Smart Living Weekly - August 10, 2016

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Special Tourism Issue: Welcome to Our Region!

n iving g Sm mart a r t L ivi ivin ng Weekly See Inside for Tourism Attractions, Events, Entertainment, Dining & More

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Right in Our Region

Mo Pitney Headlines Winnebago Co. Fair

By Jermaine Pigee, deputy editor

I

n just a few short days, the scents of cotton candy, funnel cakes and elephant ears will permeate the air amid the squeals of happy children, as the annual Winnebago County Fair unfurls for the 95th time.

Carnival rides, musical entertainment,

unique animals, mouth-watering food and tractor displays are all part of this fair, which runs Aug. 16 through Aug. 21 at the county fairgrounds, 500 W. First St. in Pecatonica.

Every night will feature something fun for the whole family.

Continued on p. 20

Best of Life Information for Our Region’s Residents & Visitors Proudly Serving the Needs of 326,000 Neighbors - For Your Home, Health & Fun! How to Spot Home Repair Scammers • Farmers Market Roundup • Recipe: Grilled Duck Magical Gardens at Midway Village • Reserve Now for Burpee ‘The Local’ • Rockford ProAm

Smart Living Weekly

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Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • Rockford Region/Beloit 95¢ • August 10, 2016

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In This Issue

Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 22 Winnebago County Fair Your Home .................................................. ..... 11 Home Repair Scammers Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 One Creator Your Kitchen .....................................................15 Duck Duck Grill Your Health ............................................. .......... 25 Diabetes & Eyesight Your Fun ................................................... ......... 27 Your Outing ...................................................... 17 Local Farmers Market Your Outing ...................................................... 30 ‘The Local’ at Burpee Your Outing ...................................................... ..9 Rockford ProAm Your Outing ...................................................... .33 Magical Gardens Dining Locally .......................................... ........ 29

Smart L iving Weekly ™

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Bill Hughes Executive Editor/Web Editor Chris Linden Managing Editor Janine Pumilia Assistant Managing Editor Lindsey Gapen Deputy Editor Jermaine Pigee Graphics Director Blake Nunes Graphic Designer Samantha Ryan Contributing Writers Peggy Werner General Sales Manager Brent Hughes Sales Manager Brad Hughes Account Executives Brian Hughes, Jeremy Jones Administration & Circulation Manager Lisa Hughes Website www.SmartLivingWeekly.com Published by Hughes Media Corp.

222 Seventh St., Rockford, IL, 61104 (815) 316-2300, Fax: (815) 316-2301 lhughes@northwestquarterly.com

Smart Living Weekly.

Copyright 2016 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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Long Live the Fair

W

ow. The Winnebago County Fair is in its 95th year. That represents a whole lot of prize-winning pickles. It also represents something very important: An enduring appreciation for our land of plenty.

Most of us take for granted our fertile land, good food, good health, peace and prosperity. But things were very different in 1921, when this fair was established.

This was a year in which 6 million Russians perished from hunger in the aftermath of World War I. The war itself had claimed more than 38 million souls worldwide. And, in 1918, some 40 million more died during the Spanish Flu pandemic, including hundreds of Rockford-area citizens and soldiers housed at Camp Grant.

Our citizens had seen too much death and destruction and were ready to celebrate good times. In 1921, the first-ever radio broadcast of a baseball game took place (Pirates vs. Phillies in Pittsburgh) as did the first Miss America pageant. Women could finally vote. They helped to elect President Warren G. Harding of Teapot Dome scandal fame.

Here in Rockford, an immigrant and former Socialist named J. Herman Hallstrom was elected mayor.

The good times wouldn’t last long. The U.S. government began dismantling Camp Grant in 1921, just as a young German named Adolf Hitler became Fuhrer of the Nazi Party. And, the Great Depression would hit in 1929.

My late mother was born at Saint Anthony Hospital in 1921. She raised us on stories from her childhood farm life and she loved taking us to fairs to see the animals. She never stopped raving about our good, fertile soil.

And that’s another important reason why I hope the county fair will endure: it teaches our kids where food comes from and who works to produce it. As we grow ever more disconnected from the land, this is all the more needful.

See you at the county fair! ❚ Janine Pumilia Executive Editor

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Y O

Celebrating Rockford’s 50+ Global Cultures

rd 3nd Annual Midtown

Ethnic Parade and Festival Sunday, August 28 · 12-6PM 501 7th Street in Midtown (BMO Harris/District 205 parking area)

Festival begins at noon. Parade begins at 1PM. Free Admission Parade · International Cuisine · Beer Garden · Music & Dance · Genealogy Area Family Games · Ethnic Art Show · Crafts · Turkish painting · Wood Carving Large Childrens’ Activity Area with Bouncy Houses, Face Painting & More Featured performance by “Escape” from 4:30PM through the dinner hour This regional Latin band presents a versatility and energy unmatched by any other in the area. Hailing from culturally rich Colombia, Costa Rica, Germany, Mexico and the US, they perform in clubs and major festivals throughout the Midwest.

Parade route: Wyman Street W East State Street W 7th Street at 6th Avenue Featuring Dancing Dragons, Bagpipes, Ethnic Dance Troupes, Music & More

For more information: 815-997-5888 • #midtownfest MidtownDistrict.org • Follow us on Facebook and Twitter

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40th Annual Rockford ProAm is Aug. 15 T

he 40th Annual Rockford ProAm will be held on Monday, Aug. 15, at Rockford Country Club.

Established in 1977, the Rockford ProAm (pro-am means professional/ amateur) is the nation’s longest-running, freestanding pro-am event not associated with a professional tournament. It features amateur foursomes paired with professional golfers. The foursomes play in a best-ball handicapped format, while the pros keep straight 18-hole scores.

Now entering year 40, the Rockford ProAm has donated more than $3 million to various northern Illinois health and human services organizations through the years. It also has provided an entertaining day of high-level, professional golf to the Rockford area.

The ProAm traditionally has been held in mid-July and, over the past decade, has been up against the British Open, when luring professional golfers

to the tournament. In 2016, the Olympic games in Rio have helped necessitate a one-time change to the PGA Tour schedule that moves the closest event, the John Deere Classic (JDC) in Silvis, Ill., to a Sunday, Aug. 14 finish. Moving the date away from the British Open offers a unique situation that will increase opportunities for the Rockford ProAm to draw from a larger professional golfer pool.

Cost is $10 and tickets are available at the gate. For more information, visit therockfordproam.com. Beneficiaries of the 40th Annual Rockford ProAm include: • Discovery Center Museum’s Handicap Accessible Picnic Area. Proceeds will be used to landscape, construct and outfit a new picnic area connected to the Museum’s award-winning outdoor science park for children with special needs.

• GiGi’s Playhouse Down Syndrome Achievement Center. Proceeds will be used to secure Crawlers, Walkers, Hop,

Skip & Jumpers and volunteer training for its Therapeutic programs, plus supplies, materials and volunteer training for its Literacy/Math programs.

• Rockford MELD Trinity House Shelter and Transitional Living Programs.

Proceeds will support programs and staff at Rockford MELD’s emergency shelter and transitional living apartments.

• The First Tee of Greater Rockford/A Program of the Rockford Park District.

Proceeds will be used to impact the lives of young people. ❚

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Y H  G

How to Spot Home Repair Scammers

By Peggy Werner

E

specially when homeowners want to get outside and work in their yards, paint their homes, make repairs and clean up damage from winter’s wrath, they should be wary of those whose bottom line is making a buck, not satisfying customers.

Jim Flynn, manager of Bonte Construction, 6628 N. Deer Path Road, Oregon, Ill., says summer is a prime time for scammers.

“We’re all in business to make money, but you have to earn it. Some people have a pick-up truck and some tools and think they can do anything,” Flynn says.

One telltale sign that someone is out to scam you is when they ask for full payment upfront, don’t explain what they’re going to do and how they are going to do it, don’t give you a realistic timeline of what to expect, and don’t have refer-

rals to give you, he says. Also beware of individuals who ask for cash, tell you what your insurance company will cover, or want you to make out a check to them personally rather than to their company.

And if you haven’t asked for help, beware.

“If someone comes to your door offering to do home repairs, this is an immediate red flag,” Flynn says. Contractors, carpenters and other tradesmen that do good work and are busy don’t have to go door-to-door looking for business.

Also, get everything in writing.

Federal law gives consumers three days to think things over after signing a contract for home repairs and improvements.

Make sure any contract you sign includes a three-day cancellation notice.

Bonte Construction is one of the

area’s leading contractors, specializing in construction, remodeling, additions, kitchens, bathrooms, decks, siding, windows, doors and more. It has served customers living in Byron, Oregon, Rockford and surrounding areas, since 2011.

For more information or to set up an appointment for a free estimate, call Bonte Construction at (815) 345-1586. ❚

Get SLW Home & Garden articles every week. Visit smartlivingweekly. com and start your e-Edition today.

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I  W

One Creator T

he Book of Job, in the Old Testament, is easy to avoid. Who wants to read about a good man who suffers terrible things in some cosmic wager between Satan and God? We should, because there’s a lot to learn from it. Before God restores Job’s life, Job demands an explanation from seemingly absent God, and boy does he get it – well, sort of. God tells Job that no part of the creation should put the Creator on trial. God’s tirade unfolds in four beautiful chapters in which He describes His own handiwork.

If you’ve never read Job chapters 38 to 41, deny yourself the pleasure no longer.

Job 38: 1-13; (NIV):

Then the Lord answered Job out of the storm. He said: “Who is this that darkens my counsel with words without knowledge?

Brace yourself like a man; I shall question you, and you shall answer me.

“Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell Me, if you understand. Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know!

Who stretched a measuring line across it? On what were its footings set, or who laid its cornerstone – while the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy?

Who shut up the sea behind doors when it burst forth from the womb, when I made the clouds its garment and wrapped it in thick darkness, when I fixed limits for it and set its doors and bars in place, when I said, ‘This far you may come and no farther; here is where your proud waves halt’?

“Have you ever given orders to the morning, or shown the dawn its place, that it might take the earth by its edges and shake the wicked [night] out of it? ...

Job 40: 1-2; 8-(NIV):

The Lord said to Job: “Will the one who contends with the Almighty correct him? Let him who accuses God answer Him! ... Would you discredit my justice? Would you condemn me to justify yourself? Do you have an arm like God’s, and can your voice thunder like His? Then adorn yourself with glory and splendor, and clothe yourself in honor and majesty.

Unleash the fury of your wrath, look at every proud man and bring him low ...” ❚ Editor’s note: A very thought-provoking study of Job is found in “The Bible Jesus Read,” by author Philip Yancey.

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–Janine Pumilia

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Duck Duck Grill: A Nice Change

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f you’re ready for something new on the grill, nothing beats duck for a sizzling cookout experience. Duck is a versatile and delicious alternative to the usual beef, pork or chicken and it’s just as easy to prepare.

Liven up your grilling game with whole duck or duck breasts, legs or wings paired with your favorite rub or sauce.

Try grilling a duck breast as is, get creative and make kebabs or infuse flavor by marinating the duck. Since duck is a red meat, a properly prepared duck breast will look and feel more like a steak.

Why Duck?

Farm-raised White Pekin duck has a mild flavor that adapts to a variety of cuisines and is a delicious alternative to beef and chicken. Plus, duck is leaner and has less saturated fat than other meats.

In fact, a boneless, skinless duck

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breast is comparable in fat and calories to a skinless chicken or turkey breast. In addition, by scoring a duck breast and then searing it on the scored side, you can eliminate up to 70 percent of the fat while crisping the skin and adding to the distinct flavor of the meat.

If you wish to add sauce while grilling, such as Pineapple Honey Glaze, brush it on the duck breast before it finishes cooking on the grill. Some sugary sauces may burn if cooked on the duck breast for the entire grilling time.

Pineapple Honey Glaze

1/2 cup unsweetened pineapple juice 1/4 cup honey 1 1/2 teaspoons jalapeno chiles, seeded and minced 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger root

Preparation

Combine pineapple juice and honey.

Cook over medium heat until reduced to syrup (about 1/2 cup).

Add chiles and ginger; simmer 2 minutes.

Brush on duck during grilling. ❚

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Buy it Fresh at Local Farmers Markets H

ere’s a glance at the ongoing farmers markets in our region. All feature fresh produce and other treats.

Saturdays

Beloit Farmers Market Saturdays, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., downtown. Now in its fourth decade, this is one of the oldest markets in our region, with more than 85 vendors. VisitBeloit.com North End City Market Saturdays, 9 a.m.- 1 p.m., southeast corner of Main and Auburn streets, Rockford, through Oct. 29. Live music, fresh-cooked food and socializing. Rockfordcitymarket.com/northend

Pecatonica Farmers Market Saturdays, 10 a.m.-noon, through Oct. 29, Main and Fourth Streets. Gorockford.com

Wednesdays/Thursdays

Edgebrook Farmers Market Wednesdays and Thursdays. Wed. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through Oct. 26 and Thurs. 3-6:30 p.m., with a different set of vendors than Wednesday, through Sept. 15. The Wednesday market is now in its 25th year. Live music on Thursdays. Edgebrookshops.com Rockton River Market Wednesdays, 4-8 p.m. through Aug. 31, along the Rock River on East Harwick Street, in Old Settlers Park. RocktonRiverMarket.com

Freeport Farmers Market Saturdays, 7-11 a.m., CVS parking lot, 721 W. South St., Freeport, through Oct. 1. Stephenson-county-il.org

Highland Farmers Market Wednesdays, 3-6 p.m. through Oct. 5, Parkling Lot C of Highland Community College, 2998 W. Pearl City Road, Freeport

Belvidere Farmers Market & Crafts Saturdays, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. through Oct. 22, parking lot of Dodge Lanes, 1940 State St., belviderefarmersmarket.com

Pecatonica Farmers Market Wednesdays, 4-7 p.m. through Oct. 26, at Main and Fourth Streets. Gorockford.com

GPS Faith Community Farmers Market Thursdays, 3-7 p.m. through Sept. 22, 10714 N. Second St., Machesney Park, Ill. (north and west of Route 173.) Live music 5-7 p.m., gorockford.com

Fridays

Rockford City Market Fridays, 3:30-8:30 p.m. on Water Street near State Street through Sept. 30. (Closing time changes to 7:30 p.m. after Labor Day.) Live music, fresh-cooked food and locally brewed beer. Rockfordcitymarket.com.

Winnebago Farmers Market Fridays, 3:30-7 p.m., through Oct. 28, Main and Benton streets. GoRockford.com ❚

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R  O R

County Fair Continued from Cover

“We’ll have a different event every night,” said Kyah Bean, a fair spokesperson. “Everything from a tractor pull to bull riding to a demo derby.”

Throughout the week, fairgoers can expect a variety of fun events at various prices. The action kicks off at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 16 with ranch sorting, a race that puts a team of two riders on horseback against a clock. It’s a western-style equestrian sport that’s action-packed.

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The fun continues at 6:30 p.m.

Aug. 17 with a performance by the Ogle County 4-H Horse Drill Team.

Then, at 7 p.m., area cowboys will compete in high-stakes bull riding, by trying to hold on for at least 8 seconds.

At 6:30 p.m. Aug. 18, the Illini Pullers Association will bring its best trucks to see who can pull a sled furthest down the track.

The Farmer’s Class Tractor Pull and the Badger State Tractor Pull will each take place on Aug. 19. The Farmers Tractor Pull is at 1 p.m. and the Badger State Tractor Pull is at 6:30 p.m.

The main event will be a performance by Cherry Valley native Mo Pitney, who’ll take the stage at 7 p.m. Aug. 20. His long-awaited debut album, “Behind This Guitar,” will be released Oct. 7,

by Curb Records.

Aug 10 To advertise call 815-316-2300

Finally, a demo derby will take place at 2 p.m. Aug. 21. Demo cars will smash into one another to see which driver has the best-built car. Competition categories include full-size class, stock, compact, mini van/truck, best looking and hardest hitter.

Fairgoers can also enjoy a variety of free activities. The Queen and Little Miss Pageant is at 6 p.m. Aug. 16 and the Junior Miss Pageant is at 6 p.m. Aug. 17.

Other free daily activities include antique

R  O R tractor displays, tricks by Magic Mike and a petting zoo.

The petting zoo will showcase animals including baby ducklings and alpacas, the latter resembling small llamas.

Children can pet all of the animals.

Acoustic music lovers will enjoy a free show by The Flat Car Riders. This duo from Rockford will have fairgoers dancing and singing along to every song.

They will perform at 7 p.m. Aug. 16.

The National Pedal Pullers & Racers will also make an appearance and there will be plenty of 4-H shows, including a family fun night and a fur and feather sale.

Gates will be open from 4 p.m. to midnight Tuesday, with a $3 admission fee, and 10 a.m. to midnight Wednesday through Sunday.

Admission fees are $5 Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday, and Singer Mo Pitney performs at 7 p.m. on Aug. 20 $7 Friday and Saturday. $25. Each mega pass gives one person Wednesday is seentry into the fair plus unlimited rides for niors’ day and one day.

Thursday is chilFairgoers can get in free Tuesday and dren’s day. SeWednesday by donating two nonperishniors 60 and older able food items. Proceeds go to the Rockand children 12 ford Rescue Mission. and younger get Advanced tickets and mega passes in free. are available for purchase online. Visit There’s also winnebagocountyfair.com for more inforthe option of buymation on events and attractions or call ing a mega pass, (815) 239-1641. The Winnebago County in advance, for Fair can also be found on Facebook. ❚

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About Diabetes and Eyesight D

iabetes can cause complications with the eyes and is the leading cause of blindness in the U.S. Blood vessels within the eyes can be damaged by diabetes, which may eventually lead to loss of vision. Diabetes will also cause a cataract at a younger age than normal. Any bleeding or swelling in the retina can only be detected with a dilated eye exam. There are two types of diabetic retinopathy: nonproliferative and proliferative.

Nonproliferative Diabetic Retinopathy: Microaneurisms, which occur in the earliest stages, are balloon-like swellings in the retina blood vessels. If fluid leaks out of the blood vessels into the center part of the retina (the macula), it can cause blurred vision because of macular edema. If untreated, severe vision loss and even blindness can occur. This vision loss can occur whether you are a Type I or a Type II diabetic. As the diabetes disease progresses, blood vessels to the retina are blocked and the retinal tissue can die.

Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy: Blood vessels grow along the retina due to advancing diabetic retinopathy. These new blood vessels are abnormal and fragile, so they break open, filling the eye with blood. This leads to further scarring, retinal detachment, and severe loss of vision.

Treatment Options: One option is medication, which can be injected into the eye in an office setting to treat macular edema caused by diabetic retinopathy.

Focal Laser Treatment: This is an office procedure in which small laser burns are placed in the areas of retinal swelling surrounding the macula. This laser slows the leakage of fluid and reduces the amount of fluid in the retina. It may be done more than once.

Panretinal Laser Treatment: This is an office procedure in which up to thousands of laser burns are placed throughout the retina but away from the macula. This causes the new and fragile blood vessels to shrink, thus preventing bleeding. This procedure usually takes more than one treatment.

Both focal and panretinal laser treatments have good success rates, but they are not a cure for diabetic retinopathy.

Vitrectomy: Very small instruments are placed through the white of the eye to remove scar tissue, repair retinal detachments, and remove blood. The new “stitchless” vitrectomy surgery is available at Miller Eye Center to speed your recovery. ■ Source: Miller Eye Center

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Y F Autumn just might be the best time of year. The sun is a little lower (and prettier), the air is a little crisper (and cleaner) and the leaves cascade down in colorful splendor. This fall, spend some quality time in the fun, nearby, value-packed Rockford Region. See stunning fall colors at

Real. Original.

SM

Anderson Japanese Gardens, the finest in North America. Visit beautifully spacious Rock Cut State Park. Don’t miss Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden, with more than 500 different species of trees, shrubs and vines, all

ILLINOIS, USA

glowing in autumn’s glory. Indoors, our concert and theater season will be gaining momentum at Coronado Performing Arts Center, a beautifully restored downtown vaudeville house. Plus, our Riverfront Museum Campus will be coming alive for the whole family. Visit gorockford.com today for a full list of autumn special events, festivals, gardens, golf and more.

Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau NWQ_fall.indd 1

102 N. Main St.

Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

Tourism

Attractions & Events

Tunes on the Terrace: STAGES Aug. 10, 6 p.m. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy music from STAGES at the Tunes on the Terrace concert series. Food and beverages availRockford, IL 61101 1.800.521.0849 gorockford.com able. Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens, 1354 nd N. 2 St,. Rockford, (815) 987-8858, nicholasconservatory.com/tunes-on-the-terrace.

9/10/07 2:07:37 PM

Groovin’ in the Garden: Justin Roberts Aug. 12, 10 a.m. Groovin’ in the Garden, a music series for kids, welcomes Justin Roberts, an allstar of the indie music scene. Anderson Japanese Gardens, 318 Spring Creed Road, Rockford, (815) 229-9390, andersongardens.org.

Concerts on the Creek: Firelight Dimmers Aug. 13, 7-9 p.m. Join Firelight Dimmers for retro lounge-style music. Pizza from Mamma Mia’s, canned soda, bottled water and popcorn available. Spring Creek United Church of Christ, Rockford, (815) 877-2576, springcreekucc.org.

Magic Gardens Aug. 13, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Families of all ages can grasp the magic of the gardens by making fairy houses, potions and dust. Solve the mystery of the gnomes and take mini garden tours with experienced gardeners. Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford, (815) 397-9112, midwayvillage.com.

Rockford ProAm Golf Tournament Aug. 15, 7:30 a.m. The Rockford ProAm (a mix of professional and amateur golfers) is the nation's longest-running free-standing pro-am in the country. Rockford Country Club, 2500 Oxford St., Rockford, (815) 877-5625, therockfordproam.com.

Join the band members of KISS for their Freedom to Rock tour Aug. 20 at the BMO Harris Bank Center.

Winnebago County Fair Aug. 16-21, recurring daily. Enjoy the sights, sounds, animals, competitions, music and entertainment at the 95th annual Winnebago County Fair. Winnebago County Fairgrounds, 500 W. First St., Pecatonica, Ill., (815) 239-1641, winnebagocountyfair.com.

Run the Runway Aug. 20, 8 a.m. Sign up for a 1-mile run, a 5K, or a Kids Fun Run. There will be airplanes strategically placed along the route.

Proceeds benefit Winnebago/Ogle County CASA and United Way of Rock River Valley.

Chicago Rockford International Airport, 5824 Kishwaukee Road, Rockford, (815) 9694468, runsignup.com/Race/IL/Rockford/ RockfordAirfestRuntheRunway.

Chicago Aug. 15, 8 p.m. This legendary band is hailed as one of the “most important bands in music since the dawn of the rock and roll era.”

Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org.

Swedish Crayfish Party Aug. 20, 7-11 p.m. Join a traditional Swedish late summer party featuring crayfish, salmon, meatballs, cheeses and snaps (aquavit) tasting.

Slurping is expected, singing is mandatory, and paper hat and bib attire is required. Don't forget your dancing shoes. Nordic Cultural Center, 327 S. 3rd St., Rockford, eventbrite.com/e/swedishcrayfish-party-2016-tickets-25580278301.

AJG: Ragbirds Aug. 16, 5:45 p.m., doors 5 p.m. Tuesday Evening in the Gardens concert series. Ragbrids is a genre-bending hybrid of indie-pop melodies, global rhythms and songwriting styles with influences from all over the world. Refreshments available. Anderson Japanese Gardens, Rockford, (815) 229-9390, andersongardens.org.

KISS Aug. 20, 8 p.m. KISS, regarded as one of the most influential rock and roll bands of all time, brings its Freedom to Rock Tour and classic songs such as “Rock and Roll All Nite” and “Detroit Rock City.” BMO Harris Bank Center, 300 Elm St., Rockford, (815) 969-5222, thebmoharrisbankcenter.com. ❚

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Aug. 10

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Restaurant of the Week

Fresco in the Gardens

By Chris Linden, executive editor

F

ranchesco’s Ristorante in Rockford has long been known for its classy interior, culinary artistry and evening entertainment.

Now, this local favorite is stepping up to the breakfast and lunch table with Fresco at the Gardens, set inside Anderson Japanese Gardens, 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford.

Fresco combines Franchesco’s dedication to quality with a focus on fresh, organic, locally sourced ingredients in scratch-made dishes. “Local and organic meals are trending topics around the nation and the world,” says Jake Ziegler, Fresco general

manager.

“We’ve designed our menu around the freshest ingredients possible.”

The fresh produce comes mainly from area farms; some Franchesco's owner Benny Salamone, Franchesco's ingredients are supplied by general manager Michelle LaMay and Fresco general familiar local businesses. Mary’s manager Jake Ziegler. dishes like Chicken Corn Chowder, a Market provides fresh-baked Caprese flatbread, the Fresco burger, bread and Rockford Roasting Co. supplies a crab cake BLT and an apple walnut fresh coffee. chicken salad (shown left).

Breakfast and lunch menus are In-and-out diners can pick up coffee crafted by head chef Robert Phillips, a Le or a FrescoFit Healthy Thirst Quencher, a Cordon Bleu graduate who’s spent a few healthful homemade smoothie. decades cooking throughout America.

The restaurant is open year-round and His breakfasts put a flavorful spin on the offers a prime view of one of the highestmorning meal. The Green Eggs and Ham rated Japanese gardens in North America. omelet, for example, combines pesto, Hours are Mon.-Fri. from 7 a.m. to 3 Asiago cheese, pancetta and eggs.

The lunch menu offers flavor-packed p.m. and Sat.-Sun. from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. ❚

In the Spotlight

Top Picks for Local Restaurants 9 East Coffee E Casual/Coffeehouse. Specialty coffees, pastries, breakfast, lunch. 9 E. Stephenson St., Freeport, (815) 233-7300, BkL M-F 7am-3pm, Sat 7am-2pm. $

Maciano’s Pizza & Pastaria E Casual/Italian. 6746 Broadcast Pkwy., Loves Park, Ill., (815) 963-7869. LD Sun-Th 11am10pm, F-Sat to 11pm. $$.

Arturo’s Mexican Restaurant E Casual/Authentic Mexican.

107 W. Main St., Poplar Grove, Ill., (815) 765-1144. LD M 11am8pm; T-Th to 9pm; F to 10pm; Sun noon-8pm. $.

Mamma Mia’s E Casual/American. Pizza, pasta, sandwiches, wraps. 1139 N. Alpine Road, Rockford, (815) 399-6262.

LD M-Th 4-9pm, F 11am-10pm, Sat 4-10pm, Sun to 9pm. $$

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

Maxson Riverside Restaurant E Casual/American. 1469 IL Rt. 2, Oregon, Ill., (800) 468-4222. LD M-Sat 11am-8pm; Br Sun 10am-3pm. $$.

Cannova’s Italian Cuisine E Casual. 1101 W. Empire St., Freeport, (815) 233-0032. D T-Th, Sun 5-9pm; F-Sat 10pm. $-$$.

Costa’s Ristorante E Upscale-Casua/Italian. 133 Blackhawk Dr., Byron, Ill., (815) 234-4707. LD Daily 4pm. $-$$.

Franchesco’s Ristorante E Upscale/Italian-American. Sommelier, live entertainment. 7128 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, (815) 229-0800. LD Sun-Th 4-9pm, F-Sat to 10pm. $$ Fresco at the Gardens. E Casual/American Café. Fresh, localsourced ingredients. 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, (815) 316-2256 BkL Daily 7am-3pm. $$ Giordano’s Famous Stuffed Pizza E Casual/Italian. Pick-up/ delivery. 333 Executive Pkwy., Rockford, (815) 398-5700. LD Sun-Th 9am-11pm; F-Sat to midnight. $.

JMK Nippon Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar E UpscaleCasual. Food cooked tableside. 2551 N. Perryville, Rockford, (815) 877-0505. L T-F 11:30am-2pm, Sat to 2:30pm; D M-Th 5-9:30pm, F-Sat to 10:30pm, Sun 4:30-9:30pm. $$.

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

Napoli Pizzeria III & Top Dollar Slots E Takeout/delivery.

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

Prairie Street Brewhouse E Upscale-Casual/American. 200 Prairie St., Rockford, (815) 277-9427. LD Sun-W 11am-10pm, Th to midnight, F-Sat to 2am. $-$$.

Rock Cut Concessions E Casual/American. Hot beverages, snacks, equipment rental. Rock Cut State Park, 7318 Harlem Road, Loves Park, Ill., (815) 885-4740. BkLD Daily 7am-7pm. $ Tavern on Clark E Casual/American. 755 Clark Ave., Rockford, (815) 708-7088. LD Daily 10am. $-$$.

Thrive Café E Casual/Cafe. Salads, wraps, sandwiches, smoothies, cold-pressed juices. Inside Peak Fitness, 4401 Peak Drive, Loves Park, Ill. BkLD M-F 6am-8pm, Sat 8am-2pm. ❚

Aug 10 To advertise call 815-316-2300

C

Cannova’s

annova’s has been serving up authentic Italian dishes and pizza since Anthony and Philippina Cannova started the restaurant 1921.

Today, their granddaughter, Linda, and her husband, Patrick Beckman, carry on the tradition, at 1101 W. Empire St. They use many original recipes for pizza, spaghetti sauce, Italian beef, fresh bread and pizza dough.

House specials include a Sicilian filet, marinated in olive oil and red wine; Italian-style baked cod; and seafood Alfredo. Linda’s made-from-scratch desserts include tiramisu, cheesecake and chocolate spoon cake.

Then there are the award-winning pizzas: the Classic; the New York; the double-crusted Gloria Read, named for a longtime customer; and the Sicilian.

Cannova’s is open Sun.-Tues. 5-10 p.m. and Fri.-Sat. until 11 p.m. ❚

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Burpee Hosts ‘The Local’ Summer Festival

By Anna Girgenti

L

ocal businesses are coming together this month to celebrate good food, craft beer and Burpee Museum’s 75th anniversary. The museum’s largest fundraiser, The Local, takes place Aug. 27 for the second time since 2014.

This riverfront festival features live music and 20 pairings from 10 local craft beer breweries and 10 local restaurants.

Tickets must be purchased by Aug. 17.

“It’s not only beer; it’s not only food.

It’s more of a foodie experience,” says Nicolette Pumilia, marketing coordinator.

The Local raises money for the museum while stimulating the local economy and bringing together businesses.

“We encourage the breweries and the restaurants that are doing the pairings to communicate with each other and come together as local businesses to make something awesome,” says Pumilia. “Not only are they helping us out by doing this,

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but it’s great exposure for them.”

Beginning at 5 p.m., food and beer vendors will line the terrace and Riverwalk behind the museum. Vendors include Prairie Street Brewing Co., Five Forks, Pig Minds Brewing Co. and Sugar Jones, just to name a few. Around 8:30 p.m., the beer vendors will stay out while food vendors close up shop to make room for 10 late-night pizza vendors.

The museum’s Burpee Bar will sell wine and spirits throughout the night and

Aug 10 To advertise call 815-316-2300

local bands Radio Stars Unplugged and Clutch Cargo will perform in the museum’s outdoor amphitheater. Other festival events will include a silent auction, a 50/50 raffle, and a wine pull in the museum’s lobby. The event lasts until 10 p.m.

Tickets are VIP ($75) or general admission ($50). VIP tickets include access to a preview party with two local breweries, Generations Brewery and Lena Brewing Co. on Aug. 18 at the museum from 6-8 p.m. VIP guests will also get a behind-the-scenes tour of the museum on the night of the event.

To purchase tickets or view a full list of vendors and pairings, visit thelocalatburpee.com. Call (815) 965-3433 for more information. ❚

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Enter This Week’s Giveaway, and Receive Smart Living Every Week For FREE! E-Subscribers: Click Here Now to Enter This Week’s Giveaway.

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Aug 10 To advertise call 815-316-2300

Y O

Magical Gardens at Midway Village Museum M

embers Alliance Credit Union is sponsoring a family-friendly event at Midway Village Museum this Saturday, Aug. 13, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., called Magical Gardens. The museum is located at 6799 Guilford Road.

Family members of all ages may take part in more than a dozen activity stations, all related to growing things.

Admission is $7 for adults, $5 for children aged 3-17 and free for museum members. Purchase advance tickets either online or at the Museum Gift Shop

by Aug. 10; also purchase tickets on the day of the event. Learn more by calling (815) 397-9112.

Among activities:

home to attract fairies.

Fairy Obstacle Course: Complete challenges to become an honorary fairy and become a Garden Guardian. Get your face painted, make a magic garden wand and a gnome or fairy hat.

Make Fairies and Plantings: Create a fairy or gnome of your own, and plant a magical seed to take home for your garden.

Gnome Obstacle Course: Solve clues and find the treasure.

Butterfly Station: See butterflies in various stages of life and discover how they benefit the prairie.

Magical Herbs: Touch and smell several herbs from the garden, play a guessing game, and make lavender bath salt to take home.

Plants in the 1800s: Discover how families in the 1800s used plants in the Kitchen Garden.

Fairy Houses: Hear a story about fairy houses, then make one from natural materials to take

Refreshments For Purchase: Stop inside the Town Hall building to purchase popcorn, cold beverages or a quick snack.

Guided Village Tours Tours are 1 hour long and available at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.

They begin at General Store and there’s no extra charge for tours.

Mini Garden Tours Take a mini garden tour to explore the history and meaning of each garden in the village.

Each guided tour will last about 30 minutes and there is no extra charge for this tour.

Prairie Restoration Guided Tour 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

Meet at the Gazebo and learn about the importance of our native prairies. ❚

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Aug 10 To advertise call 815-316-2300

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