Articles & Stories | Rockford IL

Tikka Masala at House of India Restaurant

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!

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Ribs and Brisket at Smokin Coop BBQ Pit

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.

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Rockford's Best Bars

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! 🍻

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Hand-crafted Favorites at Trop Club

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!

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Spicy Dishes at El Pueblo Restaurant

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!

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Alchemy at Aldeen

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!

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Pasta Flight and No Mercy at The Pomodoro

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!

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Best Butcher Shop in the Rockford Area!

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

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Diner Classics at Doc's Diner

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!

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Dock Side Dining at Prairie Street Brewing Co.

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!

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Traditional Thai Flavors at Sister's Thai

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!

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Welcome Vanakkam India!

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!

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Bop Bop Korean BBQ & Rice Bowl has a Storefront!

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!

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Top Stops in the City of Gardens

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

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Happy Early 115th Birthday to the Rockford Park District!

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!

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The GOAT Pub and Grill is Now Open!

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!

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Pizza Free Review of Woodfire Pizza

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!

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Favorite Local Pancake Place

March 7th is National Flapjack Day! It's the perfect excuse to enjoy one of America's favorite comfort foods. We want to know where you're grabbing a stack of fluffy, maple deliciousness! Cast your vote below and comment on our social posts for a chance to win a gift card to the pancake place of your choice!

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Weekend Brunch at Screw City Tavern

Did you know that Screw City Tavern on 4412 Manchester Dr, Rockford, IL 61109, serves brunch every weekend? We headed out on a Sunday to give it a try!First off, let's talk about this Chicken and Waffles. Emphasis on the chicken, these huge cuts of perfectly fried chicken tenderloins pair beautifully with sugar crusted mini waffles for the sweet and savory brunch of your dreams. Served with maple syrup and dusted with powdered sugar, this pretty presentation is packed with flavor and hunger busting protein. The chicken had that crisp fried finish while being juicy through and through.Next up, your classic french toast and sausage. This sweet treat is 4 pieces of thick, battered french toast, dusted in powdered sugar. The sausage links had great flavor, and the french toast was grilled to perfection. This smaller dish is perfect for smaller appetites or kids.Not a fan of the sweet flavors of brunch? No problem! They have classic favorites like biscuits and gravy. Buttermilk biscuits are smothered in sausage gravy and served with hashbrowns. You can add 2 eggs your way to satisfy an even bigger appetite. The gravy has that classic taste that just hits the spot after a long week, and you can't go wrong with hashbrowns.With a full line up of morning themed drinks from the bar (bloody mary anyone?) you can truly indulge in your best brunch self. Rally the group and head on down to Screw City Tavern for their weekend brunch. See you there, Rockford!

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Dinner at Garrett's Restaurant and Bar

Garrett’s Restaurant and Bar at 1631 N Bell School Rd, Rockford, IL 61107 is a great place to enjoy lunch or dinner and watch or play a little on the range during the warmer months. With a menu that has a little bit of everything, your whole group is guaranteed a great meal.First of all, look at that gorgeous side salad. No sad salads here. Beyond a beautiful presentation, the fresh veggies were full of flavor and overflowing on the plate. We started with the Ultimate “Mac” & Cheese, because with a name like that, why wouldn’t we? Triple cream brie, Wisconsin cheddar, mozzarella and parmesan are melted into a rich sauce and tossed with fresh cavatappi. All of that is then baked until bubbly with panko breadcrumbs. You can also add grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp to add some protein. This is an amazingly creamy sauce that will win your heart immediately, and with brie involved you know this is going to feel rich and decadent. This massive serving will fulfill your Mac and cheese dreams, and warm your soul. There is no such thing as too much cheese.Next up, the Grilled Beast Burger. This is Garrett’s half pound, exotic blend of Waygu beef, New Zealand elk, wild boar and American bison. Served on a multigrain bun with mayo, fresh tomato, lettuce and red onion. This burger was deliciously unique. It is loaded with bold and rich flavors. The Grilled Beast Burger is a fun twist on an American classic. Served with house chips or fries, this is a great and filling option for the meat lovers out there.Whether you are looking for lunch or dinner, Garrett’s Restaurant and Bar is a great option on Rockford’s east end. From classics to exotics, they’ve got what it takes to feed a crowd. See you there, Rockford!

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Chop House Classics at Tavern on Clark

Tavern on Clark at 755 Clark Dr, Rockford, IL 61107, is a bit off the beaten path, but should be on your main stops for lunch or dinner! Read on to hear about our experience.In the middle of a midwestern winter, you simply cannot beat a baked French Onion soup. Served in a personal crock, this soup is loaded with onions, bread, and cheese. It's a delicious, soul-warming start to your meal. You can always opt for a side salad or their soup of the day as well!Next up, their Bourbon Glazed Pork Chop: a 12oz bone-in pork chop with a bourbon demi-glaze, asparagus, and a rice medley. This pork chop is cooked to a chef-recommended medium, and is tender and juicy. The bourbon flavor shines, with a slight sweetness. The presentation and flavor are just beautiful.We also had the Salmon Oscar: fresh Atlantic salmon topped with crab meat and shrimp, covered in bearnaise sauce, asparagus, and parmesan roasted potatoes. Seafood lovers rejoice, this is loaded with your favorites. The salmon is prepared perfectly and is generously topped with crab and shrimp. The bearnaise sauce is slightly sweet and creamy and beautifully compliments the salmon. There is a generous pile of potatoes and crisp asparagus to round out this dish.We also ordered dessert...and the picture reflects the fact that we couldn't contain ourselves from digging right in 😂. The caramel chocolate cake is a shareable slice of absolute heaven. This rich confection is a delicious end to an amazing meal. You just can't resist when they bring out that amazing dessert tray!Next time you are looking for chop house favorites at a great price and with wonderful service, think of Tavern on Clark. See you there, Rockford!

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Omakase Rockford has New Owners

Omakase Rockford recently changed owners, have you been downtown to 223 E State St, Rockford, IL 61104 to try them since the change? With the same classic favorites and some new additions, this menu is worth exploring!We had to start with the Rainbow Roll: crab stick, avocado, and cucumber all topped with tuna, salmon, shrimp, white fish, and their house sauce. The ingredients were fresh and the flavors were on point. This classic roll is a table pleaser, but you may fight over your favorite toppings 😜.Next up, the Avocado Roll: a crab stuffed avocado, with tempura flakes, eel sauce, and spicy mayo. If you love avocado, run for this appetizer! This is a flavor bomb, served at room temperature, and beyond delicious. When it says stuffed with crab... we mean STUFFED. This is a super filling and delicious shareable.Obviously, we were in the mood for snackables, because next up is the Gyoza: traditional pork or vegetable dumplings pan-cooked with chili ponzu sauce. Served hot, these are the perfect starter if you are looking for a warm and flavorful that fits in with traditional flavors. The handmade dumplings are large and delicious.We decided to add an entree to the mix and went with Steak Terriyaki: grilled NY Strip steak, grilled vegetables, and rice. You can upgrade to fried rice for an extra dose of flavor. Served to your temperature preference, this steak shines on the dish. Loaded with a mix of fresh vegetables and teriyaki sauce, this is a meal that will leave you full as a stand-alone.With a menu of sake and traditional dishes, you can't go wrong with a meal at Omakase. See you there, Rockford!

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Crowd Favorites at Franchesco's Ristorante

Franchesco's Ristorante at 7128 Spring Creek Rd, Rockford, IL 61107, is a staple in the Rockford region, and for good reason! Read on for all the juicy details.If you are a fan of the Old Fashion, Franchesco's has you covered. One of the most popular drinks at the bar, they are ready to fulfill your craving for this Midwest specialty. Before we move on to the entrees, I think the bread basket needs its own mention. The garlicky, buttery perfection is bread perfection. Served with seasoned oil, this is a delicious start to any meal. Let's start with the classic Steak Benny: sliced New York Strip with a dejonge crust and white wine cream sauce, served with vegetable and truffle potatoes. Broccolini was the vegetable this time and cooked to perfection. The crisp was maintained and it was seasoned beautifully. We understand why this is a crowd favorite. Between the dejonge crust and creamy sauce, each bite is exploding with flavor. Cooked to your preferred temp, this is the perfect melt-in-your-mouth steak that will leave you full and satisfied.Next up, a special on the menu, the Wagyu Filet. Served rare, and delicately seasoned, this steak is allowed to stand on its own for its amazing flavor. Topped with a roasted onion and served with brussel sprouts and a cauliflower puree, this decadent meal will leave you dreaming about it. The flavor is truly amazing, but the texture has to be experienced to believe. Try this delicacy before it leaves the menu!Franchesco's is an amazing experience from start to finish. Whether you are celebrating an event, or just a Thursday out, put Franchesco's on your list. See you there, Rockford!

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Favorite Local Flower Shop

Love is in the air, and we love to express it with flowers in February! Who is your local go-to for that one of a kind bouquet for yourself or someone you love?

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Positive News, Stories, & Rockford Buzz Polls

Page 2 | Positive Stories & Articles | Rockford IL

Tikka Masala at House of India Restaurant

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Tikka Masala at House of India Restaurant

Ribs and Brisket at Smokin Coop BBQ Pit

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Ribs and Brisket at Smokin Coop BBQ Pit

Rockford's Best Bars

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Rockford's Best Bars

Hand-crafted Favorites at Trop Club

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Hand-crafted Favorites at Trop Club

Spicy Dishes at El Pueblo Restaurant

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Spicy Dishes at El Pueblo Restaurant

Alchemy at Aldeen

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Alchemy at Aldeen

Pasta Flight and No Mercy at The Pomodoro

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Pasta Flight and No Mercy at The Pomodoro

Best Butcher Shop in the Rockford Area!

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Best Butcher Shop in the Rockford Area!

Diner Classics at Doc's Diner

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Diner Classics at Doc's Diner

Dock Side Dining at Prairie Street Brewing Co.

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Dock Side Dining at Prairie Street Brewing Co.

Traditional Thai Flavors at Sister's Thai

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Traditional Thai Flavors at Sister's Thai

Welcome Vanakkam India!

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Welcome Vanakkam India!

Bop Bop Korean BBQ & Rice Bowl has a Storefront!

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Bop Bop Korean BBQ & Rice Bowl has a Storefront!

Top Stops in the City of Gardens

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Top Stops in the City of Gardens

Happy Early 115th Birthday to the Rockford Park District!

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Happy Early 115th Birthday to the Rockford Park District!

The GOAT Pub and Grill is Now Open!

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The GOAT Pub and Grill is Now Open!

Pizza Free Review of Woodfire Pizza

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Pizza Free Review of Woodfire Pizza

Favorite Local Pancake Place

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Favorite Local Pancake Place

Weekend Brunch at Screw City Tavern

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Weekend Brunch at Screw City Tavern

Dinner at Garrett's Restaurant and Bar

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Dinner at Garrett's Restaurant and Bar

Chop House Classics at Tavern on Clark

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Chop House Classics at Tavern on Clark

Omakase Rockford has New Owners

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Omakase Rockford has New Owners

Crowd Favorites at Franchesco's Ristorante

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Crowd Favorites at Franchesco's Ristorante

Favorite Local Flower Shop

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Favorite Local Flower Shop

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Franchesco’s Ristorante