Articles & Stories | Rockford IL

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!

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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.

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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.

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Cupcakes at Sugarjones

Welcome to a dessert edition of food reviews. Personally, I think we need to do these more often 😜. The call of cupcakes is hard to resist, so we visited Sugarjones to answer the call.First of all, let's talk about the variety. You walk in and there is literally something for everyone. Fruit flavors, chocolate, vanilla, and specialties like milky way, cookies and cream, peanut butter, and so much more! They even have gluten-free flavors that they take extra care to keep separated from the other cupcakes. Only here for the frosting? Grab a frosting cup! A little edible cup of chocolate is filled with either vanilla or chocolate buttercream... the perfect sized serving to scratch your frosting itch.Now let's dig in! The cake is... everyone's favorite word... moist. Crazy moist, super moist, deliciously moist... ok, I'm done 😉. You can usually find it filled with caramel, frosting, or some other sweet filling, and it's topped with their made-in-house buttercream in a variety of flavors. Here is my favorite thing, feel free to buy that extra cupcake, because it will be just as delicious on day 2! If one makes it day 3... congratulations on your self-control 😂.They rotate flavors regularly, so stop in often to try everything! See you there, Rockford!

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Salamone's North

You’ve been to Salamone’s in Cherry Valley, but did you know that Salamone’s North is located at 2583 N. Mulford in Rockford, IL? Stop in for a taste of Italy closer to town, and check out our experience!I'm a complete sucker for toasted ravioli, so that's where we started. This is a pretty classic appetizer, but Salamone's North hit it out of the park! Their sauce is a mix of sweet and savory flavors, making it a crowd pleaser. The sauce is also served hot. I can't tell you how great this simple measure is. These guys are packed with cheese and an awesome way to start your meal.Next up, the Seafood Portofino: shrimp, scallops, mussels, and mushrooms over a bed of linguine pasta in a creamy white sauce. This is an awesome seafood dish, loaded with the assortment of seafood that are all perfectly cooked. The mushrooms are clearly fresh and complimented the dish beautifully. The creamy white sauce isn't the standard alfredo, but a unique sauce that pulls all the flavors together.If you can't decide what you want, our next dish will be the perfect fit for you. The Tour of Italy has a little bit of everything: a portion of fettuccine alfredo, homemade meat lasagna, and chicken parmigiana. At an extremely affordable price, this satisfies all your flavor cravings and fills you up! This plate boasts both red sauce and alfredo sauce, which is the ultimate Italian flavor debate. No more need to choose! The pastas are all the perfect al dente, the sauces are on point, and the chicken was fried to crispy perfection.All entrees are served with soup or salad, and we highly recommend checking out the specials menu! It rotates seasonally and you won't be disappointed. See you there, Rockford!

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Welcome The Mill Saloon!

You've driven down 251. You've seen the sign. It's finally time. The Mill Saloon is open! We dined during their soft opening to check it out for ourselves.Nothing says neighborhood bar like cheese curds, so that's how we started our meal. These are not your average cheese curds though! Huge chunks of white cheddar are lightly breaded and fried to melty goodness. Traditionally served with ranch, but we got marinara on request! These were delicious and will be a staple to future visits.They named a burger on the menu after themselves, and it felt wrong not to try their namesake menu item, so The Mill Saloon Burger was next! A thick burger patty topped with bacon bbq sauce, fried onions, and tons of cheese. Served on a hearty bun that stood up to the challenge, this burger deserved it's name. The burger was a perfect medium and juicy. Choose your side to make it an awesome meal. We tried their classic battered fries, fried to the perfect crisp. They also have sweet potato fries and plenty of other side options.Sticking with the neighborhood bar theme, we couldn't leave without trying their wings. We ordered 12 pcs with 2 sauces: garlic parmesan and buffalo. If you order two sauces it comes out as sides to dip in. You get to control the mess a little more and sauce it just the way you like. The buffalo was spicy, but not so hot that it had no flavor; the perfect combo. The garlic parmesan was thick and full of chunks of parmesan. These were big wings! The meat was tender and fell off the bone.The Mill Saloon has been a long time coming, but it's worth the wait! A copy of their story is on every table to share their journey and introduce their staff. See you there, Rockford!

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Throwback Specials at Lucha Cantina

Did you know that Lucha Cantina, located at 1641 N Alpine Rd, Rockford, IL 61107, has a hidden menu item? Keep reading to find out what it is! But in the meantime, I'm going to tease you with a bunch of other food 🤤.So there we were, walking into Lucha Cantina... dreaming of margaritas, when behold... they have updated their menu! We had to try the new Elotes Rangoons. Think crab rangoon, but instead of crab and cream cheese they grilled up some shrimp and mixed them with their Elote Dip, dusted with smoked paprika and served with sweet chile sauce. These. Are. Mouthwatering. What a fun twist on a classic appetizer. No 4 rangoons here, there is a heaping pile coming your way. You could definitely share... but we recommend against it 😉.Next up, the Carnitas Tacos. Lucha Cantina's amazing carnitas along with fresh spinach, chihuahua cheese, red onion, Lucha Queso, sour cream and diced olives make up these tacos. Served on homemade corn tortillas with the new Lucha Patatas or the classic rice and beans, your choice! I love the carnitas at Lucha. The meat is juicy and tender, and packed with flavor. It's a great choice if you are looking to avoid spice, because these tacos don't pack any heat. You also can't beat the tortillas at Lucha. These bad boys are tough enough to keep any taco from becoming a crumbly mess. And a tough tortilla is needed for the generous pile of carnitas meat each taco has to hold.Now that I have your attention, let's talk about something you won't find on the menu! Were you devastated when they remastered the Cheesesteak Chimi? Did you get over the sadness when you discovered the new chimi was delicious? Do you still miss the old chimi anyway? I think you get it by now... you can still order the old chimi! Just ask for it and you'll be brought back to the original Cheesesteak Chimi glory. This big burrito is covered in Lucha's queso, enough said 😂. But in case you need another reason to give this a try, let's talk about the inside. Packed with rice, beans, steak, onions, peppers, and more, this burrito packs a punch. The jalapenos make this one a tiny bit spicy, but the flavor isn't drowned out by the heat.Whether you want to try the new or the old, we look forward to seeing you at Lucha Cantina!

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Dinner at Dos Reales

We wandered down to Dos Reales at 5855 E State St, Rockford, IL for a fabulous dinner to celebrate the end of the week (all the reason you need to celebrate 😉).First off, I noticed the guacamole cart right when we walked in. The decision was made, and we ordered guacamole. Fresh made to your order, this is worth every penny. The mix was so fresh and packed with flavor. 10/10, would absolutely recommend. The chips even came out warm! They serve a chunky style salsa that is simply delicious.Next up, margaritas! They offer a house margarita with a variety of liquors, plus the option to add an additional mix of your choice to liven it up even more. We ordered the fajita burrito, which absolutely blew us away! With queso poured on top, this might just leave you licking your plate clean... if you can finish it after all that guacamole. Packed with fresh grilled veggies and the meat of your choice, it comes with rice and beans to truly insure you have left overs to use to make all your coworkers jealous at lunch. The fajita flavor truly shines in this dish and it is definitely a new favorite of ours.We ended with Enchildas Suprema, a classic dish. This is the best way to sample all the flavors and most popular meats in one dish. The corn tortillas were layered with red sauce and topped with sour cream, more guac, and salad. The meats were flavorful and tender. I highly recommend the shredded beef. Simply delicious.If you haven't been to Dos Reales yet, load up the family and head on down. The service was fast and friendly, and the food will bring you back again and again. See you there, Rockford!

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Favorite Golf Course

FORE!!It's time to hit your favorite local green, and tell us why you love it! Feel free to brag about that shot too 😉.

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Homemade Ice Cream at La Michoacana

The sun is shining! The temps are up! There is only one thing on our mind... ice cream!Stop into La Michoacana Mexican Creamery at 1714 E Riverside Blvd, Loves Park, IL 61111 for some amazing homemade flavors that you won't find anywhere else. The best part? They are whole family friendly, even the furry family members.Pick your favorite style of cone or grab a bowl and let them start scooping. My personal favorites are the Snickers and Tres Leche, but with flavors ranging from fruit inspired Guava and Mango, to unique flavors like Ferrero Rocher and Rice Pudding, and classics like Butter Pecan and Cookies N' Cream, you can't go wrong. The scoops have a consistency like a custard, and the flavors are incredibly rich!Not into ice cream? They have a full menu that boasts options from walking tacos to classic Mexican snacks.Don't forget to order pup safe ice cream in several flavors for your furry family members to enjoy! We look forward to seeing you during our next ice cream run!

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Take a Stop at The Detour

Have you ever stopped into The Detour off Riverside? Us neither, until recently! I have to say, it felt a lot like a place where everyone knows your name.The second we saw Reuben Rolls on the menu, we ordered them. It says it comes with three, and we weren’t sure how there wouldn’t be bloodshed in the attempt to share them. Thankfully, they cut them in half in anticipation. They know exactly how delicious these are and now so do we. They serve the rolls with a sweet chili sauce and 1000 Island. This is the first Reuben roll we’ve tried with sweet chili, and it was a pleasant surprise! Don’t shy away from this combination, take our word for it. These rolls were large and perfect for splitting with 2 people.Next up, the Detour Brat. Loaded with sauerkraut and beer mustard, this is a brat for brat lovers. The sauerkraut was fresh and the brat was grilled to perfection. Also, shout out to the bun! This brat needed a sturdy support system, and the brat buns at The Detour were up to the task. No flimsy soggy buns around here. The fries on the side were a real treat. They were salted and almost tasted… buttery! They were amazing.We ended on the homemade Mac & Cheese with grilled chicken and buffalo sauce. The heat was perfect and paired beautifully with the homemade cheese sauce. Nothing beats a curly pasta. It can be fun to eat like a kid again. Oddly satisfying was how small they cut the grilled chicken. I didn’t have to break out my knife for this meal, and could just dig right in with everything perfectly prepared and ready to eat. The pasta was a great al dente texture.The Detour served up a delicious dinner, and the atmosphere was classic neighborhood bar. Next time you are in the area, grab a seat and dig in. See you there, Rockford!

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Family Brunch at RBI Brunch Bar

RBI rebranded from late nights to brunch bar and we had to check them out!We grabbed the whole family for this outing, so let’s start with the kids menu. With the classic options, this is definitely going to keep the kids happy so you can enjoy your breakfast in peace 😂. Pancakes with a side of sausage caught our small’s eye, and breakfast vanished in a flash, so it must have won approval.The adult humans tried the Short Rib Skillet (8hour braised beef short rib, mushrooms, onions, green peppers, and cheddar cheese) and the Loaded Breakfast Biscuit (a buttermilk biscuit, seasoned chicken carnitas, pico de Gallo, chipotle aioli, and avocado). The Short Rib Skillet was as amazing as it sounds. If you love a savory breakfast that will absolutely fill you up, this is it. With a generous pile of hash browns and two eggs cooked your way, you can’t possibly leave hungry. The meat was tender and delicious. The vegetables were fresh and the whole skillet was delicious. It also comes with a side of toast or pancakes… of which the obvious choice is pancakes. The pancakes were cooked to golden brown perfection and served with real butter; the perfect sweet ending to a savory skillet.The Loaded Breakfast Biscuit was a southwest masterpiece. The biscuit added a hearty base to this meal, and the chipotle aioli brought the perfect level of heat and sauce. The carnitas spiced chicken was delicious and perfectly prepared. With pico de Gallo, cheese, and salsa, this is a fun twist on a classic biscuit breakfast. Served with a heaping pile of hashbrowns, you can’t go wrong.Next time you are looking for breakfast on the east end, give RBI Brunch Bar a try. See you there, Rockford!

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Jalapeno Taco Grill Now Open

New restaurant alert! Jalapeño Taco Grill opened recently and you have to give it a try, just like we did.This half-service restaurant is perfect for families in a bit of a rush. Order at the register and then grab a table. We highly recommend their fresh juices! We tried the strawberry and the cantaloupe and they were so fresh and refreshing. This will bring us back time and time again alone! And we haven’t even had the food yet.The meal is brought to your table and you can dig right in. We tried the burrito suizo, a classic burrito covered in mild sauce and cheese (what isn’t good covered in cheese?). Served with rice and beans on the side, this burrito was a crowd pleaser. Stuffed full with meat, this will fill you up! The sauce was full of flavor. Up next, Mexican style tacos. We like variety and tried the asada, carnitas, and pollo. The carnitas were out of this world! So juicy and tender and piled high. 10/10, would recommend! The chicken was marinated and had a great flavor, not just your standard grilled chicken. The steak was finely cut, for easy eating, and seasoned to perfection. You can’t go wrong with any of them. Doubled up corn tortillas keep these tacos together for a clean eating experience. You can also get the tacos American style if you prefer.Do yourself a favor and try the flavors of Jalapeño Taco Grill on your next night out. See you there, Rockford!

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Favorite Reading Spot

It's Get Caught Reading Month in May it is all about reading books and raising awareness regarding the advantages of indulging in literature. The options are unlimited. So get your hands on some books and start reading at your favorite place in town!

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We love I Luv Sushi!

We traveled to I Luv Sushi near E State Street and Bell School to sample their menu. From appetizer to dessert, follow our experience!Before we even dig into the food… we have to give a shout out to Brian, our outstanding server. From beginning to end, Brian added to our experience with amazing recommendations that did not disappoint and made us feel like coming back just to hang out with him again. Thank you, Brian, for the awesome experience!We started our meal with the gyoza. The pan fried dumplings can be either veggie or beef and are served with an amazing sauce. This is a pretty small appetizer, perfect for a light snack before the main course. Served warm and delicious! (So delicious, in fact, that we devoured them before getting a photo 😂.)Next up, a variety of nigiri. Nigiri is a type of sushi where the rice is molded by hand and the fish or other topping is pressed by hand atop the rice. We selected the yellow tail and scallop nigiri, and Brian recommended the special that week. Everything was fresh and beautifully presented. Brian’s pick was as stunning as he described, and you can add authentic Japanese wasabi for a slight upcharge.The rolls came next: Philadelphia roll, Rainbow roll, and Surf & Turf roll. The surf and turf roll was a recommendation of Brian’s, and was truly amazing. The beef was seared to tender perfection and it was filled with shrimp tempura, cream cheese, avocado, and asparagus. This was a fun and delicious roll. The rainbow roll is perfect when you can decide which topping you want. With a little bit of everything, it’s a crowd pleaser showcasing crab meat and avocado inside, and topped with salmon, tuna, white fish, albacore, and avocado. The Philadelphia roll is a classic with smoked salmon, avocado, and cream cheese. There are so many more options at I Luv Sushi, so bring your appetite and taste for adventure.We ended on a sweet note with strawberry and chocolate mochi. A perfect ending to a wonderful evening.With a fun and unique atmosphere, outstanding service, and amazing food… you cannot go wrong at I Luv Sushi! See you there, Rockford.

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Breakfast at Sunrise Family Restaurant

Looking for a great place for the whole family to enjoy breakfast? Join us on our adventure to Sunrise Family Restaurant!We first started with coffee, because well… you know. If you start your day without coffee, you are our hero 😂. No worries about your cup running cold here; they are diligent about circulating to warm it up.The whole family came along this time, so let’s start with the kids menu! There are plenty of choices for your little ones and ours had fun choosing his meal and side. One Swedish pancake and a side of fresh fruit were reported as “really really good” and the speed at which it was consumed backs up that detailed report. Kid-approved, check. 😁Next up, the adults! We started with the corned beef skillet. Coming with pancakes or toast, this is a filling meal to start any full day. The skillet was hot, and the eggs come as you ordered them. The pancakes were fluffy and cooked to perfection! Next up, the French toast with two eggs, bacon, and sausage (patties or links). The perfect sampler that allows you to swap between French toast, pancakes, or a waffle. The eggs and bacon come made to your order (we ordered crispy!). The French toast was sliced thick and delicious.For a family breakfast with something for everyone, give Sunrise Family Restaurant a try! See you there, Rockford.

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Welcome Chavez Mexican Restaurante

One thing Rockford loves is a new local restaurant, and the welcome our community has extended to Chavez Mexican Restaurante at 5494 E State St, Rockford, IL 61108 is no different! With a newly renovated interior, friendly and amazing staff, and delicious food… you can’t go wrong.Listen, before you get upset that there is no photo of the chips and salsa… let’s say they were so good we didn’t even come up for air, let alone a photo 😂. With bottomless refills, you might be full before your entree arrives. Add an appetizer of cheese dip or guacamole and you’ve got a happy table.There are, however, photos of the margaritas. Don’t miss an opportunity to check out the bar. Besides being beautiful, they sling a delicious drink.Entrees arrived and we started with the enchiladas tricolor. Sautéed spinach, roasted poblano peppers, caramelized onions, roasted corn, and meat of your choice. All of that is wrapped up in corn tortillas, smothered in velvety red, green, and white sauce, with sour cream, grated quasi fresco, and served with cilantro lime rice. First of all, the cilantro lime rice was amazing. We don’t often talk about the sides… there is a reason this one made the review. The meld of flavors in these enchiladas was amazing. So incredibly flavorful and the texture of the meat was perfect. The sauces really brought this to life.Next up was pollo chihuahua, wood-fired grilled chicken breast topped with grilled onions, mushrooms, house chorizo, and melted chihuahua cheese. Served with traditional rice, black beans, and tortillas. This came with soup, and we opted for the seafood option. It was a traditional spin on clam chowder but loaded with a variety of seafood and a slightly lighter consistency. This was an amazing addition to the meal. If you are a soup lover, you definitely need to try this one. The chicken was amazing! Stacked with house chorizo really packed on the flavor. Everything was fresh, juicy, and absolutely delicious. This was a huge meal, perfect for sharing or for tomorrow’s lunch.There are so many amazing options, we cannot wait to visit again! …and again, and again…. See you there, Rockford!

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Italian Feast at Sam’s on Harlem

Now we know if you are a fan of Sam’s Pizza… you have a particular Sam’s that you like to frequent. We decided to start making the rounds and started with Sam’s on Harlem!We kicked things off with their specialty salad. Home dressing, loaded with cheese, eggs, and Italian sausage… this is always a crowd-pleaser and worth the upgrade.We had the whole family along this time and the classic Italian dishes like angel hair pasta with their house sauce kept the kids busy with no complaints at the dinner table.Next was their Fettuccini Alfredo. You can pick your protein, and we opted for the classic chicken. The star of the show was their homemade Alfredo sauce. The consistency was spot on and the portion was perfect. Not a dry noodle on the plate. If you are an Alfredo fan… this is definitely one to try.I feel like no Italian restaurant review is complete without trying the Chicken Parmigiana. Two chicken breasts fried crispy, topped with mozzarella, and then layered with house sauce… you can’t go wrong. Served on a bed of fettuccine, this is a dish that won’t leave you hungry. The chicken was cooked perfectly. The crisp remained while leaving the meat juicy. The house sauce is savory and the fettuccini was served with a spoon for twirling perfection.Entrees come with ice cream, so don’t forget to enjoy a scoop before you leave!Stop into Sam’s on Harlem for classic Italian favorites.

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Favorite Place to Explore the Outdoors

Spring has sprung and we are headed outdoors! Where is your favorite place to explore?

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Dinner at The Olympic Tavern

The Olympic Tavern is a three-generation restaurant that has existed since shortly after WWII. They offer outdoor dining and an interior that brings cozy comfort. One hungry evening, we headed out to sample the fare.We started with spinach and artichoke dip, because why not? Life is short… eat all the cheese you can. The hot and melty concoction came out piled high with tortilla chips. You can also get veggies… but again, life is short. The cheese-to-meat ratio was excellent, and this was an appetizer so good it quieted the conversation. Next up, the Reuben with sweet potato fries. Served with honey mustard on the side… these fries are worth the trip. A slightly sweet offset to the savory Reuben. Let’s talk about this Reuben! The ratio of sauerkraut to meat was spot on, and layered with cheese and dressing… this one is hard to beat. The bread is buttered and toasted and the results are excellent.We followed that with the Prime Philly: shaved ribeye sautéed with peppers & onions on a soft hoagie with provolone or the homemade sharp cheddar sauce. This was a big sandwich, which is perfect for a big appetite! The ribeye brings a different level of flavor to this Philly, and you can taste the freshness in the veggies. Pair this with your side of choice and you are set. Whether fish, steak, sandwiches, or pizza is your jam… The Olympic Tavern has you covered. Check them out the next time you find yourself hungry. Let us know what you try!

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A Sky High View at Fozzy’s Skybox

Whether you have a family member on a sports team, or frequent the various expos that come to our area, you may have heard of Fozzy’s Skybox. We ventured out to try it for ourselves.If you’ve been to Fozzy’s on Riverside, you’ll be excited to know that they have a sister bar in the Mercyhealth Sportscore Two. Besides the awesome sports simulators that you can reserve ahead of time, enjoy an excellent selection of food while you hang out and enjoy the view from the top.We took the whole family this time and started with the Fozzy Smash Burger: 2 burger patties, American cheese, secret smash sauce, shredded lettuce, tomato, pickle, and served with fries. This classic burger is perfect for anyone in the family and customizable for even the pickiest eaters.The next burger we tried was the Rodeo Burger: cheddar cheese, applewood smoked bacon, lettuce, fried onion straws, and bbq sauce create this divine dish. I mean, any burger with bacon has my attention. You can’t go wrong. The burgers are chuck and Angus blend, bringing them some extra flavor and keeping them juicy and delicious.Next up is a dish you don’t expect from a burger joint… which is why we love Fozzy’s, there is something for everyone! The Asian Bowl comes with chicken, fried brown rice, egg, wonton strips, red & green peppers, onion, and mushrooms, with your choice of either teriyaki, Korean pepper, Sriracha honey, or sweet & sour sauce. We opted for teriyaki sauce and the dish was packed with veggies, protein, and flavor! The amount of sauce was perfect, no swamp at the bottom of the bowl making everything soggy. The veggies were fresh and the healthier option is perfect for anyone looking to keep that top of mind.Next time you visit an expo or local sporting event, check out Fozzy’s Skybox!

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Page 6 | Positive Stories & Articles | Rockford IL

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