Positive News, Stories, & Rockford Buzz Polls

In honor of National Tattoo Day on July 17th, we're celebrating the incredible tattoo artists in our community! 🎉🖤 Whether you have a collection of tattoos or are just a fan of the art, we want to know: which local tattoo parlor is your favorite.Vote for the best local tattoo parlor below!

Hey everyone! I'm on a mission to find the best bar in the 815 area. Whether you love the cozy neighborhood pub, the trendy cocktail spot downtown, or the lively sports bar with the best game-day vibe, I want to hear from you!What's your favorite local bar in the 815? Help me find the top spot to hang out, relax, and have a good time. Your favorite bar needs your vote! 🍻

It's time to dust off your grills and get cooking!! What is your go-to local butcher shop for all your grilling needs?

Spring is finally back after our strange popcorn Winter! Which Local Garden is at the top of your list to visit???

It's time for a Rockford patio classic, the Olympic Tavern! Located at 2327 N Main St, Rockford, IL 61103, the Olympic Tavern has been a Rockford staple for 80 years. A large patio with covered and open areas to suit everyone's preferences means you can't go wrong with summer dining.We started with a couple of beverages, one being a fun peach special, No Crying in Baseball, is perfect for summer sipping. It has white sangria with riesling, peach nectar, Stoli Citros vodka, ginger ale, and lemon juice, and peach rings for garnish. With a massive beer and cocktail list, you can enjoy hours of summer sun with your refreshment of choice.Next up, an appetizer! Volcano Shrimp are flour-dusted shrimp tossed in creamy Thai chili sauce, over napa cabbage & jicama slaw. This generous portion of slightly sweet and spicy shrimp is a great shareable for 2 or a light meal for 1. The slaw is a light crunchy salad that compliments the shrimp nicely. The shrimp is tail off and ready to pop in your mouth.We ended with the Prime Rib Sandwich, an 8oz prime rib grilled with provolone, horseradish cream, and onions on a toasted Turano hoagie roll with fries. This beast of a sandwich won't leave you hungry! It requires two hands to support this delicious sandwich, prepared to medium temp and towering with onions and fries on the side. Served with a steak knife to cut as needed, you can easily share this or keep the glory all to yourself. The prime rib was prepared perfectly because this was still a sandwich you could sink your teeth into and eat comfortably.Get out this summer and enjoy a classic patio experience. You can bring your (well behaved) pups on Monday to make it a family affair! See you there, Rockford!

Sometimes you want a fancy feel with your summer patio dining. Franchesco's Ristorante, located at 7128 Spring Creek Rd, Rockford, IL 61107, is serving up summer patio dining with some serious style.  The manicure patio has beautiful landscaping and a fountain to bring your date night that romantic flair, while still enjoying the summer breeze. Part of the patio is covered to offer protection from the sun, or a surprise summer rainfall. Enjoy white table clothe dining under the roof, or a more traditional patio set up in the open air.Do not, I repeat, do not skip the bread basket. You're welcome.  We started with Linguine Charlie: 6 Garlic encrusted Shrimp, tossed with Olive Oil, Garlic, Red Pepper, and Romano Cheese. This seemingly simple dish is loaded with stunning flavor and perfectly prepped shrimp. The garlic shines as the star of this plate and pairs perfectly with the red pepper and olive oil sauce. With perfect al dente linguine, this is a fast favorite.Next up, the classic Chicken Parmesan: Jumbo Chicken Breast pan fried, with Mozzarella and Pomodoro. Served with Penne. Jumbo is no understatement, this chicken breast is a protein motherload that is pan fried to perfection, layered with mozzarella, and dripping in red Pomodoro sauce. This classic is a crowd pleaser that comes to the table in delicious perfection every time. The chicken is juicy, the sauce is generous, and the penne adds that carb balance. This dish transports you to Grandma's kitchen and warms your soul.No matter what you order at Frachesco's, you cannot go wrong. The menu is full of stunning flavors and for the rest of the season you can enjoy them and summer at the same time! See you on the patio, Rockford!

Tour de Patio trucks along as we explored food truck turned brick and mortar Easy Tiger! With garage doors opening up to a spacious patio, pull up a chair, order a delicious meal, and soak up the sun.Easy Tiger opened up with a fun drink menu with plenty of spicy and fruity flavors to give you that tropical island feel. The fresh garnish and spicy rims take these drinks to a new level.After you order a beverage, make sure to explore the food menu! We tried the Pork Nachos and...wow. These piled high nachos have all your favorite toppings and sweet and savory pulled pork. This is a table shareable, or a meal for our nacho fanatics out there. The veggies were fresh, and the pork was tender and delicious. You can add this pork to plenty of options on the menu, and we recommend doing just that. The flavor is one you can't get enough of!Easy Tiger also boasts an Asian flair, so we had to tried the classic fried rice. We opted for shrimp this time, which was cooked to perfection and generously portioned. The fried rice itself is out of this world! The salty sweet medley is different than your average take out and will have you clamoring for the next bite! This is a classic dish with Easy Tiger's signature twist.Add Easy Tiger to your Tour de Patio, and we'll see you there Rockford!

In honor of National Tattoo Day on July 17th, we're celebrating the incredible tattoo artists in our community! 🎉🖤 Whether you have a collection of tattoos or are just a fan of the art, we want to know: which local tattoo parlor is your favorite.Vote for the best local tattoo parlor below!

Tour de Patio continues with Pig Minds Brewing Co., located at 4080 Steele Dr., Machesney Park, IL 61115. With cafe lights and vines decorating the patio, this one is serving up good food with a fun vibe.  You can't go to Pig Minds Brewing Co. and not get a craft beer! Pick your flavor and sip on a hot summer day. Don't forget they have a full bar, so order a margarita or anything your heart desires!We started with a crowd favorite, the Sweet Hot Brussels Sprouts: crispy brussel sprouts in an agave sriracha sauce. Sweet and hot is right, these have the perfect balance of both flavors to make eating your vegetables a fun treat. Marked as a favorite for a reason, this generous portion is enough to share with the whole table, because everyone will want some!Next up, the Hawaiian BBQ Pizza: smokey BBQ sauce topped with caramelized pineapple, smoked maple soy curls, red onion, mozzarella, cheddar cheeze, & smokey bbq drizzle. Handmade to order, the vegan pizzas at Pig Minds Brewing Co. are delicious. The hand tossed crust is fluffy on the inside, and provides a stable base for the toppings above. We believe all pizza toppings are created equal, even pineapple, which added a sweetness to this delicious pizza. #justiceforpineapple We couldn't leave without dessert! We ordered the Special Brownie: a warm chocolate brownie drizzled with chocolate syrup and peanut butter sauce. This vegan treat is served warm and is the perfect shareable size (or not, we never judge). The peanut butter drizzle really made this brownie out of this world.Grab a local craft beer and a special brownie out on the patio this summer at Pig Minds Brewing Co. See you there, Rockford!

If you haven't noticed the theme yet this summer, it's all about patio dining! One of Rockford's favorite dock dining experiences is Tad's on the Rock, located at 10 E Riverside Blvd, Loves Park, IL 61111. Whether you arrive by land or water, you can enjoy beautiful river views and classic summer flavors.We started with the Western Burger, a 1/4 pound patty loaded with onion, cheddar cheese, bacon, and BBQ sauce; served on a buttered and toasted bun with the most perfectly cooked french fries around, or side of your choice. The burger was prepared to medium temperature and the flavors and textures blended perfectly. The crispy bacon made this burger easy to eat.  Next up, the classic Pork Chop Sandwich. With all the classics fixins, this larger-than-bun summer favorite is as fun to eat as it is delicious. All the veggies were fresh, and the patty was crispy fried to perfection. Also served with a side of your choice, we took this opportunity to have even more french fries.  These beauties are fried crispy but soft inside. Never soggy. Tossed in salt prior to hitting your table, these bad boys are worth the trip alone.With regular drink specials, an awesome live music schedule, and river views, you can't go wrong at Tad's on the Rock. See you there, Rockford!

Food is not the highlight of this week's review, instead, it's the outstanding line up at RVC Starlight Theatre!The summer session at Starlight Theatre has begun and we had to check out the first show, Legally Blonde, for ourselves! Returning in August, this is one to see and share with friends.There isn't a bad seat in the house at Starlight Theater. With stadium seating you never have to worry about an obstructed view, and the intimate setting gives you a great view of the stage no matter your seat.Legally Blonde follows Elle, a fashion major turned law student as she pursues love and finds herself along the way. The Director, Clarissa Dahlhauser, has this to say, "This musical asks us to check our initial (often judgemental) perceptions of others, and in the same breath, find our own self-confidence in who we know that we can be despite other's clouded perceptions of us and our capabilities. It's for everyone that's ever felt judged, felt self-conscious in their chosen field or identity, felt pressure to be something they were not, and to anyone that's ever been told, 'you will never make it'."The sets are stunning and detailed, really transporting you to each scene. The highlight of this show was truly the people involved. Elle, played by Chanel Black, was truly inspirational, with a voice that enchanted the whole audience. The Delta Nu girls kept cheering our main character along her journey with fun songs that will keep your toe tapping. Every crew member hit their mark during incredibly tough choreography that left us completely impressed.  If you are a fan of the movie, you'll love this stage rendition which didn't miss a beat. We got Paulette's charming side story and were endeared by the furry cast members.If this show is setting up the rest of the Starlight Theater season, we are in for a summer filled with excellent performances and great entertainment!Don't miss the rest of the season, featuring Guys and Dolls, The Color Purple, Disney's Newsies, and Disney's Beauty and the Beast.See you there, Rockford!

When I think of spice, I instantly think of Indian food. While the spice that traditional Indian dishes are famous for adds a ton of flavor and life, it doesn't always mean heat. Even those with a milder temperature tolerance can enjoy the beautiful tastes of House of India, located at 6430 E Riverside Blvd, Loves Park, IL 61111.Levels of spiciness are controlled by chilis, which can easily be added to or omitted from recipes. At House of India, they have three levels to choose from: mild, medium, and hot.We ordered two entrees: Tandoori Chicken and Lamb Tikka Masala; as well as the accompanying sides: Saffron Rice and Garlic Naan.Tandoori chicken is marinated in yogurt and spices in a tandoor (clay oven). While this ranked mild on the spice level, the spices used to marinate the chicken were phenomenal. The chicken was cooked so tender that it practically fell off the bone and the flavor is just delicious. Who knew yogurt could be a marinade and nail the job?! Served piping hot with a large lemon wedge and on a bed of onions, this is a dish that can please the whole table.We decided on the Lamb Tikka Masala because it is a fan favorite. The dish is bite-sized pieces of lamb in a spiced curry sauce. The curry is creamy and orange-red. This is where the saffron rice comes in! You ladle the Tikka Masala over the rice and create your own dish. I ordered the medium spice, and I feel like this is safe for milder temperature tolerances (unless you let leftovers sit and marinate for 24 hours). I will definitely be ordering this hot next time. I can't get enough of spicy food and I think this dish can only get better with additional heat!Let's talk about the Naan... You are in for a treat! House of India has multiple flavors of Naan, and you definitely want to order some for the table (or yourself) to enjoy. It arrives at the table freshly prepared and so wonderfully warm.No matter what you choose from their extensive menu, it is sure to please! Step out of your box and try something new!

Smokin Coop BBQ Pit, located at 2022 US-20 BUS, Belvidere, IL 61008, is the perfect place to embrace patio season! Order from their delicious menu and grab a seat inside or outside for a fabulous summer meal.With everything from chicken, pulled pork, ribs, brisket, and more, you may have a hard time deciding what to order! They also have a variety of bbq sauces and sides to make your meal the perfect match. Don't forget to order pie or pick up a cookie for dessert, if you still have room!We tried the rack of ribs with macaroni and cheese, potato salad, and cornbread. The ribs come basted in Smokin Coops original bbq sauce, and are smoked to fall-off-the-bone perfection. You can dive in with two messy hands for this delicious main course. The meat is tender and juicy and the sauce enhances that smoked flavor to leave you craving more.We couldn't leave without trying the brisket! Served with no sauce so that you can choose your favorite flavor, this generous portion is tender and filling. We chose more mac and cheese (duh), and baked beans with pork to accompany the cornbread. The brisket is a popular dish and sometimes sells out, so come early and often to get your share!Smokin Coop's macaroni and cheese is worth living for! The penne noodles are coated in thick and creamy cheese. We ordered two for a reason, you won't want to share yours either 😂. Their potato salad is fresh and delicious with a hint of mustard. The baked beans are loaded with pork and the sauce is perfect for adding to your meat of choice.  You can't go wrong with bbq at Smokin Coop. We look forward to going back to try even more! See you there, Rockford.

Hey everyone! I'm on a mission to find the best bar in the 815 area. Whether you love the cozy neighborhood pub, the trendy cocktail spot downtown, or the lively sports bar with the best game-day vibe, I want to hear from you!What's your favorite local bar in the 815? Help me find the top spot to hang out, relax, and have a good time. Your favorite bar needs your vote! 🍻

Trop Club, located at 6282 E Riverside Blvd, Loves Park, IL 61111, is serving up handcrafted burgers and cocktails in a fun, upscale pub atmosphere. We stopped by to try a little bit of everything on the menu.We started with a Guava Island Tea cocktail: bourbon, guava, and lime juice come together in a delicious combination. The guava puree makes this feel like a beach resort cocktail, and is just in time for your summer vibe.  For an appetizer, we dove fork first into the Poutine: fries, cheese curds, and gravy. This shareable dish is hot and flavorful. This is a great table dish that brings everyone together to fight for the last fry.Next up, the breaded shrimp. These large shrimp are served piping hot and with your choice of dipping sauce. Classic cocktail sauce is always on the list, but you can also try 7 other sauces like the Trop Fire, a spicy and creamy dip to fire up your shrimp. Prepared perfectly, Trop Club is known for its shrimp and other seafood options!We couldn't leave without trying a hand-crafted burger. The French Onion burger features french onion sauce, swiss cheese, deep fried onions, and pickles on a pretzel bun. Prepared to your preferred temperature, these thick burgers are loaded with toppings to make sure you don't leave hungry. Served split, you can dive right in to this massive burger. With 15 gourmet burgers on the menu, you are guaranteed to find your favorite flavor while enjoying your favorite game on their large tv's.Trop Club has their kitchen open until midnight on Friday and Saturday for your late night dinner needs. Stop in for hand-crafted classics and an awesome cocktail. See you there, Rockford!

El Pueblo Restaurant, located at 1527 Broadway, Rockford, IL 61104, is serving up fresh authentic Mexican cuisine that comes to your table hot and fresh. We headed over for an amazing dinner and to try one of the spiciest items on the menu. Keep reading to see if we survived the heat!Before we get to the hot takes, we have to talk about the margaritas. We tried the classic lime and mango margaritas and these bad boys will keep you coming back for more. These were light and refreshing while packing a punch! The mango was sweet and delicious and the classic lime is a crowd pleaser.Next up, we tried the flautas, filled with chicken, topped with sour cream and cheese, and served with rice and refried beans. This classic dish was simple perfection and served a satisfying crunch. The shredded chicken had a great flavor, and this mild dish is perfect for the whole family.  We finished off with the Diabla Shrimp, a spicy shrimp dish served with tortillas, rice, and beans. When they say spicy... they mean spicy. This dish is not for the faint of heart and will make you sweat. If you love heat, this is the dish for you! The heat builds on itself with each bite and the flavor is a testament to the authentic flavors. If you think you are up to the challenge, bring on the heat!Next time you are craving a great margarita and authentic Mexican cuisine, head over to El Pueblo and explore their menu. See you there, Rockford!

Alchemy at Aldeen on 1902 Reid Farm Rd, Rockford, IL 61107, is fine dining with a beautiful view of the golf course. We ventured out to enjoy the view and the menu!First off, shout out to the amazing staff. We had the best service and a wonderful experience. We dove right into dinner with the Filet Sliders, served with your choice of side and a garlic aioli, these generous filets were served on a sweet bread that blended the flavors perfectly. Prepared to a medium temp, these are a great spin on the classic slider elevating the flavor and experience. The fries came out crisp and hot, topped with parmesan cheese.  Next up, the Parmesan Chicken Tower. A tower indeed, they stand two large chicken breasts on top of each other with marinara, mozzarella, and fresh basil and serve it on top of the cheesiest alfredo pasta you've ever tried. This generous serving is perfect for taking home, or making sure you don't leave hungry. Pair it with a glass of your favorite wine or a specialty cocktail to complete the experience.  Be sure to check out there amazing dessert menu to end your night with a touch of sweet. Enjoy the smooth ambiance, beautiful views, and delicious menu at Alchemy at Aldeen. See you there, Rockford!

The Pomodoro at 6500 E Riverside Blvd, Loves Park, IL 61111, has an amazing menu waiting for you to discover your new favorite. We headed out to give it a try!  First off, we had to start with Mozzarella Pomodoro, two jumbo pieces of fresh, breaded handcut mozzarella deep fried and served with marinara. When they say jumbo, they mean it! This shareable appetizer is for cheese lovers everywhere. They even top the cheese with more cheese! What else could you ask for? A generous serving of sauce ensures everyone can dip to their heart's content.After that, we dove right into their Pasta Flight. Select any 3 of their specialty pastas to create your own experience. This is the perfect go to for you if you can never decide which pasta you want. We tried the Eight Finger Cavatelli, Short Rib Pasta, and Gnocchi Alfredo. The Eight Finger is a house specialty: handrolled cavatelli- made fresh everyday; ricotta, provolone, parmesan, breadcrumbs, all in vodka sauce. This is a doughy pasta with an indulgent texture you can't experience anywhere else! The Short Rib pasta is penne, 8-hour braised short rib, red wine, beef broth, and parmesan that makes a savory pasta that can warm you straight to the soul. There is a generous portion of meat and the pasta is prepared perfectly. The Gnocchi is stuffed with Ricotta, pan-fried, and served in house alfredo with parmesan. Biting into these releases the ricotta in a pleasantly melty delight. Never having to commit to a single pasta again is a life changer!We couldn't leave without trying the No Mercy pizza. Edge to edge pepperoni, stacked 2-3 deep with fresh mozzarella. This pizza has so much pepperoni it comes off a bit spicy, but pepperoni lovers will rejoice over the flavor. New York style slices are foldable and delicious!Stop out to The Pomodoro for your next lunch or dinner! You can't go wrong with a great menu, awesome staff, and full bar. See you there, Rockford! 

It's time to dust off your grills and get cooking!! What is your go-to local butcher shop for all your grilling needs?

Doc's Diner, located at 6499 N 2nd St, Loves Park, IL 61111, is your local neighborhood diner that serves up your classic favorites. The atmosphere is a fun collection of automobiles and memorabilia from decades past, and the staff is friendly.We had to start with the classic biscuits and gravy, and when they say gravy... they mean it. Two biscuits were swimming in delicious sausage gravy, with chunks of sausage in every bite. Each bite was tasty and we understand why this is a diner classic. Served with bacon or sausage, you won't leave hungry.Next up, classic eggs and hash. The hash was prepared crispy, which is my favorite way to enjoy hash. The eggs were buttery and cooked to your liking. This classic breakfast is served with a pancake to add a little sweet to your savory.  You can't go wrong with the classic diner experience at Doc's Diner. And with childhood favorites like Mickey Mouse Pancakes, this is quickly going to be your new family favorite. See you there, Rockford!

Prairie Street Brewing Co., located at 200 Prairie St, Rockford, IL 61107, is about to kick off patio season as warmer days make an appearance. We headed down to try some pub favorites and enjoy the bustling atmosphere in the taproom.We started off with the Not So Irish Eggrolls: house-made corned beef brisket & sauerkraut, swiss & white cheddar cheese, rolled in a crispy wonton, and served with thousand island dressing. Four crispy rolls come out hot and packed with corned beef. The cheese is melty and delicious. All the flavors melt together perfectly for a delicious starter that is perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself! My favorite part is that these were a clean eat. You do not have to battle tons of grease when enjoying these tasty rolls.Next up, we enjoyed the Nashville Hot: southern-style buttermilk fried chicken, chili oil, honey aioli, dill pickle, and iceberg lettuce, with a golden split-top bun. While this is also available mild, the spice level is pretty low and most palates can enjoy this delicious chicken sandwich with a subtle kick. The generous chicken breast is cooked to juicy perfection and leaves you satisfied and full. We opted to upgrade to sweet potato fries, and were not disappointed! Crisp outside and soft inside, this delicately sweet side was a perfect pairing with the Nashville Hot.Whether you like to dine dock side or indoors, Prairie Street Brewing Co. is serving up delicious meals to satisfy your whole group. Pair it with one of their brews for the perfect summer experience. See you there, Rockford!

Sister's Thai is a downtown staple located at 514 E State St, Rockford, IL 61104. The authentic Thai cuisine is out of this world and worth exploring during your next trip downtown. We visited for dinner and stayed for the atmosphere.We started with their Crab Rangoon: deep fried won-ton stuffed with imitation crab meat, cream cheese & green onions. These savory appetizers are served with a sweet and sour sauce and come out piping hot and fresh. Made by hand, each one is unique and stuffed full. This is a perfect shareable for two.Next we tried Pad Thai: stir fried thin rice noodles with ground peanuts, green onions, bean sprouts & eggs in their delicious homemade sauce. You can choose to add of beef, chicken, shrimp, tofu, pork or veggies to your Pad Thai as well. This Thai classic is perfect for beginners just starting to test their international palate, but also a beloved dish by all. The mild flavors with the homemade peanut sauce really blend together nicely. Rice noodles can be tricky, but the team at Sister’s Thai prepare them perfectly. No overly sticky, or mushy noodles here! Love Pad Thai but want a kick? Ask them to make it spicy!We also tried their authentic Nam Kow: ground pork sausage with crispy deep fried rice, mixed in Thai house spices, served with lettuce cup garnish on the side. Squeeze your lime over the heaping pile of rice and sausage, and then load up your lettuce cups for a delicious trip through the flavors of Thailand. The generous portion and intricate flavors of the Thai spices make this an incredibly satisfying dish, making this a popular menu item over the years.Next time you want to explore classic Thai dishes, head downtown to Sister's Thai. The service is fast and friendly, the food is delicious, and the atmosphere is cozy. See you there, Rockford!

Vanakkam India has opened at 1620 N Bell School Rd, Rockford, IL 61107. With classic flavors from the heart of India, you can travel the world with every bite. Keep reading for all the spicy details!You cannot have Indian food without Naan, and Vanakkam has four types for you to choose from. We tried the Garlic & Cilantro flavor and it was amazing! Buttery flavors really come through along with the classic toasty flavor from the clay oven. Find your favorite flavor and enjoy!Next up was their Lamb Tikka Masala, pieces of lamb cooked in creamy onion tomato sauce flavored with spices. We ordered a medium spice level and it definitely had a kick! The sauce is creamy and flavorful. The lamb is mild and fun deviation from the usual chicken. Served with cumin rice this is a delicious meal that won't leave you hungry.We also ordered their House Special Chicken Curry, a special home style chicken curry made of chef's secret recipe. I don't know what in it, and I don't care... this curry was fantastic! The medium spice certainly wakes up your sinus system, in the best way. The flavors were out of this world. This is not a cream-based sauce, so it has a lighter texture. The chicken pieces were generous and the chicken was tender and delicious. This is a house favorite for sure!Because we simply couldn't stop, we also had to try their Chicken Tekka Kabob, boneless chicken cubes marinated with ginger, garlic, herbs, yogurt, and spices skewered and roasted in the clay oven. The flavor of this chicken was delicious and the fresh salad was a perfect addition to our meal. This is perfect for fans of a milder flavor and was a hit for the kids.  If you find yourself on the east end of town and want a meal that will let you explore the world, try Vanakkam India. See you there, Rockford!

Bop Bop Korean BBQ & Rice Bowl is now more than a food truck! They opened up inside City Market at 116 N Madison St Market, Rockford, IL 61107. Order at the counter and be served table side with fresh Korean BBQ favorites.  First, we had to try their Potato Korean Hot Dog. No meat in this dog, it's solid mozzarella cheese deep fried in potato-laden batter. Served fresh out of the fryer, the cheese pull is Instagram worthy and cheese lovers will find their new holy grail. Eat it plain or top it with ketchup, Gochujang Sauce, or hot cheetos dust to make it your own. Go head to head with your friends for longest cheese pull!Next up, the Galbi Rice Bowl, marinated short ribs. These short ribs are the hero you didn't know you needed. The flavor is out of this world and the portion is generous. The ribs are on the bone, making this a fun finger food if you like. The sauce they are marinated in is slightly sweet and completely delicious.  Next we tried the Bulgogi and Chicken Combination Rice Bowl. Bulgogi is a thinly sliced marinated ribeye. The sauce is savory and the meat is tender and juicy. You can choose a mild soy garlic sauce or spicy Gochujang Sauce. I went with soy garlic and its flavor is stunning. The chicken is tender and delicious. Paired together, this combo is filling and makes a fun dinner with lots of flavor.Rice bowls come with rice, japchae noodles (Korean sweet potato noodles), lettuce and yum yum dressing. The noodles are prepared perfectly, not sticky or chewy. The salad is fresh and the yum yum dressing is light and fresh with a hint of ginger.  You can't go wrong at Bop Bop Korean BBQ and Rice Bowl. They have fun specialty drinks to explore and the service was attentive and incredibly friendly. We can't wait to stop by again for Korean BBQ!

Spring is finally back after our strange popcorn Winter! Which Local Garden is at the top of your list to visit???

Did you know the Rockford Park District is older than sliced bread?   On March 29, 1909, Rockford voters banded together and approved the creation of the Rockford Park District. In the 17 Rockford districts, 1,234 voted to approve the park plan and only 798 opposed it. It passed in 14 of the 17 districts.  Thanks to those far-thinking voters, we now have one of the top park districts in the United States. It has won the National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Parks and Recreation three times.  It’s a little too cold to enjoy the golf courses and pools right now, but there are so many other amazing RPD attractions. A few of my favorites are Carlson Ice Arena, the UW Health Sports Factory, Levings Park, Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, and Lockwood Park.  Happy Early Birthday to the Rockford Park District! May your 115th birthday be better than sliced bread! 

You've seen the posts from your friends, but maybe haven't tried The GOAT Pub and Grill at 1428 N Main St, Rockford, IL 61103 for yourself. We couldn't stop drooling over the pictures on their socials and had to try it for ourselves.We started with the Ultimate Crispy Chicken sandwich: crispy chicken topped with shredded cabbage, pickled red onions, dill pickle, and drizzled with garlic aioli and hot honey. Wow, talk about the worlds of sweet and savory colliding together in the best way. This massive sandwich is hand made with love, and comes with a 20 minute prep time. It is well worth the wait for this culinary concoction. If you love pickles, this sandwich is for you. It is loaded with pickles and all the other components. This sandwich is making sure you go home full and satisfied. Pick your side from house fries, house chips, or carrots and celery to finish off your perfect basket.Next up, the Steak and Cheese: Guinness marinated ribeye topped with grilled onions, mushrooms, provolone & beer cheese. Served with your choice of horseradish or garlic aioli. I opted for the garlic aioli, and have no regrets. It. Was. Amazing. I would add this aioli to all of my food if I could. The ribeye was chopped, making this an easy sandwich to eat. The flavors all come together deliciously, and it is an absolutely amazing steak sandwich. The Guiness adds a hint of flavor, but doesn't overpower it. This is a real winner, and at a portion size that allows you to finish it and feel good about it, you can't go wrong.With such a strong start, we can't wait to return and try the rest of the menu at The GOAT. See you there, Rockford!

Did you know that Woodfire Brick Oven Pizza at 408 E State St, Rockford, IL 61104 serves more than just pizza?! I know, this was news to us too. I mean we KNEW... but always had a hard time turning down their amazing pizza for another option. But we finally flipped that menu and explored a whole new world.Welcome to the pizza free review of Woodfire Pizza! We had to start with an appetizer, and went all in with their Calamari. What I love about their Calamari is the perfect breading layer. It's the goldilocks of perfection. It's light enough to let the flavor of the seafood shine, but thick enough to give you that light crisp. Served with Woodfire's famous red sauce, you get that little nod to their classic flavors with this appetizer.For the entree, we tried the Ox Tail Gnocchi. Thick cut potato gnocchi sits front and center in a dish surrounded by ox tail in a thick gravy style sauce. This is the ultimate savory dish and perfect for the meat and potato fan in your group. It feels decadent with every bite, and is the perfect warm your soul dish.Ok, ok, I know I said this was a pizza free review but I couldn't, and I mean could not, leave Woodfire without a pizza. The perfect compromise is the S'mores dessert pizza: classic dough topped with chocolate, marshmallows, whipped cream, and graham cracker dust. This absolutely flew off the table. A huge crowd pleaser, this is a fun way to end your meal that the whole group will love to indulge in.Whether you order pizza, pasta, salad, or just dessert (we approve), you simply cannot go wrong with Woodfire Pizza. See you there, Rockford!