday group's preferences are covered.We started with the Duck Confit: slow-roasted duck breast with garlic mashed potatoes, asparagus, and blackberry gastrique. The duck had the perfect crisp skin and tender, juicy dark meat. The blackberry gastrique added that touch of sweet to the savory duck. The fresh asparagus complimented the garlic mashed potatoes (which are fabulous!). This dish was filling and beautifully presented.Next up was the Braised Beef Short Rib: slow-roast beef short rib with garlic mashed potatoes and farm vegetables. This hearty cut of beef short rib just melts in your mouth. Aus jus is ladled over this dish, giving a savory addition to your potatoes and keeping each bite juicy. The farm vegetables are so fresh and crisp. The variety is delicious: beets, peppers, broccoli, carrots, and more. All roasted together and dusted with a large ground salt. The dish feels rich with every bite.We highly encourage you to stay for dessert! You can't go wrong with Greenfire's top notch bakery. You deserve it, so indulge!  Enjoy your next evening out at Greenfire. See you there, Rockford!

Happy Tuesday, Rockford! Are you ready to make your voice heard and win big? We're back with another exciting poll, and this time we want to know which Local Bakery in town is your absolute favorite. Don't miss your chance to influence the results and be entered to win an amazing gift card. All you have to do is click on the link below, cast your vote, and tag your favorite bakery in the comments section. It's that simple! We can't wait to hear your recommendations!

We headed out to Scoreboard Bar by Hoffman House to enjoy a great meal and traditional sports bar atmosphere. With tons of TVs, you won't miss a single play while you happily sip and munch on your meal.First up, a classic... mozzarella sticks! I mean, cheese in any form is a crowd pleaser. These are fried to golden perfection and come out hot and melty. Served with marinara sauce, this appetizer flies off the table.Next up, the Hoffman House Shaved Prime Rib sandwich with mushrooms and onions on a hoagie bun with au jus. This massive sandwich takes two hands and a big appetite to finish. The bread is sturdy enough to go the distance with you as you enjoy this fabulous creation. Dip to your heart's content in the au jus and enjoy the flavor of the prime rib. This decadent sandwich is served with your choice of side.  They also have dinner specials! We ordered the Golden Fried Shrimp, jumbo golf shrimp thick battered and fried, and served with Hoffman House cocktail sauce. Coming with soup or salad, and a side, this dinner is filling and delicious. The thick batter adds a hearty flavor to the perfectly fried shrimp.Whether you want traditional bar snacks, or an elevated dinner experience, Scoreboard can serve your needs. Stop on in the next time you are looking for a local experience on East State Street. See you there, Rockford!

Baked Wings, located at 6390 E Riverside Blvd, Loves Park, IL 61111, is celebrating one year in business! We stopped in to try the pun-inspired food and great atmosphere.When you walk into Baked Wings, you can head to the counter to place your order and then find a table. If you opt for the bar seating, you can order directly from the bar. Large TVs featuring the game of the hour are hung above the bar and ready to entertain you.We couldn't decide whether to get baked or get smashed... so we opted for both. Good times were had by all 😂. This pun-inspired theme is fun and woven into the restaurant menu and decor. Baked Wings features wings that are baked instead of fried for a delicious wing experience. The dusts aren't just for the wings. You can add them to the fries and other sides as well. For the record, hot buffalo fries are a new favorite around here.We tried a Hen Held, the Nashville Hot: a tender chicken breast (seared or hand battered) with Nashville hot sauce, coleslaw, garlic aioli, and pickles on a brioche bun. This delicious sandwich isn't a burner. Fans of a milder burn can enjoy this one for the flavor. The coleslaw is made fresh and the flavors melt together perfectly in this saucy sandwich. The chicken is so tender and juicy. No dry birds around here!Next, we got smashed with the Honey Pit: 2 Smashed Beef Patties, Honey BBQ Rub, Two Slices Of Cheddar Cheese, Crispy Onion Rings, Wake and Bake BBQ Sauce On A Toasted Potato Bun. This burger is stacked high and a true masterpiece. The sweet BBQ sauce brings all the elements together in harmony. Featuring Baked Wings onion rings, this burger is fantastic and a crowd favorite.Whether you decide to get smashed or baked at Baked Wings, you can't go wrong! Stop in and celebrate their first year in business with your favorite dish. See you there, Rockford!

If you haven't been to Potato Shak... what have you been doing for breakfast all these years? Potato Shak, located at 5529 N 2nd St, Loves Park, has been a community staple for decades and is serving up an amazing diner experience.We tried to order as much as possible because it's all so delicious! But we narrowed it down to a few dishes. We started with the savory side: steak and eggs, and biscuits and gravy. If you love a good biscuit and gravy, this is the place! The biscuits had the perfect texture. They weren't dry or chewy at all. They tasted freshly baked and delicious. The gravy you can tell is made in house, and the flavor is spot on. You can't go wrong with this classic dish. The steak and eggs is a great dish for the meat and potato fan at the table. The steak is cooked to your preferred temperature and served with eggs made your way.I love it when a breakfast spot serves amazing bacon that knocks your socks off. We ordered crispy, and we got crispy. I think I've made my point. And we couldn't talk about Potato Shak without... potatoes! Enjoy your generous serving of American fries with many of their popular breakfast, or order a side to add to your meal of choice. You won't regret these delicious spuds.We moved on to the sweeter side of things with pancakes and french toast. The french toast was covered in delicious batter and the huge pancakes were cooked to golden brown perfection. Served with butter and syrup, these are a sweet start to any day.Potato Shak is cash only, but they do have an ATM on-site for your convenience. Whether you are a regular, or trying it for the first time, we hope you have an awesome breakfast and enjoy the wonderful staff at Potato Shak for your next breakfast. See you there, Rockford!

ANNOUNCING THE ANNIE’S LOCKER ENDOWMENT FUND: BENEFITING ROCKFORD BARBELL AND GIRLS ON THE RUN NORTHWEST ILLINOISROCKFORD, IL: Annie’s Locker was started in 2008, inspired by a fellow runner who died from cancer and who, while battling cancer, asked for one thing: "Please run for me until I can run again." The idea was born to do something to inspire people toward a healthier lifestyle, and to remove barriers so that more people can find their "wings". For fourteen years, Annie's Locker collected donations of new and gently used fitness apparel and equipment, as well as cash donations, and made grants of both equipment and dollars to local groups and causes to help achieve their mission: "Inspiring and equipping people to lead healthier lives."Annie's Locker accomplished incredible work as an all-volunteer endeavor. In 2022 the Annie's Locker board approached the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois (CFNIL) to consider ways to continue their mission through a partnership that would ensure the good work would continue, whether or not there were volunteers with the time and energy to devote. The result of those conversations was the establishment of Annie's Locker Fund, a permanent endowment that will support the work of two local organizations removing barriers to fitness participation and improving the health of youth in our community: Girls on the Run Northwest Illinois and Rockford Barbell. While GOTR and Rockford Barbell have very different programs, they are each uniquely poised to help "inspire and equip people to lead healthier lives."Members of the media are invited to attend a press conference on Wednesday, November 15, at 4:30pm at Rockford Barbell (213 N 3rd St, Rockford), when representatives from Annie’s Locker, CFNIL, Girls on the Run, and Rockford Barbell will officially announce the Annie’s Locker Fund and share what this partnership means for each organization. Rockford Barbell youth participants will also be on hand. Interviews and photo opportunities with participants and representatives are welcomed!Rockford Barbell’s mission is to improve the social and emotional functioning of school-age kids through mindful movement and trauma-informed practices. Rockford Barbell’s Youth Weightlifting and Yoga Programs address the competencies of social-emotional learning to help youth developresilience, improve mental health, physical development, and social-emotional outcomes for youth by teaching and modeling principles of self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. Rockford Barbell’s programs utilize a trauma-informed approach, helping youth learn to be physically and emotionally safe, to connect with others, and to regulate their minds and bodies effectively.Girls on the Run offers programs designed to inspire girls of all abilities to recognize and embrace their inner strength and make meaningful connections with others. Trained coaches use physical activity and dynamic discussions to build social, emotional, and physical skills while encouraging healthy habits for life. Girls on the Run Northwest Illinois is headquartered in Crystal Lake and serves McHenry, DeKalb, Winnebago, and Boone Counties.About the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois (CFNIL)The Community Foundation of Northern Illinois has served Northern Illinois since 1953. CFNIL works to inspire endowment and promote philanthropy for the current and future needs of the people of Northern Illinois. Learn more about their work and commitment to philanthropy and effective grantmaking at https://cfnil.orgAbout Rockford BarbellRockford Barbell is an accessible option for improving the mental and physical outcomes of youth. Rockford Barbell’s Youth Programs are offered year-round to kids ages 10-18 at no cost. Find more information about Rockford Barbell’s programs at https://rockfordbarbell.comAbout Girls on the Run Northwest Illinois Girls on the Run® is designed to enhance participants' social, emotional and physical skills to successfully navigate life experiences. Our fun, interactive lessons meet the unique needs of participants of all abilities and backgrounds. Girls on the Run Northwest Illinois is a council of Girls on the Run International, proudly serving McHenry, DeKalb, Winnebago and Boone Counties. Since our council’s inception, we have unlocked the power and potential of our participants and made a lasting impact on our community through participant-led service projects. Learn more at https://gotrnwil.org/

MEDIA ADVISORYJOIN US AT 11 A.M. THURSDAY FOR “THE UNVEILINGS: A 5HORT FILM MEDIA DAY”815HORTS Film Selections to be Unveiled, Including Bing Liu’s Latest Rockford Premiere ROCKFORD, Ill., November 13, 2023 – You’re invited to “The Unveilings: A 5HORT Film Media Day” to help announce official selections for this year’s 815HORTS: A 5HORT Film Festival. Please join us! Details include: What: The Unveilings: A 5HORT Media DayWhen: 11 a.m., Thursday, November 16, 2023Where: RPL Nordlof Center, 118 North Main Street, Rockford, IL 61101Who: Scheduled speakers include: Dena Altamore, founder of SoundLight Entertainment; Don Hatton, founder of Rockford Film Office and co-founder of Dashford Media; Tom McNamara, mayor of City of Rockford; Nick Povalitis, founder of Plus Seven Company and director of 815HORTS; and Lynn Stainbrook, executive director of Rockford Public Library.Why: 815HORTS returns to RPL Nordlof Center on Sat., Dec. 2, as the region’s premier short film festival. At Thursday’s media event, we’ll unveil film selections for this year’s 815HORTS: A 5HORT Film Festival, preview the 2023 Sundance Film Festival Short Film Tour, and announce Bing Liu’s latest Rockford premiere!RSVP: Attending media are asked to RSVP by 12 p.m. noon Wednesday, November 15, to Nick Povalitis at Nick@PlusSevenCompany.com or 815.708.1644. Thank you! For more information, visit www.815HORTS.com and follow @p7company on social. About Plus Seven Company: Plus Seven Company delivers winning events and experiences with expertise in partnerships, public relations, storytelling and tourism. Visit www.PlusSevenCompany.com for more info. Contact: Nick Povalitis, founder, Plus Seven Company, Nick@PlusSevenCompany.com, 815.708.1644.

Rockford Art Museum will temporarily close on November 13th in order to undergo major renovation project Rockford Art Museum (RAM) has made the thoughtful decision to temporarily close its doors to the public. The focal point of this temporary shutdown is a much-needed HVAC renovation, a vital upgrade that will ensure the preservation of our treasured art collection. By investing in modern climate control systems, the museum is taking a significant step to protect and maintain the artworks for years to come. RAM looks forward to the grand reopening in Summer 2024, where we can enjoy the beauty of art in a rejuvenated setting. During our closure, it’s our goal to continue programming in new settings so that we’re able to stay connected with the community. For more information on the closure and our continued programs, visit our website (rockfordartmuseum.org) or social media pages (@rockfordartmuseum). It is the mission of Rockford Art Museum to foster creativity and build community through visual arts. ### FOR MORE INFORMATION: To schedule an interview with Executive Director/Chief Curator Carrie Johnson email cjohnson@rockfordartmuseum.org 

The Mill Saloon, located at 9032 N 2nd St, Machesney Park, has been open since summer and has expanded its bar and menu to give you plenty of reasons to stop in and try them out! Their mission has always been to become a neighborhood bar and grill, serving all of your favorites. We think they nailed it.We tried the Boom Boom Shrimp first. Breaded and fried popcorn shrimp served piping hot and with a generous side of boom boom sauce, and we do mean generous. This sauce has a mild kick to it, and honestly pairs great with so many things in case you opt to keep the extra on the table.  Next up was the Black and Blue Steak Wrap with blackened sirloin steak, blue cheese crumbles, cucumber, lettuce, and chipotle aioli. Blue cheese lovers, your time has come. This wrap really lets the blue cheese shine. The wrap is generously stuffed, but robust enough to stay together for your dining ease. Served with your choice of side, this is not a light meal! You'll leave satisfied after this wrap.We also tried the Reuben, and I have to say... it was delicious. The Mill Saloon is not afraid to get things saucey, and they pile on the meat for their sandwiches. This Reuben was packed with flavor. The rye bread was toasted delicately for that delightful crunch.The Mill Saloon has a large bar to serve up your favorites, and TVs on all day to keep you up to date on the scores. Give them a try for your next meal, and maybe find your new neighborhood bar. See you there, Rockford!

Hey there, Rockford! Happy Tuesday! It's poll time and we want to know all about your favorite Asian restaurant to eat. We'd love for you to vote for your top pick and share in the comments your go-to Asian restaurant. By doing so, you'll have a chance to win an awesome gift card! Just click on the link below to cast your vote. We can't wait to hear your recommendations!

Rockford is such a great place to be a foodie and this week's feature, The Kitchen Tap Wall & Grill, is no exception. Located at 7003 North Alpine Road, Loves Park inside Victory Pickleball, this new addition to town is worth the stop even if you aren't a pickleball fan.First of all, let's talk about the 30 taps on the wall! You heard that right...30. Everything from a lineup of domestic and tap beers to wines, and house mixes like their margarita. This serve-yourself tap wall comes with a card that you tap prior to pouring, it keeps track of your tab and you check out at the end. Want a half glass of margarita, go for it. Like your pour straight to the rim, let 'er rip. And I highly recommend their house margarita.When it is time to order food, you can order online via a QR code on every table, or let them know you prefer a server to help you out. If you order online, all of your food is served at once so be sure to pace your order if you prefer your appetizer first. We started off with their cheese curds. You can request your choice of dipping sauce and we went with pizza sauce. These white cheddar cheese curds came out piping hot with a crispy batter shell and a melty paradise on the inside. Dusted with garlic parmesan, these are sure to please the crowd.We also tried their burger and chicken sandwiches, with a twist. The Kitchen Tap Wall & Grill offers three ways to get a sandwich: classic, baja, or buff. We sampled the baja burger: a quarter-pound burger topped with black bean hummus, guac, cotija cheese, pickled red onions, lettuce, and tomato. Choose your burger temp and enjoy this fresh flavor that has a little kick behind it. The guac is super fresh and this is a filling burger! And for as loaded as it arrives, the bun is robust enough to handle the job. Add your side of choice and enjoy!Next up was the buff chicken sandwich with, you just it, buffalo sauce! But also: blue cheese dressing, garlic aioli, lettuce, and tomato. The chicken was so tender and juicy, and cooked perfectly. The sauces brought so much flavor to this sandwich and melted together beautifully. No one flavor overwhelmed the others.  Eat your meal on the decks overlooking the courts or inside. We can't wait to go back to try the rest of the menu. See you there, Rockford!

Are you craving a big bowl of pasta and a cannoli? Us too, so we visited Salamone's in Cherry Valley for dinner.First of all, you have to sample their specialty appetizers. This group of table pleasers steps up the bar on meal starters. We tried their new Arancini: four breaded rice balls filled with bolognese sauce consisting of finely ground beef, carrots, and peas served with our homemade tomato cream sauce. The tomato cream sauce added a velvety texture to this appetizer. These were generously sized, and perfect to share with someone. The arancini were crisp on the outside and had soft rice and sauce inside. The texture was just perfect.Next up, Rina's Ravioli: this recipe comes straight from their Aunt Rina in Sicily and features portabella ravioli topped with succulent scallops and shrimp in a delicious white wine mushroom sauce. Mushroom lovers rejoice! This portabella ravioli lets the portabella truly shine. The white wine sauce is a delicate addition that brings all of this dish's flavors together. The scallops and shrimp and prepared beautifully and the texture is spot on. We also tried a classic, Chicken Parmigiana. You can't go wrong with this classic dish. Their homemade red sauce pairs perfectly with your pasta and fried chicken breast. The melted cheese on top is what every pasta lover lives for. Not sure what to order? This classic delivers.You can't leave without dessert! We ordered the mini cannolis stuffed with their homemade filling and chocolate chips. This decadent dessert is the perfect size to finish off a hearty dinner with a sweet ending. The pastry had the perfect crisp with the chilled cream. Covered in powdered sugar, this finger food is a fun and delicious way to end your meal.Skip cooking tonight and take your friends or family to dinner at Salamone's. Their fall drink menu is out, and it's scary good. See you there, Rockford!

Rockford River District and Rockford Art Deli to Host Spook the Blocks, Saturday October 28Trick-or-Treat in Downtown Rockford as Stores & Restaurants Open Their Doors to Local FamiliesROCKFORD, IL – The Rockford River District Association is thrilled to announce it is partnering with Rockford Art Deli to host Spook the Blocks, a family-friendly trick-or-treat event, in downtown Rockford. The event will take place on Saturday, October 28 from 12 – 4 PM. Families are invited to the River District to trick-or-treat and visit downtown businesses. There will be tantalizing seasonal specials and promotions and ghoulish goods from restaurants.WHERE: All throughout downtown Rockford. From Jefferson Street to Cedar/Walnut Streets and Kilburn Avenue to Third Street and beyond.PARTICIPATING BUSINESSES:· 317 Art Collaborative· BMO Center· Carlyle Brewing Co.· Cheezy’s Grilled Cheeses· CJ’s Public House· District Bar & Grill· EARTH Zero Waste· Elora Home Interiors· Ernie’s Midtown Pub· Exquisite Cuts & Shaves· Galaxy Hair Studio· Inzombia Coffee· J.R. Kortman Center· Juju Rey’s Art Clubhouse· LimaMar Restaurant· Lucette Holistic Salon· Magpie· Maze Books· Prairie Street Brewing Co.· Quixotic Bakery· Real Beautiful You· Rockford Art Deli· Rockford City Market· Rockford Ice Hogs and Fire Department Coffee· Rockford Roasting Company· Rocktown Adventures· Runner’s Image· Salvaged by Sonya· Smiley’s Vintage Supply· S’mores Collectibles & Vintage· SRM Prints Studio + Gift Shop· Subversive Cycling Company· TNT Funnel Cakes· Willow Beauty· Wood and Brick Tavern· Woodfire Brick Oven Pizza· And more to come!GIVEAWAY: Stop into Rockford Art Deli during Spook the Blocks to enter to win a treat bucket from the Rockford Chamber of Commerce and a tote from Rockford Art Deli.“Whenever we can throw a party and invite our community to downtown Rockford to have fun while supporting local businesses, we’re all in,” said River District Board President John Groh. “Spook the Blocks is a family-friendly event where kids (and adults) can dress up, trick or treat at locally owned businesses and maybe stop into a restaurant to enjoy a good meal or hot beverage or take advantage of a great deal or special at a new store. It’s a fun event that attracts families to the River District. We look forward to seeing the community dress up and have fun in downtown.”To learn more about Spook the Blocks visit www.riverdistrict.com. To learn more about up-to-date Spook the Block specials and activities, follow Rockford Art Deli on Facebook or Instagram.

The Top Rooftop Bar & Lounge at 416 S Main Street, 12th Floor, Rockford, IL 61101 just unveiled their new brunch menu, and let us tell you... it's hitting all those charcuterie vibes. We had to dive into a few boards ourselves!Grab your friends for this shareable brunch experience at The Top! They have several boards to pick and choose your brunch favorites. If you don't like to share, no worries... they have individual brunch items as well. And make sure to check out the cocktail menu! You can't go wrong, from classic mimosas to crafted flavors like blueberry pancake and cinnamon roll.We started with the Sweet Board: muffins, danish, crème brûlée waffle, scones, syrup, honey butter, regular butter, and assorted berries. This tray has morning smiles written all over it. The crème brûlée waffles were so delicious that we actually ordered an extra plate for the table. Belgian waffle is the base, and it's topped with a generous dollop of vanilla crème brûlée and berries. Served with syrup, this was a crowd favorite. The scones and other sweets were all so fresh and delicious. The honey butter was a delightful addition to this beautiful spread.We also tried the Traditional Breakfast Board: cheesy scrambled eggs, herb roasted potatoes, ham, jalapeño bacon, cracked pepper bacon, breakfast sausage, tri-colored tomatoes, English muffins, honey butter, strawberry jam, and habanero bacon jam. Jalapeno bacon was a first for me, and I loved the spicy kick that accompanied nature's meat candy. If spicy isn't your jam, the cracked pepper bacon is a classic favorite. Normally ham is the leftover meat on a tray such as this... but don't rule out this ham! It packed an awesome flavor punch and stood alone as its own star on this board. The breakfast sausage is a chorizo sausage, but not greasy at all. The flavor was on point and not too spicy. Definitely give the bacon jam a try on the biscuit or english muffin, but the housemade strawberry jam is amazing as well! Loaded with eggs and roasted potatoes, this board is the full breakfast experience.Two boards fed our table of 4 perfectly, with some bonus leftovers. Enjoy an amazing brunch with stunning views of downtown from The Top! See you there, Rockford.

Thai Jasmine Rice & Noodles, located at 5839 Forest Hills Rd, Rockford, IL 61114, is a small family-run restaurant that serves up authentic Thai dishes that are out of this world! We had to check it out for ourselves.We started our meal with potstickers because one of us is an enthusiast. This fried dish is served piping hot and with a savory soy sauce that compliments the filling perfectly. And it comes with an even number, so there are no table fights for that last piece.After that, we decided to try a dish off their Special Sab Sab menu, the Thai Style Beef Jerky: deep fried stripped marinated flank steak served with Sticky Rice and Sriracha dipping sauce. You can choose your spice level on this dish, and since we were first-time diners... we opted for medium. We enjoy a good kick and I think we could handle a step up or two, but medium is perfect for those who like to play with spice without any consequences. The beef is fried and a little bit crispy, and pairs beautifully with their sticky rice and the sriracha sauce. This is something I absolutely see myself returning for. It's also a simple dish... making it a crowd-pleaser.Next up, the Drunken Noodles: wide rice noodle stir-fried with your choice of meat, basil, onion, bell pepper, with chili and garlic basil sauce. We added chicken and went with medium spice again. I think the spice shown through on this dish a little bit more. The broad noodles are delicious, and the vegetables are fresh and crisp. The sauce is sweet, and this whole dish was just beautiful and delicious.  With dishes such as Pad Thai and Curry, there is something for everyone at Thai Jasmine Rice & Noodles. Be sure to say hi to the chefs cooking with love from the kitchen. See you there, Rockford!