Articles & Stories | Rockford IL

Community Survey: Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan

Region 1 Planning Council is asking the public to complete a survey to help update the Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan for the Rockford Metropolitan Area. The survey will guide recommendations for improving sidewalks, intersections, and streets in order to make it easier for all residents, workers, and visitors to bike and walk around the region. Additionally, the survey will help identify focus areas and facilities that are comfortable and uncomfortable to use, why walking or bicycling may be used throughout the region, and what improvements should be prioritized. The survey can be found in both English and Spanish at: www.r1planning.orgAbout the PlanThe purpose of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan is to promote a safe and efficient transportation network for people that provides a balanced multi-modal system minimizing costs and impacts to the taxpayer, society and the environment. The Plan will address the development of a region-wide system of on-street bicycle and pedestrian facilities to connect with existing shared use path facilities, existing and planned public transportation services and provide model development regulations and ordinances to promote and encourage bicycle- and pedestrian-friendly growth in the Rockford region. Region 1 Planning Council, is a special-purpose, regional government agency. Regional councils are public organizations comprised of local elected officials that promote collaboration among local governments, working across the jurisdictional silos of states, counties, and municipalities. For more information, visit www.r1planning.org.

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Steak and Seafood at Stone Eagle Tavern

Many folks don't realize that Stone Eagle Tavern is locally owned and operated! They have fresh seafood and locally sourced steaks, making this a delicious destination on East State Street. We wandered in to try Stone Eagle Tavern and with a menu including wood fired pizza, fresh seafood, hand cut steaks, and more... we didn't know where to start! The Seafood Augratin and the steaks came highly recommended by the amazing staff, so we dug in. The Seafood Augratin can only be described as the best thing that has ever happened to me. Fresh seafood medley in a cheesy augratin sauce and baked with a crisp breading top simply melts in your mouth. This is a very rich dish, but so completely amazing. The menu described it as a masterpiece, and we agree. Next up was a New York Strip, cooked to your preferred temperature and so many add-on options available. They offer a garlic crust, parmesan crust, mushrooms, onions, and more! Personalize your steak just the way you want it. We tried the parmesan crust because cheese makes everything better. The steak was perfectly cooked and served on a warm skillet. Stone Eagle gets their steaks from Eickman's, so you know it was delicious, tender, and packed with flavor. You get to select delicious sides along the way, and we highly recommend the brussel sprouts, if green is your thing. They were deliciously prepared in a way that makes you forget you're eating vegetables. The garlic mashed potatoes added that classic vibe to the steak. If you have room, they will bring by a hard to say no to dessert platter. Life is short, order dessert. We hope you check out Stone Eagle Tavern for your next night out, or brunch with friends and family!

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A Great Meal at Crazy Times Pub

Slightly off the main path of 251, you'll find Crazy Times Pub & Grub. This is your classic neighborhood bar, a place to meet your friends for a great drink at their expansive bar. However, when they offer you a menu... don't pass up the opportunity to dig into the crazy good food!We arrived on a Wednesday night, and were pleasantly surprised to experience wing Wednesday at Crazy Times Pub & Grub. We figured that was an excellent start to our meal. We choose the buffalo hot, and the parmesan garlic. The wings were hot, flavorful, falling off the bone, and dripping in delicious sauce. The buffalo had the perfect balance of heat and flavor, letting you enjoy both parts of this traditional selection. If things get too heated, we always recommend a solid parmesan garlic. It takes the heat off but packs a delicious flavor punch. The menu options have something for everyone! We had a hard time deciding which to try (which mostly means we can't wait to go back and try more!), but finally landed on the Italian beef sandwich and the Texas patty melt. With the Italian beef, you have customization options. Want to add peppers, giardiniera, cheese, onions, etc? Have at it! Make it your own. Served on a hoagie bun, this sandwich is sturdy enough to withstand dipping into the au jus without falling apart. The Italian beef is piled high, and was delicious to the last bite.The texas patty melt features Pepper Jack Cheese, Grilled Onions,Bacon, BBQ Sauce on Texas Toast. As a patty melt fan, I feel it is my duty to report on patty melts of the area and this is one that I will return to regularly. The thick texas toast was grilled to perfection, and there is something savoringly sweet about bacon and bbq as a pair. You get to pick your burger temperature (also a plus in my book), and they nailed the cook. We look forward to our next trip to Crazy Times Pub & Grub and hope to see you there, Rockford!

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Classic Dishes at Irish Rose Saloon

Irish Rose Saloon in downtown Rockford is an amazing destination for local foodies. They are well known for using the freshest ingredients and staying preservative-free. Everything you order is made from scratch and they have a fresh board menu to offer you something new every time you visit. So you know we had to visit and try it for ourselves.We knew we had to order a few things off of the fresh menu. These items that made in limited quantities. When it's gone, it's gone! We tried the Full Irish Breakfast and the Lamb Chops.The Full Irish Breakfast featured a trio of meats, 2 eggs, 2 heart slices of tomato, and beans. Nothing beats the quality that Irish Rose brings to the table, and that really showed in this dish. The banger had stunning flavor, and the bacon was some of the best we've had. This classic dish is a crowd pleaser!The lamb chops came with a vegetable medley that was seasonally perfect. It's the type of side that warms your soul. The chops themselves were cooked with a delicious outer char, and a lovely flavor. Served with a rice medley, this hearty dish won't leave you hungry.If nothing on the fresh board speaks to you, you can look to their classic pub menu to order any of their burgers, flatbreads, and more that are offered daily. The classic burger is a crowd pleaser for all ages.Stop into Irish Rose Saloon for your next dining adventure, and make sure to check out the fresh board!

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Local Filmmakers Invited to Submit Short Films for Inaugural 815HORTS

As part of a new program to spotlight the great work of the local creative community, filmmakers are invited to submit short films for 815HORTS. The inaugural edition of 815HORTS, which celebrates the fine art of short film cinematography by featuring locally produced shorts, is scheduled for Saturday, December 10, 2022, at Rockford Public Library’s Nordlof Center. CALL FOR 815HORTS GUIDELINES 815HORTS Submissions: Local filmmakers are encouraged to submit one (1) free submission via YouTube or Vimeo link to Nick@PlusSevenCompany.com by Friday, November 11, 2022. All genres (fiction, nonfiction, documentary, experimental, animation, music video, other short film/video) are welcomed. Submitted filmmakers grant legal authority to 815HORTS to use all music, images, clips and film content for 815HORTS and promotional use on any medium. If selected for screening by the 815HORTS Jury, requested file formats from 815HORTS will include Blu Ray and/or high quality (1080p) .MP4. 815HORTS reserves right to amend guidelines, reschedule and/or cancel the program at any time. 815HORTS may be featured as a showcase or competition format. 815HORTS Jury Selection Criteria: 1. Story (quality of writing, plot, performances, etc.) 2. Impact (audience engagement, thought provoking, etc.); 3. Production (editing, sound, lighting, scenery/props, etc.) In addition to showcasing local shorts in the J.R. Sullivan Theater, 815HORTS will be followed immediately by a 5HORT Party with a DJ, beverages and snacks in the RPL Nordlof Center lobby. After the 5HORT Party, we are thrilled to also share that the 2022 Sundance Film Festival Short Film Tour will be screened in the Theater.

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Screw City Tacos at Cantina Taco

Taco lovers, rejoice! This week we ventured to Cantina Taco to try their tacos. Home of the Screw City Taco, we knew this would be a delicious trip.Cantina Taco has two locations, one in the heart of downtown, and one on E. Riverside Blvd to make getting your taco cravings resolved as easy as possible. You've probably also seen their food truck at City Market and other outdoor events all over town. Head to your nearest location and order tacos!We had to try their Screw City Taco, a fried flour tortilla stuffed with rice, your choice of meat, corn, sour cream, and queso. We are a house divided on the best protein for the Screw City Taco. Help us decide, are you team chicken, team pork, or team veggie? The fried tortilla immediately set this taco apart. Its hearty toppings make this the perfect lunch when you need to power through your day. Cantina Taco makes amazing queso...and we fully support getting a little extra on the side.Next up, Cantina Taco's birria tacos. Nothing is better than a food that you can dip into more food. Birria is a spiced beef that simmers in a stew of flavors until the meat is incredibly tender. This is a simple taco, birria, cheese, and onion... but the flavor packs a punch. Dip the taco in the stew for an extra flavor boost, and add house made hot sauces for an extra kick. You won't regret ordering these, we promise!Cantina Taco offers many other menu options including bowls, burritos, and more. Dine in or carry out and make the whole family happy.

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Your Vote Is Your Voice

Election Day, November 8 will be upon us very quickly. This will give citizens an important opportunity to use their voice and cast their vote to help determine who will guide our state, country, and local communities. Unfortunately, too few voters take the time to participate in our democracy. During our last primary election on June 28, only 17% of registered voters in Rockford cast a ballot, while a mere 22.5 % of voters in Winnebago county voted; Boone county voters did somewhat better with 26% going to the polls. If you don’t vote, you are allowing someone else to make important decisions for you.To address this very low turnout, many local organizations including League of Women Voters of Greater Rockford, American Association of University Women (AAUW), NAACP, Women’s March Rockford and many other non partisan, not for profit organizations joined together to form a focused GET OUT THE VOTE 815 effort. The idea of this initiative is to put tools in the hands of voters to help increase the likelihood of more voters going to the polls. We registered well over 100 prospective voters including first time voters in high schools. Meet and Greets to introduce candidates to their constituents have been held in Rockford, Winnebago and Boone counties. Communities were introduced to the IllinoisVoterGuide.org, a one-stop on-line location to provide everyone with information on how, when, and where to vote and who is on the ballot. Voting materials are available in both English and Spanish and IllinoisVoterGuide.org can be accessed in both languages.There is still time to vote. Please join us: Make a plan to vote Urge your friends, families, co-workers and colleagues to register to vote and vote. You can vote early until Nov. 7 Vote on Election Day, Nov. 8 Attend Meet and Greets to talk with your candidates for national, state and local elections. Contact us through our website: www.govote815.org or through our Facebook group-Go Vote 815.Let’s make this a banner year for voter participation. Remember “YOUR VOTE IS YOUR VOICE”.Article by Faye Marcus, GOTV 815

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Dinner at Joe's Casa Di Amici

If you haven't been to Joe's Casa Di Amici off Riverside, it's time for your first experience. We headed out for dinner and were not disappointed. Personally, I love home-to-restaurant renovations. The cozy room-to-room seating is a unique ambiance that we love to see. Once seated, we were greeted and immediately ordered their famous garlic bread and special salad. The bread is a classic Italian sesame loaf, coated in garlic butter and parmesan cheese. This is a do not miss at Joe's Casa Di Amici. A special salad is always a good choice. This one features olives, peppers, sausage, eggs, and more. The oil and vinegar dressing has a nice zing to it. Joe's Casa Di Amici is known for their pasta and steak, so of course, we had to try them for ourselves. We ordered the meat tortellini and the steak special of the evening, an 8 oz filet. The filet comes with either a baked potato or a side of pasta. The pasta was phenomenal. Large tortellini topped with a delicious sauce and meatball plated in a generous portion. This dish was simple, but truly delicious. The filet was amazing. I like my steak rare, and for all my rare fans out there... you know how hard it is to get that perfect cook. I was blown away by the beautiful Pittsburgh preparation, charred on the outside but rare on the inside. The flavor was buttery and delicious, and the meat just melted in your mouth. This is definitely a steak that will keep me coming back. What dish is your favorite at Joe's Casa Di Amici?

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Straight to The Top

We took advantage of the warm afternoons still honoring us with its presence and headed straight to The Top for a dinner with a view.The Top is known for its fun cocktail list, small plates, and a one of a kind view. After ordering a couple drinks (the Peaches Sangria will convince you it's still summer), we decided on a few plates. We selected Crab Arancini, Tuna Nachos, and Caribbean Pork.We dug right into the Tuna Nachos, a huge pile of wonton chips loaded with toppings: Rare Ahi Tuna, Black Bean & Corn Salsa, Avocado, Pickled Onions & Jalapenos, and Spicy Aioli. The Ahi Tuna was beautifully prepared, and the spicy kick of the aioli was a delightful pairing. The wonton chips were a nice hardy vessel for these heavy toppings. This is a big shareable, so come hungry!Next up, the Caribbean Pork: Slow-Cooked Salsa Verde Pork, Pineapple Salsa, Grilled Polenta Cake. The polenta cake was perfectly prepared! Hearty enough to support the piled-high pork, these are a shareable you may end up wanting to keep to yourself. The pineapple salsa was fresh and light, and truly brought out the flavors in the pork.Last, but certainly not least... the Crab Arancini: 4 Crispy Fried Sicilian Rice Balls, Surimi Crab, Parmesan, Seasoned Panko Crumbs. Served with the spicy aioli and a light cucumber sauce, we couldn't get enough. The crunchy exterior gives way to the crab stuffed interior. You can see and taste the individual flavors. We ended up being a house divided in between the spicy aioli and the cucumber sauce. Order these and weigh in on the great sauce debate.Grab your friends and head on down for your own feast of shareables. Cozy up to the fires on the outdoor patio, or hang inside to enjoy modern day temperature control. Enjoy!

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Favorite Apple Orchard

October is here and it is #NationalAppleMonth! From caramel apples and apple picking to Halloween renditions of the poison apple and apple pies on Thanksgiving, the apple is the prime fruit to celebrate to mark the middle of fall.Vote for your favorite local apple orchard!

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Vintage Shop Hop

Thousands of shoppers will converge on northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin once again for the fall edition of the popular Vintage Shop Hop™ on Friday and Saturday, October 7 & 8, 2022. The event is a self-guided road trip for vintage and antique lovers in the northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin region to satisfy their ‘vintage’ addiction and support small businesses at the same time. Typically, between 350 to 400 locally owned vintage shops, antique malls, women’s boutiques, occasional and pop-up shops, home décor, upscale consignment shops, and vintage barn sales in the two-state region participate in this one-of-a-kind event.The event was destined to grow quickly. Between the shop owners looking for a unique, low-cost way to promote not only their shop but their town too, and then add in shoppers who are excited to have a list of hundreds of fun shops dropped in their lap, you can’t hold them back!” laughed Ann Campos, founder of the event. The event stretches across two states from the Mississippi Riveron the west to Lake Michigan on the east, goes north to Stevens Point & Green Bay in Wisconsin, and south to I-80 in Illinois.Each shop has an “in-store” promotion for the weekend, and many shops go miles beyond just complimentary refreshments (like mimosas and dessert treats). “We encourage the shops to create a day unlike the other 363 days of the year,” say Campos. As a result, shoppers will find fun promotions like “pop a balloon” or “spin the wheel” to determine their discount, door prizes, meet-the-maker, paint demos, live music, food trucks, and free swag bags just for stopping in. Others create punch card promotions to get people moving around their region, hire live music and invite food trucks to park in their lots. All shops will be ready and waiting to greet new faces to their store and provide the shoppers with the best in customer service. “The participating shop owners are very passionate about the history of their antiques as well as their buildings. In order to compete with big box stores, small business owners have to be creative in their marketing efforts and work extra hard to get noticed,” Campos said. “I’m just happy I can help them out by using my experience to bring customers to their doorstep with this fun shopping event. To my knowledge, it’s the biggest event of its kind in the Midwest.” Many of the shops are set in historic and unique buildings, in downtowns, villages, and the countryside brimming with history which sets them apart from their competitors in big shopping malls. For example, shoppers who step into Vintique Junque in Monroe, Wisconsin can find a sweet shop filled with antiques, vintage, recycled goods, and fun junk housed in a historic 1880s coal store that supplied the downtown square with coal. Or shoppers can experience ‘out of the box' shopping for on-trend vintage items and home décor inside a gorgeous 1882 Methodist church, complete with steeple, at The Half Full Nest in West Dundee, Illinois. Or, explore Starline Excursion Market in Harvard, Illinois tucked inside a renovated, ivy-covered farm equipment factory built in 1888. These are just a few examples of shops located inside unique structures making the shopping experience memorable.Road trip planning for the Vintage Shop Hop is made easy with the interactive Google Map and Master List of Shops. The Google Map includes all shop details that can be accessed on mobile devices while shoppers are traveling the area. The list and map are both found on the event’s blog page 24/7/365 and can be printed off www.vintageshophop.blogspot.com or follow the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/VintageShopHopEvent. A direct link to the interactive Google Map is here: https://bit.ly/VintageShopHopMap_Oct2022

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Local Man Works to Revitalize Broadway

It's no secret that the past few years have been hard on small businesses, with some parts of the city getting hit harder than others. In the wake of COVID and inflation there are those within our community that are stepping up. Isidro Barrios is one of those people.After spending 40 years as a union carpenter, Isidro and his wife, Melanie, opened a community center inside of their neighborhood. El Barrio is located at 1516 Broadway and aims to be a resource for the businesses and residents of the Broadway region. Isidro referenced his 13 grandbabies as motivation for the passion he has for his community. And his first goal is to help re-establish the Broadway corridor as a thriving business community.Between 11th Street and Kishwaukee Broadway has over 50 available storefronts and through a combination of efforts Isidro aims at reducing that number. One of these efforts is a Business Opportunity Event for the 11th Ward.This event is being hosted at El Barrio, 1516 Broadway, on Friday, September 30th, from 5:00 to 8:00pm. The event hosts multiple opportunities for both existing businesses and those wishing to start a business. There will be resources and information for new and existing businesses, information on solar energy and the Illinois Shines Program, as well as a host of special guests.State Representative Dave Vella, State Representative Maurice West, 11th Ward Alderman Tuffy Quinonez, County Chairman Joe Chiarelli, and County Board Jaime Salgado will all be in attendance.If you have a passion for the Broadway corridor of our city, are wanting to start a business and are looking for a place to open, or just want to connect with our local leadership, then head on over to El Barrio this Friday night.You can RSVP at elbarrio@myyahoo.com

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A Fiesta at Alvarez Mexican Restaurant

We ventured to Alvarez Mexican Restaurant to try their famous margaritas and eat our weight in chips! As you do…We were warmly greeted with chips and salsa, and decided to try the Quest Fundido, a fondue with chorizo brought with even more chips (muahahaha). This is a HUGE appetizer, we dug right in to the warm cheese and chorizo medley. The flavor was out of the world and we will definitely order this again… but bring many many more friends, hahaha.Acting like we hadn’t completely filled up on chips, we then sampled the Enchiladas en Mole (three corn tortillas in a rich poblano mole sauce with cheese and sour cream) and the Fajita Lover (sizzling strips of steak, chicken, & shrimp, topped with spanish onions, slices of tender bell pepper & pico de gallo).I have never tried mole sauce, so this was a first for me! The sweetness was a unique contrast to the enchilada and I now see why folks love this stuff. It had almost a nutty flavor, and that pairing was a fun surprise.The fajita was a masterpiece of a medley. Everything was grilled to perfection (no tough shrimp here!) and the meat to vegetable ratio was perfect. I’m a big fan of build your own meals, so fajitas really cater to my desire to get my hands dirty. I was happily surprised with the generous dollops of sour cream and guacamole as well.I almost forgot the margaritas! With a strong blend of many liquors, these are described as “killer” on the menu, and I have to agree with them! Not too sweet, they really nailed the balance. Drink responsibly!Check out Alvarez for your next chip binge!

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A Perfect Pour at Hope & Anchor

In the mood for some English Pub comfort food? Rockford’s got that. Travel down 251 to find Hope & Anchor, an English Pub with authentic dishes right in your backyardWhen you walk in the moody atmosphere greets you and you know this place has stories. Take a seat at the bar, order the perfectly poured Guinness and settle in for tales of spooky events and history.Ready for some grub? They serve authentic recipes including fish & chips, bangers & mash, and cottage pie. We tried the fish & chips first.I’m not typically a fan of tartar sauce (let the tar and feathering begin), but in the spirit of the full experience, I sampled Hope & Anchor’s. I can honestly say that I loved it! It paired beautifully with the beer batter fried cod. The menu says “generous portion”, and they aren’t kidding. Come hungry! Served with thick cut English chips and slaw, this is a meal that is certain to fill you up. The fish was fresh and flaky, and the crust was crisp and thick. I definitely recommend this English classic.Next up was the cottage pie, a medley of simmered beef, onions, carrots, and mushrooms topped with mashed potatoes. The presentation of this dish was beautiful, and the flavor was all comfort. This hearty dish will warm your whole soul, while filling you up. The gravy was perfection, taking this simple dish to the next level.We can’t wait to go back and dig into some more dishes, and their dessert menu! What’s your favorite dish at Hope & Anchor?

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Portraits in the Garden

Anderson Japanese Gardens provides an extraordinary backdrop for individual and small group portraits. Wednesdays, October 5 through October 19, 2022, during special afternoon hours, Anderson Japanese Gardens will waive photography sitting fees and allow guests and photographers access to the Gardens for the price of regular admission.Anderson Japanese Gardens will waive the special use Garden rental fee for individual, small group, and special occasion photography, during its third annual Portraits in the Gardens. Special use dates and hours will be Wednesdays, October 5 through October 12, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., and October 19, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.Limited Portraits in the Gardens dates and hours offer an opportunity for photographers to utilize the vibrant fall foliage while still preserving the tranquility and views of the gardens for guests who attend during regular business hours.Per person admission for Portraits in the Gardens is the price of regular individual Gardens admission. Homecoming groups, wedding parties, and commercial photography sessions will not be permitted. Photographers and guests are asked to always remain on pathways and grassy turf areas, not disturb or remove plants, not block pathways, not climb trees or boulders, not enter water areas or step into garden beds. Drone aerial photography and tripods are not permitted.

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RHK Streets & Sweets Annual Fundraiser 2022

Rock House Kids, a safe haven for inner-city kids grades 1-12, will be hosting their annual fundraiser, Streets & Sweets, on Thursday, September 22 from 6:00- 8:30 at the Tebala Event Center located at 7910 Newburg Rd, Rockford, IL. Tickets are on still available! The cost to attend is $50 for individual tickets or $400.00 for a table of eight. Rock House Kids Executive Director, Dee Lacny said, “We are always so excited for Streets & Sweets. The kids can’t wait to perform live in front of a large audience! This year has brought so many blessings and there is a lot to celebrate…but at the same time, there is still much more work to be done.” The Emcee for this year’s event will be Michelle Abraham, Host of WTVO’s Good Day Stateline. Streets & Sweets will host delicious appetizers & all you can eat desserts, live performances from the Dance Team, Puppet Team and Motion Team, along with video presentations, speakers and a silent auction. The main sponsor for this year’s Streets & Sweets event is J & M Plating. Additional Sponsorships levels are also still available. Rock House Kids provides free evening programming, mentoring, hot meals, take-home food bags, and daily essentials to more than 250 inner-city youth of Rockford, four evenings a week. RHK receives no government funding, but are wholly supported by donations from the generous corporations, churches, and individuals in the Rockford area. Visit their website at rockhousekids.org

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A Little Bit of Italy at Cucina di Rosa

Tucked away at the intersection of Bell School and Rote Road is Cucina di Rosa, a charming taste of Italy right in our hometown.We opened our meal with a classic dish, the Arancini. Cucina di Rosa has three varieties to choose from including broccoli and cheddar, mozzarella and ham, and meat sauce and peas. It was a tough decision, but we decided on the mozzarella and ham. These Arancini are huge! Don’t expect a dainty bite-size ball, no. Large enough for two people to enjoy, you get one gigantic Arancini. The fried shell was thick and crisp, a nice complement to the soft and cheesy interior.Next up was the main course. Keeping with the classics theme, we ordered the Chicken Parmigiana. You get to choose spaghetti or mostaccioli, and it comes with a refreshing salad loaded with tomato and cucumber. I have to say, they have their fry game down. A lot of times you get a soggy bit of chicken from all the sauce on a dish like chicken parmigiana, but the crisp on this chicken was crispy til the last bit. Almost a country-fried flavor. Highly recommended! The sauce is full of fresh spices and packs a flavor punch.Be sure you save room for dessert! They have an in-house Pasticceria and Gelateria, where they make their own desserts. Fresh croissants, cannolis, cream puffs, cakes, gelato, and more await you!For a quaint Italian dinner, try the flavors of Cucina di Rosa.

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Swedish Pancakes at Stockholm Inn

If you’ve been in Rockford for longer than a week, you’ve heard of Stockholm Inn. If you’ve been in Rockford for longer than a year and haven’t tried it yet… what are you waiting for?We grabbed the family and headed to Stockholm Inn for a Sunday morning meal. We decided on two of their popular combos, the Swedish Pancakes Combo and the Belgian Waffle Combo.The Swedish Pancakes Combo comes with 2 Swedish pancakes, 2 eggs your style, and 2 sausage links or 2 strips of bacon. The Swedish pancakes are big, and almost a little fluffy. They bring a unique flavor to a traditional favorite. You can request a side of lingonberries or lingonberry butter to add that extra flair.The Belgian waffle combo is similar, but served with a fluffy, crispy waffle the size of a dinner plate. You can dress the waffle up with various flavors or toppings to make it your own, and even request it to be gluten free!If buffets are your jam (breakfast pun), be sure to ask about the weekend buffet at Stockholm Inn. With seemingly endless options, you definitely get to try a bit of everything and will never leave hungry. Once you finish breakfast, you can enjoy the gift shop with other Swedish favorites, gifts, and more. It’s a whole experience at Stockholm Inn!

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National Yoga Awareness Month Poll

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.

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Corn Mazes!

Is there anything more Midwest than a good corn maze?! We didn’t think so. Grab your friends and get lost in a field! Find your way out, and then celebrate by buying a donut (or 12…).Local Corn Mazes:All Seasons Orchard14510 IL-176, Woodstock, IL 60098Cornerstone Family Church Corn Maze9901 N Tower Rd, Byron, IL 61010The Pumpkin Patch3178 IL-173, Caledonia, IL 61011Run-A-Muc Acres3063 W Becker School Rd, Freeport, IL 61032Skelly's Farm Market2713 S Hayner Rd, Janesville, WI 53548Found another great maze? Let us know!

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Weekend Roundup: September 2 - 5

Happy Labor Day weekend, Rockford! This is a special 4-day edition of the Weekend Roundup. Grab your friends and family and enjoy all the fantastic events this weekend.FridayThe Pottery Lounge is hosting Hocus Pocus Trivia and Paint! Eat snacks, win prizes, paint a keepsake, and show off your knowledge of a spooky season favorite. The Groove Hotel with Gina Meeks is playing Music on the Mall at Edgebrook Mall. Food and drinks from Lucha Cantina and Cork, Keg & Spirits will be available. Seating is limited so bringing your own chair is encouraged!SaturdayCelebrate Ernie’s Midtown Pub’s one-year anniversary! $8.15 food specials, samples, and giveaways accompany the 90’s themed costume party with DJ Vic Monsta spinning at 8:30 PM. Win prizes and party like it’s 1999.Join the Lone Canary at Pig Minds Brewery! Featuring a delicious vegan menu and tasty craft beers, enjoy this outdoor show with chill vibes.SundayRemember On the Waterfront? It’s been 10 years, and now you can celebrate the legacy of On the Waterfront and help support local music scholarships. Enjoy this Labor Day favorite throwback.MondayThe Labor Day Parade route begins at 7th St. & 6th Ave. in Rockford and winds its way north to East State Street, west to Wyman Street, and then south to the reviewing stand in front of the E. J. Zeke Giorgi Center, 200 S. Wyman St., Rockford. Bring your chairs and enjoy the festivities!Find all the details for these events and more: https://rockfordbuzz.com/events

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Grab Lunch or Dinner To Go at Wong Wong Chinese Restaurant

Love Chinese food? Have you visited Rockford’s best kept secret for take-out? It’s time to try Wong Wong Chinese Restaurant if you haven’t yet.Our household loves Chinese take-out, so when a friend told us about Wong Wong, we knew we needed to make the trip to 3703 Auburn St.We decided to try the classic take-out dish, chicken fried rice, along with house specialty Wong Wong’s Crown and the Pu Pu Platter appetizer sampler.When the house can’t decide which appetizer to order, turn to the Pu Pu Platter. You get two each of egg rolls, fried shrimp, fried wontons, and crab ragoons. Everyone gets a little bit of everything or just what they want! I am an avid user of soy sauce, so imagine my family’s surprise when I dug into the chicken fried rice and found that the flavor was so perfectly balanced, that I never touched my soy sauce. The chicken was cooked thoroughly and was still juicy. Loaded with all the delicious veggies that accompany fried rice, this would have been a filling meal for us alone, but we aren’t quitters.Next up was Wong Wong’s Crown: shrimp, scallops, chicken, beef, book chow, broccoli, pea pods, mushrooms, water chestnuts, and carrots in a delicious sauce and served with steamed rice. The flavor on this was light and fresh. The vegetables stayed crisp and the scallops and shrimp were cooked perfectly. I will absolutely be ordering this again!We ended our meal with the almond cookies and a plan to order again soon! Do yourself a favor and pick up Wong Wong’s for your next night in.

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The Orchards Are Open!

It's almost Fall y'all! And the first sign is the opening of our local apple orchards! Whether you want to just swing by and grab a bag and go, or you want to experience apple picking firsthand, these apple orchards are the perfect spot for fall family fun.Curran's Orchard6385 Kilburn Ave, Rockford, IL 61101Edward's Apple Orchard7061 Centerville Rd, Poplar Grove, IL 61065Edward's Apple Orchard West8218 Cemetery Rd, Winnebago, IL 61088Valley Orchard811 E State St, Cherry Valley, IL 61016

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Ritchie's Smokin' BBQ

Nothing says summer like smoking and grilling meats! That’s why we ventured out to Ritchie’s Smokin’ BBQ for a sample of their best flavors.They specialize in smoked brisket and smoked pull pork, and are also the home of the BBQ Brisket Pizza. Now, I never say no to pizza, so the decision was pretty easy to make here. We ordered the Brisket dinner (the best way to sample all of the sides!) and of course, the brisket pizza.The brisket pizza did not disappoint! Fluffy crust with a bbq sauce base, and loaded with brisket and fresh cheese was the pizza I didn’t know I’d been missing my whole life. Available in personal and shareable sizes, we highly recommend this flavor experience. The cheese was generously applied and dipping each bite in extra bbq sauce made this meal fun for all ages.If you want to try it all, grab the brisket dinner! A huge pile of shredded brisket, drizzled with bbq sauce is served with baked beans, Mac and cheese, corn bread, and coleslaw. Easily shareable, you won’t go home hungry id you choose this meal! The beans had almost a sweet flavor, and were loaded with pieces of pork. The classic macaroni and cheese was melty and velvety. The generous piece of cornbread is loaded with kernels of corn and is so moist (sorry) and delicious. Once you make your way through the sides, you still have a solid serving of brisket to sample. Smoked to perfection, this brisket is excellent with or without sauce!As we move into fall, keep summer alive in your stomach by visiting Ritchie’s Smoking’ BBQ!

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