Articles & Stories | Rockford IL

Spook The Blocks Hosted By Rockford River District and Rockford Art Deli

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.

Share

Info

Northwest Community Center Celebrates 75 Years

ROCKFORD, IL - Northwest Community Center (NWCC) has turned 75! Northwest has proudly served the residents of Rockford for 75 years and is celebrating its diamond anniversary. “Many lives have been positively impacted by our staff, volunteers, and services offered over the years at Northwest. We are thrilled to be celebrating this milestone and we are excited to explore new partnerships and opportunities to grow our community outreach” said Nichol Fricks, Executive Director. Fricks, a 14 year NWCC veteran became the organization’s leader in July 2023. Because of the Center’s physical location, nestled on a wooded side-street in Northwest Rockford, it is often referred to as a “hidden gem.” But Northwest’s impact is certainly not hidden and they are reigniting their presence in the city of Rockford. While needs increase in the community, so does the need for quality programming that can meet the demands of their neighbors. While Northwest has many well-functioning programs, there is much opportunity for program expansion. That’s where partnering directly with the community to identify needs is integral to the future of the organization. In the coming months Northwest will be hosting stakeholder open houses to bring additional awareness to the Center. For more information about Northwest Community Center, visit www.northwestrockford.org.

Share

Info

Brunch at The Top

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.

Share

Info

12th Annual Nik’s Home Run

Mark your calendars for Saturday, October 14th, 2023, as we are excited to announce the 12th Annual Nik’s Home Run event at Rockford Rivets Stadium (4503 Interstate Blvd., Loves Park, IL). This event features a 7K Run, a 1.5 Mile Fun Walk, a Virtual 5K, and a display of Grammy’s Auction items available for online bids. The Stadium opens at 8:00 AM and admission will be free. The 7K Run and Fun Walk will start at 9:00 AM.Families are welcome to attend and meet some of the young adult cancer warriors (Wishers) and their families. The event will be held in a family-friendly environment with kid-friendly facilities and services, including public restrooms, a terrific food stand, and music for entertainment. You can even shop at the Team Store. The deeply moving closing ceremony will honor both the outstanding runners and courageous young adults that Nik’s Wish serves.This year marks the 7th year of Nik’s Home Run on the Rockford Road Runners Circuit as a Certified USATF Race with chip-to-chip timing. Splits will be announced at each mile marker. Water and first aid stations will be available. The overall male and female winners will receive $100, and age group, team, and para-athlete winners will also be recognized. If you dedicate your race to someone, bring a copy of their picture for our Dreaming Tree.The registration fees for the 7K Run and Fun Walk are $45 and $35, respectively. However, prices will increase after October 13th. All registrants will receive an awesome Goodie SWAG Bag and a chance to win 2 Bears tickets. The first 200 registrants will also receive a COOL event T-shirt. If you cannot attend, you can still participate in the Virtual 5K for $35 (which includes shipping), and you will receive all the SWAG plus a Finisher’s Pin. All proceeds will benefit Nik’s Wish, a Rockford-based, all-volunteer, 501(c)(3) charity whose mission is to BRING HOPE & JOY to young adults (18-24), and their loved ones, fighting cancer. Since its founding in 2012, Nik’s Wish has granted over 315 wishes in 40 states. If you wish to learn more, please visit www.NiksWish.org; https://www.facebook.com/NikolasRitschelFoundation/; or https://twitter.com/Take1STEPwNIK.If you are interested in bidding for Grammy’s Auction items, online bidding is now open. Please visit https://bringjoy.cbo.io to register for the Auction and take a sneak peek at the items. On Race Day at Rivets Stadium, the auction items will be displayed and ready for pickup after the online bidding closes at 11:00 AM. Nik’s Grammy, Judi Boehle, has over 300 items from entertainment, dining, sports memorabilia, and many more categories. If you need help placing an online bid, assistance will be available at the Stadium.Join us at Nik’s Home Run to CELEBRATE LOVE beating cancer every time!

Share

Info

Sab Sab at Thai Jasmine Rice & Noodles

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!

Share

Info

Introducing The Shed at Lino’s on Riverside

Fall is upon us but outdoor dining is still in it’s hay day (fall joke). Lino’s at 8410 E Riverside Blvd, Loves Park, IL 61111 opened The Shed earlier this summer and we headed out to give it a try!Lino’s on Riverside is the perfect North East option for all your Lino’s dine out needs, but if you still want to enjoy your food there, you can! Ordering is all done online and the food is brought straight to your table. While they don’t offer the full Lino’s menu, they do offer all your favorite pizzas, pastas, appetizers, and of course salad! And yes, they serve adult beverages 😉.When you order, everything comes out together. If you like your salad before dinner, just separate your orders online. Out in The Shed you will have plenty to keep you busy. They have large table games and plenty of space for larger families and groups.We ordered salad, fried ravioli, gnocchi, half and half mostaccioli and meat tortellini. Do I need to tell you how delicious Lino’s salad is? I mean, if you haven’t tried it, please run… don’t walk… to Lino’s for dinner tonight. Dressed in their house Italian, and loaded with Italian sausage and hard boiled eggs… this is a hearty salad that the whole family enjoys. You can order by the serving at The Shed. We ordered 3 servings and left with extras. No small side salads here. The fried ravioli is also a crowd pleaser. You can dip and dunk in Lino’s house red sauce. The inside is stuffed with plenty of melted cheese.Lino’s pastas are all cooked to that perfect al dente. This was our first time trying the gnocchi and I think it’s a new favorite in our house. The texture is spot on, not sticky at all. The delightful plumpness of the gnocchi is so flavorful. You can add meatballs or Italian sausage if you’d like as well. You can’t go wrong with a classic mostaccioli and meat tortellini. I paired a couple meatballs with this one and I can’t rave enough about Lino’s meatballs. Hand made and prepared in their house sauce, these not only beef up your meal but are truly delicious and stand alone as a star on your plate.Whether you want to pick up and eat your dinner table, or have fun in The Shed with table games and a bottle of wine… you can’t go wrong with Lino’s for dinner. But hurry! The Shed is going to close for the season once the cold weather sets in. See you there, Rockford!

Share

Info

Favorite Local Bowling Alley

STRIKE! Hey, Rockford it's poll time! Bowling can be frustrating and competitive but it's fun whether we are good at it or not. 🤣We want to know what your favorite bowling alley is. Vote for your favorite to be entered for a chance to win a gift card to the bowling alley of your choice.

Share

Info

2023 Drinks For The Dells

We are excited to announce the upcoming 2023 Drinks for the Dells event, which will raise funds for education programs at Severson Dells while providing a memorable afternoon featuring local breweries. The event will take place on October 14th from 12 pm to 4 pm at the picturesque Severson Dells Nature Center in the Rockford, IL area. Event Highlights:Craft Brews and Culinary Delights: Enjoy a variety of craft brews from local breweries, showcasing their finest creations to satisfy all taste buds. Participating breweries include Prairie Street Brewhouse, Pig Minds Brewing Co., Urban Forest Craft Brewing, Hairy Cow Brewing Company, and Forest City Brewers. Big Jon's Food Truck will also be present, offering classic favorites such as themed hot dogs that pair perfectly with the beers on tap, as well as vegan options.Entertainment: Local musicians Van Dwellers will provide the perfect background music for enjoying classic yard games or participating in exciting raffles.Supporting Severson Dells: By attending Drinks for the Dells, you directly support Severson Dells and their exceptional nature education programs. Your contribution helps bring nature education to our community and foster environmental appreciation for future generations.Ticket Information: General Admission tickets are $40 online and $50 on the day of the event. Designated Driver tickets are available for $10. You can purchase tickets online at seversondells.org/drinks-for-the-dellsSponsors: We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to our esteemed sponsors, including Sold on Toni, Williams McCarthy LLP, and Fitzgerald Equipment.

Share

Info

Renovations Begin at Newly Named Victory Park in New Milford, Thanks to State Funding

The Village of New Milford has initiated a park improvement project to ensure that the public space caters to the needs of current and future generations. The park, previously known as Upper Park and situated at 2984 Morris Drive, New Milford, will henceforth be known as Victory Park. A new playground, pickleball courts, game courts, a drinking fountain with a water bottle filler, landscape plantings, a perimeter pathway with fitness stations, a parking lot, and a trail that links to Atwood Park are all part of the renovation plans. These amenities were carefully selected based on feedback from a community survey. The project is expected to enhance the quality of life for New Milford residents by providing new and exciting recreational opportunities. The renovation funding primarily comes from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grant, which totals $600,000, and the Rockford Park District, which is contributing an additional $95,000. The project is scheduled to be completed by 2024.

Share

Info

Curry Concoctions at House of India

The next time you are looking for a dinner that lets you travel the world with your taste buds, check out House of India at 6430 E Riverside Blvd, Loves Park, IL 61111. We headed out for dinner to try it ourselves.Your meal starts with papadam (think of a large wafer, or cracker) and 3 sauces for dipping. Each sauce has a flavor profile that is completely unique from sweet to spicy and savory.When you think of Indian food, you may be a bit scared of the spice. We are here to put your fears at ease! 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. They have three levels to choose from: mild, medium, and hot.We ordered two entrees: Tandoori Chicken and Chicken Tikka Masala; as well as the accompanying sides: Saffron Rice and Garlic Naan (ok, 2 orders of Garlic Naan because it's just that good).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. Like a little fire? Medium goes a long way, and hot isn't a false advertisement.If you have never tried Indian food before, I recommend the I Chicken Tikka Masala because it is a fan favorite. The dish is bite-sized pieces of chicken in a spiced creamy curry tomato sauce. This is where the saffron rice came 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 still safe for milder temperature tolerances. The curry has a lovely velvety texture and the flavor is stunning. The rice is the perfect bed for this creamy dish.Let's talk about the Naan... You are in for a treat! House of India has a couple 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. The Garlic is a house favorite and one bite will tell you why.No matter what you choose from their menu, it is sure to please. Step out of your box and try something new! See you there, Rockford!

Share

Info

Dinner and a Show at JMK Nippon

Celebrating a special occasion, or want to put a spark in your weekday dining experience? Check out JMK Nippon, featuring tableside grills, sushi, traditional Japanese mains & bento boxes, at 2551 N Perryville Rd, Rockford, IL 61107. We headed out to JMK Nippon to enjoy dinner with the whole family. We all love sushi, so we started with the Rainbow Roll, Surf & Turf Roll, and the Crunchy Roll. These rolls are huge! Off their premium menu, these are definitely shareable and are large enough to be their own meal. The Rainbow Roll was topped with fresh fish with stunning flavor. The Surf & Turf features grilled steak and is a great roll for the whole family.After the sushi, you stay for the show as they cook dinner in front of you at the tableside grills. We ordered the Dinner for Two, which came with a side salad drizzled with ginger dressing and onion soup for each of us. The soup has fresh green onion and mushrooms and has a hearty flavor to it.Next up, your chef arrives and starts to entertain the whole table with knife and fire skills. We all received a shrimp appetizer cooked in teriyaki sauce and a generous squeeze of lemon. Fresh zucchini and onion were served next. We upgraded to the filet mignon and the fried rice. The steak is cooked to your temperature preference, and coated in delicious teriyaki sauce. The filet melted in our mouths. The chef did an awesome job preparing it just right. Our dinner also came with teriyaki chicken. The meat is generously portioned, and paired with everything else on your plate, so you are definitely not leaving hungry!Dinner gets served as it is cooked and prepared, so you have something new to munch on every few minutes.Make sure to bring the whole family out to JMK Nippon for your next dinner out. See you there, Rockford!

Share

Info

Corkscrew Mac at Screw City Tavern

Screw City Tavern, located at 4412 Manchester Dr, Rockford, IL 61109, is known for their awesome brunch, great live music, and amazing dinner options like their Corkscrew mac and cheese. Read on for all the gooey details!We stopped by to enjoy Screw City Tavern's patio on a beautiful summer evening. One thing was for certain, we had to try their mac and cheese and famous handhelds. Their patio has comfy seating and umbrellas for shade. They have an indoor stage and host live music most weekends. (More opportunity to order this mac and cheese... 😉)Just to keep the gooey details to ourselves a little longer... let's talk about the handhelds! We ordered the Prime Rib Stack: shaved prime rib, pepper jack cheese, pickled red onions, and garlic aioli, all on a butter-toasted brioche roll. Screw City Tavern offers sweet potato waffle fries, so of course we went that route. Crispy and fried to perfection, the fries are everything you hope and dream for. The prime rib is perfectly prepped, and tender. No need to cut your way through this sandwich. The garlic aioli is spot on, and spread generously. Paired with the melted cheese, this sandwich is the right amount of mess.Alright, alright, let's talk about this mac and cheese! Listen, I consider myself a mac connoisseur, and this mac and cheese knocked my socks off. We sampled the Loaded Brisket Mac: cavatappi pasta, shaved prime rib, bacon, moonshine BBQ drizzle, pickled red onions, green onions, and topped with garlic breadcrumbs. The cheese sauce was so incredibly creamy, and paired with the BBQ drizzle... the flavor was as divine as the texture. The prime rib pieces were cut to a bite-size, making this an easy meal to eat without a knife. This means you can eat this delicious dish that much faster. The garlic bread on the side is almost stealing the show! Toasted to a crisp outer, and soft inner perfection with a buttery garlic flavor that is perfect for dipping in the cheese sauce.If you also consider yourself a mac connoisseur, head down to Screw City Tavern and try every variety on the menu. See you there, Rockford!

Share

Info

Outdoor Dining with Smokin Coop BBQ Pit

If you haven't been to Smokin Coop BBQ Pit yet this season, put it on the calendar before time runs out! Located at 2022 US-20 BUS, Belvidere, IL 61008, this family-run BBQ hot spot is perfect for outdoor dining.The Smokin Coop BBQ Pit has done amazing remodeling if you haven't been in a while. They expanded their seating and increased the covered dining section. When you head up front to order, it's not an easy decision! All the meats are smoked and cooked on-site. And don't forget to save room for their pie and ice cream from the Dairyhaus!We decided to go with two dinner combos, the beef brisket and a half rack of ribs. First of all, the rib meat was cooked perfectly and fell right off the bone, not leaving anything behind. It melted in your mouth and was coated in the perfect layer of their house BBQ sauce. Like your ribs messy? They have extra sauce on the table for you to add as you wish!The brisket is tender, juicy, and served thick sliced. The generous pile of meat made an easy second meal (especially since we ordered the 8oz sides). You can add BBQ sauce, or leave it dry. The smoked flavor really stands out on this dish, and it tends to be quite popular. The brisket is also available as a sandwich.Let's get into the sides! With choices like coleslaw, baked beans, potato salad, and more... you can't go wrong. You can also get their famous mac and cheese as a side for a slight upcharge. The coleslaw is made fresh daily and has that delightful fresh crisp. The baked beans are loaded with pieces of pork, which really ups the flavor profile and makes them quite filling. The mac and cheese is homemade with gouda and has a flavor unique to Smokin Coop BBQ Pit. It is a crowd favorite that you can order as a meal with pork or add as a side.The combo dinners are served with either cornbread or a dinner roll for that extra touch. The cornbread was fantastic, with a slight hint of honey.Smokin Coop BBQ Pit closes at the end of September so be sure to make your plans to visit now! See you there, Rockford.

Share

Info

National Yoga Awareness Month

National Yoga Awareness Month is in September, and we're here to show you how you can celebrate this month in the best way possible, by enjoying our local Yoga studios!Vote for your favorite to be entered for a chance to win a gift card to the studio of your choice.

Share

Info

Happy Labor Day

Labor Day is a holiday that honors all workers. It also signifies the end of summer. The holiday is celebrated on the first Monday in September in the United States and Canada. Workers of all kinds enjoy the day off. It is a time for them to celebrate all that their work has made possible.Labor Day was first celebrated in the United States in New York City on September 5, 1882. At that first Labor Day, workers paraded in order to show their unity and desire for fair working conditions.We at Rockford Buzz would like to wish everyone a Happy Labor Day! Stay safe and enjoy the fruits of your labor!!!

Share

Info

Specialty Dishes at Prime

Have you checked out Prime on 6565 Lexus Dr, Rockford, IL 61108? They are an Italian Steakhouse with specialty pasta, steak, and more. We ventured in to try it ourselves.First of all, you always have me at Lobster Bisque. It's not even a question, we are ordering it. What I love about the Lobster Bisque at Prime is that it has a little spicy kick to it! This is definitely still an approachable soup for mild fans, it just has a little heat that adds a surprise twist to this classic soup. Loaded with pieces of lobster, this soup feels and tastes luxurious.Next up, their 14oz Rib Eye with a garlic parmesan crust, bruschetta reduction, broccolini, and scallop potatoes. This is a big rib eye, so come hungry! The garlic parmesan crust is perfection, and the bruschetta reduction is a delightful new flavor. Your favorite bread topping might also become your favorite steak topping. The lightly sweet broccolini pairs excellently with the reduction, and who doesn't love potatoes?! Prime nailed the rare temp we requested on this steak, and it just melts in your mouth. This next one is for the special fans out there. Available only on Wednesdays and Thursdays you can ask for Chef Kenny's special Beef Wellington recipe. Be sure to call ahead to book your reservation so he can have it ready for you. Trust us, it's worth the extra 30 seconds on the phone. This take on a classic uses phyllo dough to get that crisp layered crust. The mushroom and spinach layer is thick, adding some serious heft to this dish. And the part that won me over, was that it can be prepared to your temp preference. Beef Wellington is a hard to find treat, and Prime's recipe is a fun and fresh spin on the classic.If you are a wine drinker, Prime has done all the hard work and suggests a few pairings for you to play with and explore for each dish. If you prefer something a little more playful, check out their new smoke bubble cocktails.So whether you have a reason to celebrate, or it's just a Wednesday, make your next dinner reservation with Prime. See you there, Rockford!

Share

Info

Welcome RBI Bourbon Street Lounge

RBI has new owners, new management, and new hours, and has transformed into Bourbon Street Lounge! Located at 3870 N Perryville Rd, Rockford, IL, check it out to experience the new environment and the bourbon wall.We got a little bit of everything to try the new menu and started with the steak sandwich. Served open-faced, on a hearty hoagie, with smothered in onions and cheese, this sandwich will fill you up. The steak was the perfect thickness to bite into sandwich style, but they do bring a steak knife in case that is more your style. It comes with your choice of side as well.Next up, the chicken fajitas. Served on hot cast iron with onions and peppers, you get the satisfaction of that sizzling delivery. Served with refried beans and rice, you have all the ingredients of a build-it-yourself dinner. Their fajitas are also available in steak or shrimp to give you the flavor profile you prefer.Because I can never say no to chicken alfredo, we had to order it! A generous portion of linguine is topped with grilled chicken breast and smothered in Alfredo sauce. Served with a breadstick, this is a hearty pasta dish that can satisfy your appetite.Next time you want to sample a few bourbons, visit RBI Bourbon Street Lounge. See you there, Rockford!

Share

Info

Brunch at The Pomodoro

Brunch is sweeping the Rockford region, and we love that we can get brunch at The Pomodoro, 6500 E Riverside Blvd, Loves Park, IL, on Sundays from 11am-2pm!We had to order the bottomless mimosas, obviously. A classic brunch beverage, but at only $10 a person... you can't miss adding these to your order. Available in a few flavor varieties, you won't get bored!We started with the breakfast pizza: sausage gravy, along with scrambled eggs, bacon, and colby jack cheese on their New York style crust. You can request extra sausage gravy on the side to really embrace your love for gravy. The cheese on this pizza is impressive. It had that beautiful cheese pull apart vibes. The scrambled eggs were thick, fluffy, and plentiful. Huge New York style slices require two hands, but make this a fun and delicious brunch staple. Their crust is soft, letting you fold your slice in half like a pro.Next up was the Short Rib Hash. Rosemary potatoes are piled high with marinated short rib meat, onions, and bell peppers. This is the perfect brunch for the meat and potatoes fan in your family. If you haven't tried The Pomodoro's short rib, this is an excellent opportunity to do so. They take immense care in slow cooking and marinating the meat so that the flavor is the shining star of any dish it's featured in. It melts in your mouth and makes this brunch dish feel luxurious. Maybe even try dipping those potatoes in the sausage gravy 😉.With The Pomodoro's awesome staff, you can't go wrong for brunch, lunch, or dinner. See you there, Rockford!

Share

Info

Mexican Favorites at Plaza Los Pancho's Mexican Grill & Cantina

Do you remember the Machesney Park Mall? Plaza Los Pancho's Mexican Grill & Cantina is serving classic Mexican dishes the whole family will love just outside the old mall's grounds at 8660 N 2nd Street, Machesney Park, IL. Read on while we share our experience!Let's be honest, we come for the chips and salsa... stay for the margaritas... and order entrees because it all sounds so delicious! And that's exactly what happened at Los Pancho's. The chips hit the table with a small carafe of salsa. No sharing your bowl of salsa here, so feel free to double and triple dip to your heart's content. This is especially good for those of us who may be salsa hogs 😂. Your family will finally have a chance to enjoy the salsa as well. Los Pancho's salsa is chunky and packed with flavor. It's on the mild side, meaning all family members can dig in and enjoy. And with bottomless service... eat up!Next we ordered the Plaza Los Pancho's Special, a bed of nacho chips covered with cheese sauce then topped with a beef and a chicken tamale, shredded cheese, lettuce and sour cream, served with two taquitos (one beef and one chicken). What sounds like just a plate of fancy nachos is so much more! The flavor in the taquitos was outstanding! The meat was juicy and spiced to perfection, and the satisfying taquito crunch was ever present. These didn't get soggy or lose their crunch at all. The tamales, I mean... I don't even know where to start. The tamale dough was so incredibly delicious, and the filling was even better. I would order this again just for the tamales! This is a pretty shareable plate as well... if you maybe had too many chips and salsa.Next up was a line up of five enchiladas (one beef one chicken, one cheese, one bean, and one shredded beef), served with shredded cheese, sour cream, lettuce, tomato, and rancher sauce called Enchildas Tapatias. This is perfect for those indecisive guests who can't decide which protein to order. The shredded beef is delicious. You can tell it has been marinating in juices and spices until it reaches the perfect balance. All of these were amazing and wrapped in fresh made corn tortillas. The rancher sauce is a mild red enchilda sauce, adding flavor to the whole dish.Our small ordered a single enchilda with a side of rice and beans off the kids menu. I have it on good authority that the meal was "on fleek". With a review like that... what else do you need? 😂Next time you are craving Mexican cuisine, give Plaza Los Pancho's Mexican Grill & Cantina a try! You won't leave hungry or disappointed. See you there, Rockford!

Share

Info

Pizza and Dessert with Rustic Oven Wood Fired Pizza

If you've had the pleasure of running into Rustic Oven Wood Fired Pizza at a local event, you know this food review will be full of cheesy goodness. Out of Winnebago, Rustic Oven Wood Fired Pizza travels to local events such as the Rockton River Market, the Oregon River Market, wineries, breweries, and so much more. They boast a large menu, often offering over 20 types of pizza at a time!We had to try the classics, such as sausage and pepperoni, but be on the lookout for their pickle pizza, brisket pizza, and so many more.Let's start with the handle, otherwise known as the pizza crust. One thing I love about them is the soft crust that's foldable and doesn't over power the main ingredients. The crust then gets fluffy at the end, giving you a solid handle to grip onto.The toppings are fresh and plentiful. I enjoyed the sausage crumbles. No lost sausage chunks on this pizza. The smaller crumbles stay put and are a fun and different approach. The pepperoni packed a flavor punch and were generously applied. Time to talk cheese... these pizzas are so incredibly cheesy and we think that is amazing. Cheese in every bite makes this a delicious pie.They even offer dessert pizza! We tried their Apple Pie Pizza and oh my yum! Coming out piping hot, this pizza is loaded with apple pie filling, dollops of cream cheese, and delicious streusel topping. The whole family was smiling when this hit the table, and we gobbled every last bite.Next time you see them around town, stop by and try the pie! See you there, Rockford.

Share

Info

Favorite Local Ice Cream

You scream, I scream, we all scream for ice cream!Ice cream needs no introduction and for YOUR chance to win a $25 gift card to the 815's TOP ice cream place, just cast your vote below!

Share

Info

Vegan Eats at Pig Minds Brewing Co.

Pig Minds Brewing Co at 4080 Steele Dr., Machesney Park, IL 61115 has been serving vegan delicacies for years! But honestly, you don't need to be vegan to enjoy. The food is so good, you may not even realize it's meat free. They also craft their own beer and brew it on-site.If you know us, you know we are suckers for a Reuben Roll. If it's on the menu, it's in our bellies. We knew just what to do when we spotted these on the Pig Minds menu. Everyone dug right into these. The flavors melded perfectly and the texture was spot on. If you like a super crisp crust, this is the place. Thicker to handle all the good stuff inside without falling apart, this crust was fried to perfection. Reuben Roll fans rejoice! These pair beautifully with the options on the beer menu and scratch that craving itch.Next up, the Crunch Wrap. A tip of the hat to your favorite late night throwback, this fresh rendition will bring you all the sweet nostalgia without the regret. House gringo meat, pico, avocado, shredded lettuce, and chipotle mayo grace you with their presence with the delightful crunch of a fried tortilla in the middle of it all. Served with fresh pico and tortilla chips, you have a filling meal that will make you feel like an indestructible teen again. The chipotle mayo really brings this sandwich to life and gives it a little kick. It's also a great option if you want tacos with less mess.After that, we tried the Gyro. Yes, a vegan Gyro. Pig Minds has genuinely nailed the flavor and texture of this Greek favorite. This was bursting with flavor and served piled high with house-made seitan. It comes in a warm pita, as an added perk. Served with your choice of side, you won't walk away from this sandwich hungry.Last but not least, we gave the Buddah Zoodle Bowl a try. Loaded with fresh zucchini noodles, rice, carrots, avocado, sweet peppers, and crispy tofu, this cold bowl is perfect for raw veggie lovers. You can swap the tofu for a different protein if you prefer, giving you the option to really make this bowl your own. Topped with Tahini sauce, the fresh flavors blew our minds, and since it's served raw it makes for perfect day 2 left overs.Whether you are vegan or not, stop by Pig Minds Brewing Co. to sample their brews, full bar, or menu! See you there, Rockford!

Share

Info

Authentic Flavor at Javi's Tacos

Summer is all about food truck flavors, and we love trying new trucks! Javi's Tacos is a local food truck that travels around town, but also cooks out of the kitchen at CJ's Public House. If you like traditional Mexican flavors, you absolutely have to visit Javi's Tacos. Three tacos are only $7 and are offered with your choice of meat and toppings. We highly recommend the traditional style, but American is available if you just love that crisp lettuce crunch.Let's start by saying... these tacos looked and smelled so good, that Jake completely forgot to take a photo. This is, in fact, a photo straight from Javi's Tacos Facebook page. When we are so mesmerized that we forget the photo... you have something good on your hands.We actually tried the al pastor, which was the perfect balance of sweet and savory. You could taste the pineapple's sweetness, but it wasn't overwhelming. All the flavors got a chance to shine. The sign of a quality taco is the strength of its tortilla. Happy to report, these corn tortillas held up to the heft of the taco perfectly. The al pastor juices dripped down our hands, but the tortilla held firm. Perfection.Whether you see them out and about in the truck, or visit them on a CJ's night, make sure to tell them Rockford Buzz sent you and order a taco for us!

Share

Info

Pizza Night at Woodfire Rockford

Pizza night is all about fun and family, and Woodfire Rockford at 408 E State St, Rockford, IL 61104 really emphasizes the best parts of pizza night.Woodfire is known for amazing fresh ingredients and made in-house everything. They make their pasta in-house, and the dough for all the delicious pizzas. They have delicious gluten-free options as well.We started with the classic Sausage and Mushroom. A perfectly balanced red sauce is the base for this family classic. The crust is just beautiful. Fluffy at the ends, but sturdy and thinner for the pie portion. The oil and salt on the crust to make it packed with flavor. No leftover crusts to be found. The fresh mozzarella on top is the perfect pairing to the housemade sausage and fresh mushrooms. It's a classic for a reason.Next up, BBQ Chicken Pizza! This time, a sweet BBQ sauce is the base, and grilled chicken, onions, and pesto grace the top. The pesto added a savory edge to this pizza. The kids still love this pizza, and the elevated toppings make this winner for the adults too.You can get even fancier with their Lobster pizza and more. Make sure to save room for their dessert pizza, too! See you there, Rockford.

Share

Info

Recents

Positive News, Stories, & Rockford Buzz Polls

Page 5 | Positive Stories & Articles | Rockford IL

Spook The Blocks Hosted By Rockford River District and Rockford Art Deli

Share this post

Spook The Blocks Hosted By Rockford River District and Rockford Art Deli

Northwest Community Center Celebrates 75 Years

Share this post

Northwest Community Center Celebrates 75 Years

Brunch at The Top

Share this post

Brunch at The Top

12th Annual Nik’s Home Run

Share this post

12th Annual Nik’s Home Run

Sab Sab at Thai Jasmine Rice & Noodles

Share this post

Sab Sab at Thai Jasmine Rice & Noodles

Introducing The Shed at Lino’s on Riverside

Share this post

Introducing The Shed at Lino’s on Riverside

Favorite Local Bowling Alley

Share this post

Favorite Local Bowling Alley

2023 Drinks For The Dells

Share this post

2023 Drinks For The Dells

Renovations Begin at Newly Named Victory Park in New Milford, Thanks to State Funding

Share this post

Renovations Begin at Newly Named Victory Park in New Milford, Thanks to State Funding

Curry Concoctions at House of India

Share this post

Curry Concoctions at House of India

Dinner and a Show at JMK Nippon

Share this post

Dinner and a Show at JMK Nippon

Corkscrew Mac at Screw City Tavern

Share this post

Corkscrew Mac at Screw City Tavern

Outdoor Dining with Smokin Coop BBQ Pit

Share this post

Outdoor Dining with Smokin Coop BBQ Pit

National Yoga Awareness Month

Share this post

National Yoga Awareness Month

Happy Labor Day

Share this post

Happy Labor Day

Specialty Dishes at Prime

Share this post

Specialty Dishes at Prime

Welcome RBI Bourbon Street Lounge

Share this post

Welcome RBI Bourbon Street Lounge

Brunch at The Pomodoro

Share this post

Brunch at The Pomodoro

Mexican Favorites at Plaza Los Pancho's Mexican Grill & Cantina

Share this post

Mexican Favorites at Plaza Los Pancho's Mexican Grill & Cantina

Pizza and Dessert with Rustic Oven Wood Fired Pizza

Share this post

Pizza and Dessert with Rustic Oven Wood Fired Pizza

Favorite Local Ice Cream

Share this post

Favorite Local Ice Cream

Vegan Eats at Pig Minds Brewing Co.

Share this post

Vegan Eats at Pig Minds Brewing Co.

Authentic Flavor at Javi's Tacos

Share this post

Authentic Flavor at Javi's Tacos

Pizza Night at Woodfire Rockford

Share this post

Pizza Night at Woodfire Rockford

Get Your Business, Events, & Deals On Rockford Buzz

Thank You to Our Amazing Sponsors

Platinum Sponsors

Franchesco’s Ristorante

Historic Auto Attractions