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Save Smarter • Live Better • Rockford Region/Freeport 95¢ • July 8, 2015

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Right in Our Region

Set Sail or Ride the Rails

By Peggy Werner

R

ockford Park District has increased the ways the public can enjoy the Forest City Queen boat and Trolley Car 36, this year. The “Set Sail or Ride the Rails” theme is all part of celebrating both tradition and a new era in downtown Rockford.

The Forest City Queen has undergone a total facelift and offers more rides on more

days, plus specialty cruises that connect people with experiences along the river, says Amy McIntyre, operations manager for the district.

“The boat and trolley have always been downtown attractions, but now we’re able to connect the dots and get people involved with other great things happening downtown,” she says.

Continued on p. 20

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We’ re here , fo r yo u.

Area’s best in patient safety FHN Memorial Hospital was recently recognized for a second year for our patient safety record by the world’s largest independent, non-profit product-

We at FHN are committed to a safe patient experience, and are proud that

and service-testing organization. In their second U.S. study, in which safety scores were calculated for nearly 2,000 hospitals, only 6% nationwide – and only four hospitals in Illinois – earned a score

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as high or higher as

It is our goal to offer our communities the best possible healthcare services we can provide, and recognition such as this confirms our commitment to your confidence in our processes and capabilities.

Whether you need surgery, cancer treatment or other specialty care close to home, a hand in welcoming a new baby into your life, help in handling a chronic health condition, or emergency care,

choose the best in the area for patient safety: FHN.

For more information, visit www.fhn.org or call 1-877-6000-FHN (1-877-600-0346).

* Within a 50-mile radius of Freeport

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In This Issue Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 20 Set Sail and Ride the Rails Your Home .................................................. ..... 11 Easy Patio Living Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 Face of an Angel Your Kitchen .....................................................15 Eggs-actly Perfect Picnic Fare Your Outing .......................................................17 City Market!

Your Health ............................................. .......... 25 Be Ready for Weather Disasters Your Fun ................................................... ......... 27

Restaurant of the Week ................................... 29 Lucha Cantina Dining Locally .......................................... ........ 29

Tips ........................................................... ......... 31 Prevent Drownings Your Money .............................................. ......... 33 Making the Most of Retirement Savings

Smart L iving Weekly ™

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Bill Hughes

Executive Editor/Web Editor Chris Linden Managing Editor Janine Pumilia Deputy Editor Sarah Soenke Assistant Editor Lindsey Gapen Senior Staff Writer/Promotions Coordinator Paul Anthony Arco Graphics Director Blake Nunes Graphic Designer Samantha Ryan Contributing Writers Rachel Shore, Peggy Werner General Sales Manager Brent Hughes Sales Manager Brad Hughes General Manager/Northwest Business Magazine Dave Marino Account Executives Brian Hughes, Kimberly Perkins Administration & Circulation Manager Lisa Hughes Website www.NWQSmartLiving.com Published by Hughes Media Corp.

222 Seventh St., Rockford, IL, 61104 Smart Living Weekly.

Copyright 2015 by Hughes Media Corp., 222 Seventh St., Rockford, IL, 61104. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part of any text, photograph or illustration without written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited.

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On the Waterfront!

O

K, so we don’t have a festival with that name any longer. But we still have a waterfront! And so many ways to enjoy it. (And the 1954 Marlon Brando movie by that title remains a classic.)

I was reminded of how great it is to be on the Rock River, when we joined my brother’s family on his boat to view the July 4 fireworks. What a blast! From the early evening stop we made along the way for food, to setting anchor near the newstower, to cranking up the radio and singing patriotic tunes, it was so much fun.

The city just looks and feels different from the middle of the river. The fireworks were, of course, stupendous. On the way back, we enjoyed seeing all the parties and bonfires along the riverfront and watching the unofficial fireworks launched here and there by mavericky types (Legally? Illegally? Not sure & didn’t ask.)

If you’ve never viewed Rockford from the middle of the Rock River, you need to do it. “But I don’t own a boat,” you say. Well, I beg to differ. You DO own a boat, if you live within the Rockford Park District. Her name is Forest City Queen and she’s all dolled up and making a lot more trips this summer than ever before.

Peggy Werner tells you all about this in our cover story. Interest in Rockford’s downtown riverfront is growing faster than you can say “Prairie Street Brewhouse,” and our savvy park district knows it. There are river cruises morning, noon and night, including some with special themes and meal offerings.

So there’s no excuse! Get out on the river and see why it just plain feels so good, with or without fireworks.

The Rock River begins near Fon du Lac County, Wis., and dumps into Old Miss someplace near the Quad Cities. In Rockford, we’re indeed fortunate that A River Runs Through It. (1992, directed by Robert Redford.)

Enjoy your week and get out on the water! ❚ Janine Pumilia Executive Editor

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Get In Quicker Convenient Care and Emergency Department Scheduling

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You can reserve your spot at one of four Convenient Care locations or the Rockford Memorial Hospital Emergency Department.  Fill out the online form.  Wait in the comfort of your home.  Arrive at your projected treatment time.

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EMERGENCY CARE - 24/7 Rockford Memorial Hospital Emergency Department • 2400 N. Rockton Avenue

If you have a life-threatening emergency, call 911.

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Make Patio-Living Easier

By Peggy Werner

P

atio materials are anything but boring, these days.

Whether made of natural or manmade materials, choices for patio construction are rapidly growing and are known for their durability, low maintenance, good looks, and style.

It’s called hardscaping and the choices are limitless.

“As people spend more time outdoors, a patio becomes more of an extension of the house in styling, comfort and features,” says Kevin Obee, general manager of Benson Stone Company, 1100 11th St. “For a lot of people, it’s their favorite room in the house. What has evolved are materials that are durable year round, while providing more varied looks and quality.”

Obee says some of the newest materials look like plank wood but are made from concrete. Pavers come in various sizes and shapes and are made from materials to give a variety of looks, colors and patterns, while being durable.

Rubber pavers are among the newest offerings. Made from recycled tires, the material is dyed and made to look like brick.

It’s much more resilient and comfortable to walk on than concrete and installation doesn’t require tearing up an old patio. The interlocking parts can cover an existing deck or patio and are simple to install. The process saves time on labor and materials, making it an affordable choice, Obee says.

A new polymer sand is being used to fill the gap between

natural stone pavers.

It hardens to prevent weeds and ant hills from taking over, yet is flexible enough to not crack.

The materials don’t require annual staining or painting. They resist mildew, warping and scratches, and prevent dust, dirt and insects from embedding in deep grooves.

People want to choose patio materials that coordinate with the look of their homes, Obee says.

If the home is contemporary, use a linear pattern for the patio. If the home is more rustic, go for the wood looks, he says.

“You want the patio to fit the look of the home and yet blend with the outdoors to give a unified feeling that flows into nature,” he says.

To learn more about the wide variety of choices at Benson Stone Company, visit the showroom or go online at bensonstone. com. ❚

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I  W

Face of An Angel

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any things spin out of control, in our lives, but our minds don’t have to be one of them. Even though we can’t always control what’s happening around us, we can control our reactions.

A breathtaking role model for this is Stephen, the first new leader chosen by the 12 apostles after the fledging Christian church began to grow (Acts 6:5). Stephen was “full of the holy spirit” (Acts 7:6) and performed great wonders and signs.

When Stephen was seized by angry Jewish leaders of Cyrene and Alexandria, they “could not stand up against the wisdom the Spirit gave him as he spoke.”

(Acts 6:10). In time, they took him before the Sanhedrin in Jerusalem, on false charges that he was subverting the teachings of Moses. Neither Stephen’s faith nor his peace could be shaken. Acts 6:15: All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel. (The only other person in the Bible described as having the glory of God shining from his face – was Moses.)

After Stephen gave a rip-roaring sermon highlighting the many times religious leaders had opposed God since the days of Abraham, the rulers lost their composure.

Acts 7:54-60: When the members of the Sanhedrin heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul.

While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”

Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.”

When he had said this, he fell asleep. ❚ How's that for grace under pressure?

– Janine Pumilia

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Y Y K K

Eggs-actly Right for Summertime Party Flavor

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icnics and parties, good friends and good food – these are the things that make summertime special. Whether you’re hosting the soiree or participating via potluck, taking a unique approach to your go-to entertaining dishes is a simple way to freshen up the spread.

Garden salad: A basic tossed green salad provides nearly endless options for variations, and borrowing ethnic flavors for inspiration is a great approach.

Add Kalamata olives, feta cheese and red onions for a Greek-inspired side. Incorporate some Tex-Mex flair with roasted corn, black beans, chopped scallions and cheddar cheese. Enjoy an Asian adaptation with crispy wonton strips, cabbage, carrots, green onion and chopped nuts, such as peanuts or cashews.

Deviled eggs: A staple at many social gatherings, deviled eggs are an easy way to experiment with new flavors. Simple additions to the creamy yolk filling can completely transform the taste. One unexpectedly delicious twist is the addition of a quality hummus, such as Sabra’s Lemon Twist Hummus, which combines the tanginess of juicy lemon, fresh chickpeas, a touch of garlic and tahini (ground sesame seeds), to create a smooth and creamy spread. Or sample Sabra’s other dozen varieties.

Hummus Deviled Eggs

Makes: 12 servings Prep Time: 25 minutes Assembly: 15 minutes

6 eggs 1/3 cup, plus 1 TB Sabra hummus 2 TB olive oil 1/4 tsp. freshly ground pepper 1/4 tsp. salt 3 tsp. relish Paprika for garnish Place eggs in pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil over high heat. Turn off heat and let sit for 14 minutes. Remove with slotted spoon and run cold water over eggs. Cool eggs 10 minutes.

Remove shells when cool. Cut in half and scoop out yolk and reserve in bowl of food processor. Repeat with remaining 5 eggs.

Add hummus, olive oil, pepper, and salt to yolks; puree in food processor. Add relish and pulse 3 to 5 times to incorporate.

Put yolk mixture in piping bag. (Use tall glass and fold edges of piping bag over glass to make it easier to transfer mixture.)

Pipe about a teaspoon of mixture into each egg white half and sprinkle with paprika. ❚ Source: Family Features

Upside-down cake: Summer is the perfect time to get creative with a basic upside-down cake, whether you make it from scratch or start with a box. A bounty of seasonal fresh fruit lets you explore new flavors for your cake’s topping: plump, juicy berries, plums and peaches are all excellent choices. Mix it up even more by combining some of your favorites, such as strawberries and blueberries, or switching out the traditional white base for a fruitladen chocolatey delight.

For more summer entertaining recipes, visitsabra.com/recipes.

Get SLW Kitchen articles every week.

Visit NWQSmartLiving.com and start your e-Edition today.

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Rockford City Market Going Strong on Friday Nights

By Rachel Shore

T

housands of local residents are enjoying Rockford City Market on Friday evenings in summertime. Located at the intersection of Water and Market streets, the event offers a wide variety of food options, local shops, kids’ activities and live music performances.

The weekly event began in 2010; organizers hoped to provide a positive experience in downtown Rockford and increase visits to the beautiful area along the river.

“We also wanted to have a venue where entrepreneurs could incubate businesses by starting at a low cost, and it’s working,” says Cathy McDermott of the Rock River Development Partnership. “Six market vendors have opened their own storefronts, and many others have grown their businesses through catering and special orders.”

The sixth season runs every Friday through Oct. 2, from 3:30-8:30 p.m. Thanks to a state grant, a new pavilion was added this year, covering about half of the vendors. Upgraded lighting, electricity and water supply have greatly benefited both vendors and guests.

The many food options allow visitors to stuff themselves with pizza, pasta, falafel, ice cream and much more. Among vendors this year are Woodfire Brick Oven Pizza, Bamboo Asian Noodles & Tapas Bar and Zammuto’s.

Local growers sell goods such as vegetables, fruits and flowers.

Musicians provide live entertainment throughout the night, such as Jodi Beach, Vince Chiarelli, Kelly Steward and Starlite Radio.

Managed by the Rock River Development Partnership, the market has grown each year and now includes 65 unique vendors. During the 20 weeks of the 2014 season, 75,000 people attended the market. “It’s a community gathering place every Friday night,” says McDermott. ❚

MEET ME AT THE MARKET! Fridays | May 22 – Oct 2 | Downtown Rockford 3:30 – 8:30 p.m. (3:30 – 7:30 p.m. after Labor Day)

rockfordcitymarket.com

Don’t miss the North End City Market!

Saturdays | May 16 – Oct 31 | 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Auburn & Main St. Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Weekly

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R  O R

Sails & Rails Continued from Cover

“We’re just honing in on all the downtown development, knowing that people are not coming downtown any longer for just one thing, but to experience the whole area and to see the progress being made.”

Built in 1979, the Forest City Queen gets repainted about every five years. This year, the color scheme is shades of blue in a wavy pattern. Inside, there are new tables and chairs, new flooring and walls, and a new steering wheel.

With a newly refurbished boat and many new cruises, McIntyre expects attendance to increase more than 40 percent this year. Last year, 10,966 people rode on the Forest City Queen.

Dinner on the Rock cruises will feature Rockford Brewing Co. food and drinks. There’s a Salmon Dinner Cruise on Saturday, July 25; a Prime Rib Dinner Cruise on Saturday, Aug. 29; and a Shrimp and Mahi Mahi Cruise on Saturday, Sept.

26. Ride time is from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

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and reservations can be made by calling (815) 987-1685.

Friday nights mean special cruises, too. Enjoy the Rockford City Market and then set sail.

Sip ‘n Sail Trivia Cruises will be from 7 to 9 p.m. the last Friday of every month and will include beer and wine selections from Rockford Brewing Co. and a variety of imported and domestic cheeses, fresh fruit, candied nuts, breads and dips, beer cheese fondue and soft pretzels. Luxe Productions will challenge people with trivia questions. Teams of four people will compete and prizes will be awarded. The cost is $35 per person.

All other Fridays of the month through September will feature BBQ and Beer Cruises, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. or 8:30 to 10 p.m., for $20 per person.

Watch the Ski Broncs and enjoy a woodfire brick oven pizza and root beer float from Rockford Brewing Co. from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays through September. A dozen choices of 12-inch pizzas will be served for $14 and root beer floats are $7. Admission is $10; $5 for children 3-4; free for ages 2 and under.

July 8

Watch the sun rising over the river, see wildlife waking up, and enjoy the quiet of the early morning on the Sunrise Cruise from 6 to 7:30 a.m. Friday, July 17 and Friday, Aug. 21. Bagels, muffins, quiche, fruit salad, coffee and orange juice will be served. Admission is $16.

“The Rock River is stunning in the early hours. It’s so calm and beautiful and there are usually no other boats on the water,” notes McIntyre.

Working all day and don’t have a lot of time for lunch? Grab a boxed lunch and get on the boat for a 30-minute cruise to refresh and relax mid-day. Hamburgers, hot dogs and cheeseburgers will be served with chips, water or soda, and a cookie at 11 a.m., noon, and 1 p.m. Fridays through August. Although reservations are recommended, walk-ups will be accepted on a first-come basis. Tickets can be purchased at the Trolley Station and people must arrive and check in no later than 15 minutes before departure from the Riverview Boat Dock. Cost is $11 or $12 for chicken or a vegetarian meal.

“This is a great cruise because everyone wants to get out of the office on a nice

R  O R summer day and it’s a great way to begin the weekend,” McIntyre says.

Rides for the summer season run on the hour from noon to 4 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays; from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursdays; from 2 to 5 p.m. on Fridays; and from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sundays. Thursday rides also depart from Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens.

General admission for city residents is $6, with $1 discount for students, seniors, and children 5-17; children 3-4 ride for $1 and those 2 and under are admitted free.

The public tours include a narration on Rockford’s history and what people are seeing as they travel down the river, McIntyre says.

“Even people who have lived here a long time leave the boat saying they learned something about Rockford’s history and growth. It’s a great way to see Rockford from a different perspective.

There are so many beautiful homes and landmarks along the river and to see how Rockford is developing is so interesting,” she says.

The Forest City Queen also is available by reservation for charter groups,

birthday parties, wedding parties, and other special events. Reservations for any of the boat rides can be made by calling (815) 987-1685.

Another Rockford tradition is Trolley Car 36, which is a replica of trolley cars that were used in Rockford until 1936, when city buses were introduced. The trolley shares the same tracks used by the Union Pacific Railroad, which maintains and operates the tracks.

See Rockford art and sculptures up close and enjoy a brief stop at the Eclipse Lagoon and Rose Garden in Sinnissippi Park while on tours that depart between

1 to 4 p.m. Sundays; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Thursdays; at 2 p.m. or from 3:30 to 8:30 p.m. during Rockford City Market on Fridays; and from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturdays. The trolley departs from Riverview Park near the Riverview Ice House and, on Thursdays, from Nicholas Conservatory.

“This trolley is one of a kind, a unique experience that takes people a step back in time when this was the main source of transportation,” McIntyre says.

For more information, call (815) 9878864. For reservations, call (815) 9871685. ❚

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Are You Prepared for Severe Weather Season?

S

evere weather can strike at any time, but In Illinois, tornadoes, our biggest weather threat, are most likely to occur during the spring and summer. Also, downed trees and power lines can be dangerous and even deadly.

FHN’s emergency preparedness team works with area law enforcement, fire and ambulance agencies to make sure our communities are prepared for disaster.

As part of the area’s emergency preparedness team, FHN provides an online listing of area emergency management contacts and information at fhn.org/ready. Participating agencies include the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the State of Illinois, the American Red Cross/Northwest Illinois chapter of the American Red Cross, Stephenson County Emergency Management, Ogle County Emergency Management, and the Stephenson County Health Department.

If there is a disaster in the area, these agencies will post the latest information online atfhn.org/ready. One of the collaborative efforts of this group is a Premise Alert Program, which gathers important information from residents with special needs to share with first responders who may be called to assist in an emergency. You can download a Premise alert Program enrollment form (and the instructions to complete and return it) atfhn. org/ready.

FHN maintains preparedness with drills and training to prepare staff for various situations such as a large influx of patients, isolation of a patient with a highly infectious disease, chemical decontamination, radiological decontamination, and facility evacuation. FHN has equipment to decontaminate and treat up to 50 ambulatory patients per hour in an emergency situation. The equipment includes such items as chemical protection respirators, personal protective suits, and portable showers designed for decontamination.

FHN also has equipment to convert some of the hospital’s meeting rooms into ward-style treatment areas, increasing hospital bed capacity by 20 percent in an emergency situation. It also have the equipment and capability to set up temporary treatment centers or temporary care centers off-site in the event our structure is damaged or the increase in patients requires additional (Source: FHN) facilities. ❚

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Rob Tomaro July 8, 5 p.m. Tunes on the Terrace.

Food and beverages for sale. Free.

Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, 1354 N. 2nd St., Rockford, (815) 987-8858, Rockfordparkdistrict.org.

Starlight Theatre: “Mary Poppins” July 8-12, 8 p.m. An umbrella-travelling nanny uses magic and common sense to teach a family how to value each other again. Rock Valley College, 3301 North Mulford Road, Rockford, (815) 921-2160, rockvalleycollege.edu.

All About Arthropods July 9, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Students will interact with three live arthropods and see what can be found in the museum’s garden. Ages 7 and up. Midwest Museum of Natural History, Sycamore, (815) 8959777, mmnh.org.

Rhythm Rockets July 9, 7 p.m. Sounds of Summer Concert Series. Vintage style R&B music. Food and beverages for sale. Free. Sinnissippi Band Shell, Sinnissippi Park, 1401 N. 2nd St., Rockford. Rockfordparkdistrict.org.

Shattered July 10, 6:30 p.m. Rolling Stones tribute.

Historic Monroe Square, 1016 16th Ave., Monroe, Wis. Down-townmonroe.org.

Friday Night Flix July 10, 7 p.m. Free showing of “How to Train Your Dragon 2.” Davis Park, 320 S. Wyman St., Rockford, (815) 489-8207, thebmoharrisbankcenter.com.

28th Annual ByronFest July 10-12, events daily. Live bands, carnival, food vendors, parade, car show, 5k run, art show. Downtown Byron, Ill., (815) 234-5500, byronfest.businesscatalyst.com.

Pedal for Paws July 11, 7 a.m. The Purrfect Bike Tour! Net proceeds will provide food, shelter and

health care to the shelter animals. Begin/ end at Tofflers Pub and Grill, 200 5th Ave., New Glarus, Wis., (608) 325-9600, greencountyhumane.org.

Dig In July 11, 9:30-11 a.m. Fun family fossil hunt. Registration req. Pecatonica River Forest Preserve, 7260 Judd Road, Pecatonica, Ill., (815) 335-2915, winnebagoforest.org.

Gardens United Garden Walk July 11-12, Sat. 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Sun. noon4 p.m. Walk through some of the finest gardens in Freeport and the surrounding area. Grand prize drawing and silent auction. $10. Throughout the Freeport area. Info: (8115) 233-4357, stephensoncounty-il.org.

RSO: Symphony Saturdays July 11, 10-11 a.m. This family-friendly program introduces children and their parents to the woodwind, percussion, brass and string section of an orchestra. $10. Anderson Japanese Gardens, 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford (815) 2299390, andersongardens.org.

Mark Dvorak, Americana-Folk July 11, 7-9 p.m. Food and soft beverages for sale. Concerts on the Creek series. Free. Spring Creek united Church of Christ, Rockford, (815) 877-2576, ext.

103, springcreekucc.org.

Catch a Rolling Stones tribute on July 10 on Historic Monroe Square.

Exhibit: Mind, Spirit & Emotion July 14-Aug. 29. An exhibit in which the artist’s mind, spirit and emotions show in the work. Two-dimensional artwork created in any medium. The Next Picture Show, 113 W. First St., Dixon, Ill. (815) 285-4924, thenextpictureshow.com.

Anthony D’Amato July 14, 5 p.m. Tuesday Evening in the Gardens Concert Series. Heavy-hearted folk and rock n’ roll music. $5 adults; $3 teens; members/12 and under free.

Food, beer & wine, beverages for sale.

Anderson Japanese Gardens, Rockford, (815) 229-9390, andersongardens.org.

Rockford Concert Band July 14, 7 p.m. Sounds of Summer Concert Series. Food and beverages for sale.

Free. Sinnissippi Band Shell, Sinnissippi Park, 1401 N. 2nd St., Rockford.

Rockfordparkdistrict.org.

Domingos En El Parque: Featuring a Car Showcase July 12, 2-8 p.m. Sounds of Summer Concert Series. Traditional brass-based band. Food and beverages for sale. Free.

Levings Park, 1420 S. Pierpont Ave., Rockford. Rockfordparkdistrict.org.

Starlight Theatre: “The Last Five Years” July 15-19, 8 p.m. Two 20-something New Yorkers fall in and out of love over the course of five years. The show’s unconventional structure sees Cathy, the woman, telling her story backwards while Jamie, the man, tells his story chronologically; the two storylines converge just once, as the characters exchange their “I do’s” in the middle of the show. Starlight Theatre, Rock Valley College (RVC), 3301 N. Mulford Road, Rockford, (815) 9212160.

MBTL: John Pizzarelli Quartet July 12, 4 p.m. Jazz guitarist, singer and bandleader joins his quartet for a performance of classic pop, jazz and swing tunes. Ferro Pavilion, GWC, Williams Bay, musicbythelake.com.

Lennox Barnett & Daybreak July 15, 5 p.m. Tunes on the Terrace.

Food and beverages for sale. Free.

Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, 1354 N. 2nd St., Rockford, (815) 987-8858, Rockfordparkdistrict.org. ❚

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Restaurant of the Week

Fresh & From-Scratch at Lucha Cantina

By Peggy Werner

L

ucha Cantina, 1641 N. Alpine Road, at Edgebrook, is a Mexican restaurant with a very fresh twist.

Most everything on the menu is made from scratch, using premium ingredients like grass-fed beef and free-range chicken.

The salsas, dressings and sauces are made in-house daily and gluten-free and vegan items are identified on the menu. Even the cocktails are made with fresh fruit and juices; you’ll find no artificially flavored syrups here. And the selection of craft beers are mostly made by local brewers.

The menu features enchiladas, quesadillas, steaks, fish, chiles rellenos, sandwiches, burgers, soups, salads, a kids menu, a $9 lunch menu, chips, salsa and sweets. The only items not homemade are the tortillas, chicken tenders and sweet potato fries.

“We’ll make anything to order, if we have the ingredients,” says Shane Johnson, manager. “Our mission is to deliver a unique dining and drink experience for people, while helping to make Rockford a better place.”

Lucha Cantina is owned by Josh Binning, who modeled it after three restaurants in Colorado that are owned by a friend.

Appetizers include nachos loaded with fresh vegetables and cheese, with the option of adding a meat and/or salsa topping. Seven homemade salsas range from mild to extra spicy.

Taco favorites include the Wahoo Fish Taco, built with cole slaw, spinach, guacamole, Pepper Jack cheese and cilantro dill sauce. A pulled pork taco is topped with freshly diced onion, olive Owner Josh Binning blend, spinach, sour cream and cheese.

Among the featured burritos is the Killer Kilo, with pork, chicken, beef, rice and beans, spinach, cabbage, onion, sour cream and cheese. The Surf and Turf taco is made with Wahoo fish, shredded beef, rice, cheese, spinach, cabbage, onion, sour cream and a cilantro dill sauce.

Lucha Cantina is open from 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday; 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Monday through Thursday; and 11 a.m.-midnight Friday and Saturday. ❚

(815) 877-0505. L T-F 11:30am-2pm, Sat 2:30pm; D M-Th 5-9:30pm, F-Sat 10:30pm, Sun 4:30-9:30pm. $$.

Top Picks for Local Restaurants Amici Italian Grill E Upscale-Casual/Authentic Italian. 5506 Clayton Circle, Roscoe, (815) 623-7171. LD Sun-Th 11am9pm, F-Sat 10-pm. $-$$.

Bravo Pizza E Italian/American. 376 Prairie Hill Rd., South Beloit, (815) 624-7900. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat 11pm. $.

Main Street Bistro E Upscale-Casual/Fine dining. Th&Sat. 109 S. Galena, Freeport, (815) 232-2322. M-Sat 2pm-midnight. $$.

Maciano’s Pizza & Pastaria E Casual. Beer/wine. 6746 Broadcast Pkwy., Loves Park, (815) 963-7869. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat 11pm. $$.

Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint E Fine Dining. Ironworks Hotel, 500 Pleasant St., Beloit, Wis. (608) 313-0700. D Sun.Th 4:30-9pm, Fri-Sat. 10pm. $$.

Café Fromage E Casual/American. Regional foods. 431 E. Grand Ave., Beloit, (608) 312-2070. BrLD M-F 7am-6pm, SatNapoli Pizzeria III & Top Dollar Slots E Takeout/delivery.

Sun 8am-5pm. $.

6560 N. Alpine, Loves Park, (815) 877-9888. LD daily 11am.

Cannova’s Italian Cuisine E Casual. 1101 W. Empire St., Freeport, (815) 233-0032. D T-Th, Sun 5-9pm; F-Sat 10pm. Pearl Bistro E Casual. Brick oven pizza, burgers, sandwiches, appetizers, steak, seafood, signature cocktails. 6876 Spring $-$$.

Creek, Rockford, (815) 654-3400. LD daily. $-$$.

Ciao Bella Ristorante E Upscale-Casual/Italian-American.

Extensive wine list; daily specials. 6500 E. Riverside, Loves Prairie Street Brewhouse E Upscale-Casual/American. 200 Prairie St., Rockford, (815) 277-9427. LD Sun-W 11am-10pm, Park, (815) 654-9900. LD M-F 11am-9pm, Sat 5-9pm. $$.

Th to midnight, F-Sat to 2am. $-$$.

Costa’s Ristorante E Upscale-Casual. 133 Blackhawk Dr., BySisters Thai Café E Casual/Thai-Laotian. Authentic cuisine. ron, Ill., (815) 234-4707. Open daily 4pm. $-$$.

In Clock Tower Resort, 7801 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 229Dos Reales E Casual/Mexican. Authentic Mexican fare, 4545. L M-Sat 11am-2:30pm; D Sun-Th 5-9pm, Sat 10pm. $. lunch menu. 5855 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 227-4979. LD Tavern on Clark E Casual/American. 755 Clark Ave., RockSun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 10:30pm. $-$$. ford, (815) 708-7088. LD daily 10am. $-$$.

Giordano’s Famous Stuffed Pizza E Casual/Italian. Pick-up/ delivery. 333 Executive Pkwy., Rockford, Ill. (815) 398-5700. This Is It Eatery E Casual/American. 16 N. Chicago Ave., Freeport, (815) 616-5449. LD T-Th 11am-8pm, F-Sat 10pm. $.

LD Sun-Th 9am-11p.m; F-Sat to midnight. $.

JMK Nippon Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar E Upscale- Vito’s Ristorante E Casual/Authentic Italian. 1620 N. Bell Casual. Food cooked tableside. 2551 N. Perryville, Rockford, School Rd., Rockford, (815) 312-5080. LD T-Sat 11am. $$. ❚

In the Spotlight Higher Grounds

F

or 10 years, this coffee shop at 1709 S. West Ave., Freeport, has helped area residents to get their days off to a great start. Owner Cynthia Faulkner uses choice specialty coffee beans and prepares food fresh daily, using only top quality ingredients.

Breakfast items include scones, muffins, quiche, cinnamon rolls and pastries; at lunchtime there are soups, chicken and tuna salad wraps, panini and flatbread sandwiches.

Naturally the shop is best-known for its specialty coffee drinks: lattes, cappuccinos, espressos, mochas and house blend coffees. Other beverages include hot chocolate, teas, Italian soda, frozen smoothies and frappes.

Higher Grounds is open Mon.-Fri. 6:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat. 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m. and Sun. 8 a.m.-1 p.m. ❚

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T  I

Water Safety!

D

rowning is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. On average, 3,533 people die as a result of drowning each year, and most of those deaths are children under the age of four who drown in backyard swimming pools.

Standard water safety precautions recommended to parents include keeping children under constant supervision, enrolling children in swimming lessons, knowing CPR, and having pool fences and barriers installed. USSSA offers the following tips as well: – Create a verbal cue for your toddler or child that must be given by you before he or she can enter the pool.

– Never allow your baby/toddler in the pool without a swim diaper.

– Create a process the child must go through before entering a pool such as putting on a swim diaper, a swimsuit and applying sunscreen.

– Never use floatation devices or water wings when swimming or when teaching kids to swim.

– Children should learn to swim without goggles. Teach your children to open their eyes under water; if they fall in they can find the side of the pool or a step and get out safely.

– For very young children practice having them put their entire face under water in the bathtub and blow bubbles to build their comfort with water.

– Create a water safety plan for your family and have water emergency drills with your kids covering how to recognize the signs of someone struggling in water and what to do in this type of emergency.

– Make sure your guests and kids friends know your pool rules before they go outside and get in the pool.

– Start swim lessons at 6 months of age and continue them year-round at a US Swim School member location.

– Always make sure your children wear life jackets on boats, personal watercraft and in open bodies of water.

Learn more at usswimschools.org. ■

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How Changes Could Boost Your Retirement Savings

I

nvestors who depend on their retirement accounts to see them through their golden years sometimes find that those savings add up to less than anticipated.

One reason: Broker fees they didn’t realize they were paying.

But that could be changing. The Obama administration has proposed tougher regulations to curb “hidden” fees and broker conflicts of interest that can siphon off savings.

Details are still being hashed out, but the idea is to broaden the definition by which investment advisors are considered fiduciaries, putting them under greater scrutiny if they don’t put their clients’ interests ahead of their own.

Right now, many investment advisors are only required to consider whether an investment is suitable for their clients.

They can steer the clients to investments that cost more, that are proprietary to the firm for which they work, or yield lower

returns, but result in fatter commissions or fees for the advisors and their firm.

“This change is a big deal because a fiduciary has a higher level of responsibility,” explains Bryan S. Slovon, founder and CEO of Stuart Financial Group in Greenbelt, MD. The government estimates there could be $40 billion in savings for investors over the next 10 years.

Slovon has these suggestions for investors regardless of what happens.

• Know and understand your fees.

Don’t just focus, for example, on fees for mutual funds. Dig deeper for any fees that might not be as obvious.

• Review your family’s risk tolerance. Too often, the people who advise you on your retirement accounts don’t look at your overall financial picture. They should take into account how much money your spouse has and if their retirement savings are to be included

for both of you in your retirement income plan • Consider your health situation.

People have two major concerns going into retirement. The first is outliving their money. The second is health care costs.

Long-term care costs should be a third, says Slovon. “Knowing your specific situation and understanding your family’s needs and goals is the only way an advisor can give big picture investment advice.” ❚

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