Smart Living Weekly - July 30, 2014

™

Right in Our Region

The Magic of the Boone County Fair

By Karla Nagy, associate editor

F

rom Aug. 5-10, it’s Boone County Fair time, and that means livestock, bull riders, demolition derbies, carnival rides, harness racing, music, magic, food, family and friends.

“We pack a ton of entertainment and attractions into the fair,” says Tom Ratcliffe, Boone County Fair publicity chairman and Board of Directors member. “We have three entertainment venues – the Grandstand, the

Entertainment Pavilion, which is on pavement and covered, and a stage with bleachers, set up near the Home Economics Building.”

The 2,000-seat Grandstand hosts the fair’s headliners. On Aug. 6 at 7 p.m., Beatles tribute band American English marks the 50th anniversary of the Fab Four’s appearance on “The Ed Sullivan Show,” with vintage costumes, authentic instruments and fun special effects.

Continued on p. 20

• Get All the SAVINGS You Deserve from Local Businesses

Backyard Family Projects • Yummy Salmon Recipes • Mattress Warranty Tips Sightseeing by Motor Coach • Why Running on Empty is a Bad Idea • Treating Ear & Throat Pain

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Save Smarter • Live Better • Rockford Region/Beloit 95¢ • July 30, 2014

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In This Issue

Right in Our Region: .....................Cover & p. 20 Boone County Fair Your Home ........................................................11 Backyard Family Projects Inspiration & Worship .....................................12 No Matter What Your Kitchen .................................................... 15 Tasty Salmon Dishes Your Outings ...............................................17 See the Sights by Motor Coach Your Health ...................................................... 25 Ear and Throat Pain Your Fun ........................................................... 27 Dining Locally ................................................. 29 Tips ................................................................... 31 Don’t Drive on Empty Your Money ...................................................... 33 Understanding Mattress Warranties

Smart L iving Weekly ™

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Bill Hughes Executive Editor Janine Pumilia

Managing Editor/Web Editor Chris Linden Associate Editor/Special Projects Editor Karla Nagy Senior Staff Writer/Promotions Coordinator Paul Anthony Arco Graphics Director Blake Nunes Graphic Designer Samantha Ryan Contributing Writers Peggy Werner and Rachel Shore General Sales Manager Brent Hughes Sales Manager Brad Hughes General Manager/Northwest Business Magazine Dave Marino Account Executives Steve Blachford, Brian Hughes Administration & Circulation Manager Lisa Hughes Website www.NWQSmartLiving.com Published by Hughes Media Corp.

728 N. Prospect St., Rockford, IL, 61107 (815) 316-2300, Fax: (815) 316-2301 lhughes@northwestquarterly.com Smart Living Weekly.

Copyright 2014 by Hughes Media Corp., 728 N. Prospect St., Rockford, IL, 61107. 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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See Ya’ at the Fair

W

hen you think about it, county fairs are one of the few ways we city dwellers stay in touch with local rural life.

We get to see and smell real animals, talk to real farmers. The Boone County Fair has always been among our family’s favorites.

Apparently a lot of folks feel that way: it’s one of the best-attended fairs in the state, averaging 200,000 visitors each year.

Spread out across 152 acres, Boone County Fair offers a good balance of livestock, carnival, grandstand activities and terrific fair food, with ample and orderly parking. One thing it doesn’t offer is alcohol, which makes it especially familyfriendly and safe.

It’s pretty remarkable that this fair began in 1855, just 37 years after Illinois became a state. It would qualify as one of the oldest continually run fairs in the state, had the Civil War not interrupted things.

My favorite thing about the fair, besides the roasted sweet corn, is the opportunity to see beautiful horses, ponies, hogs, cows, sheep, rabbits, goats, chickens & other critters, all washed up and looking their Sunday best. I also enjoy watching the families who display their animals and the reaction of city kids to the critters.

It’s always a treat to see the beautiful handmade and homegrown items shown by people who have real talent for these things, unlike me. Vying for ribbons, they enchant me with their rows of jams, pickles, pies, quilts, artwork and perfect blossoms.

If for some reason you have to miss this fair, don’t despair; more local fairs loom before the school year begins.

Winnebago County’s is Aug. 12-17; Whiteside County’s is Aug. 12-16; the fair in Grant County, Wis., is Aug. 10-17. Another of my personal favorites is the Walworth County Fair in Elkhorn, Wis., on Aug. 27-Sept.

1, where the food made by church ladies is sublime.

See you at the fair!

Janine Pumilia, Executive Editor Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Weekly

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nger, where customers nd li are a p friend “Sho s.”

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Y H  G

Fun Backyard Projects for the Family T

here are regular backyard projects and then there are those special backyard projects that bring families closer together, both during the construction and while enjoying the finished piece.

Here are a few fun ideas.

• Wood raised-garden planter. A raised planter bed keeps the soil warmer longer, which extends your gardening season. Plants won’t be walked on and raised beds are easier to protect from hungry animals.

• Wood treehouse. Incorporate extra elements like ladders, slides and climbing walls.

• Wood swing set. Build it as an attachment to the treehouse or as a standalone project. Anchor posts into the ground and building your set from quality treated lumber.

• Wood sandbox. Add a wooden cover to hide toys and protect sand from cats.

• Picnic table. Not every project has

to be designed just for the kids. A picnic table provides that at-the-park feeling right in your own backyard.

When it’s time to choose a building material for your backyard project, consider pressure-treated lumber, which is both affordable and easy to use.

When using treated lumber, check the end tag to identify the treatment type. ProWood is building code approved and treated for your intended use. ProWood MCA (micronized copper azole) treated lumber has a lighter, fresher appearance compared to other treatments.

Clean, odorless, non-staining and non-irritating, ProWood MCA-treated lumber from Universal Forest Products is safe for humans, animals and the environment. The process used to treat this wood has gained Environmentally Preferable Product (EPP) status as certified by

Scientific Certification Systems (SCS), a third-party certification services and standards development company.

Add a touch of color to your backyard project with ProWood Dura Color.

It’s color-infused MCA-treated lumber, so your swing set, picnic table or sandbox will retain a colorful appearance for years. Learn more and find ideas at ProWoodLumber.com. ❚ (Source: BPT)

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I  W

No Matter What

T

he Bible is full of verses that tell us all things are possible with God. Yet we’ve all been disappointed by some unanswered prayers. Why? Christians have long grappled with this question, with this basic conclusion: We don’t really understand God and never will, in this life.

We can’t comprehend Him. But to give up just because we see only a tiny fraction of what He sees, is foolish.

“Ye have not because ye ask not,” wrote James in James 4:2-3.

Paul addresses this in his first letter to the believers at Corinth: “For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.” – I Corinthians 13:12 When Jesus was preparing his disciples for his death, resurrection and the arrival of holy spirit, he explained that their sorrow would be turned to joy.

“And in that day you will ask me no question. Truly, truly, I say unto you, if you shall ask the Father for anything, He will give it to you in my name. Until now you have asked for nothing in my name; ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be made full.” – John 16:23-27 Praying to God, both in praise and in supplication for what we need, is always a good thing to do. How should we do it?

Jesus provided an example. Notice how his prayer asks God for God’s will to be done in our lives; praises God; acknowledges God as the master of Heaven and Earth; and acknowledges our need for God’s forgiveness – something God later gives to us when Jesus is raised from the dead.

Finally, Jesus says to ask God to protect us from Satan.

“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” – Matthew 6:9-13 Our prayers aren’t always answered in the way we wish. But praying is always a good thing to do – no matter what. ❚ – Janine Pumilia 12

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Y K

Versatile Salmon Fits any Taste or Lifestyle Y ou’ve probably heard that eating seafood rich in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, which can help protect against heart disease while delivering other important nutrients. In fact, the U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends eating seafood twice a week for such benefits.

Salmon is one fish long-heralded for its nutritional value, and Alaska canned salmon offers a convenient way to add more deliciously nourishing seafood to your diet.

The Many Benefits of Salmon

● Alaska canned pink salmon has four times the omega-3s EPA and DHA, and 12 times the vitamin D as many popular canned meats and fish. It also has 25 percent of adults’ Recommended Daily Allowance for calcium. ● Traditional pack canned salmon contains skin and delicate, edible bones that are rich in calcium and magnesium. Pressure-cooked in the can, they are so soft they can be easily blended into the salmon, adding extra nutrients and flavor.

Skinless, boneless Alaska salmon is also available in cans and pouches. ● Pink salmon — the variety commonly found in cans — has a light color and mild flavor, while red or sockeye salmon has a richer, more intense flavor and color.

Because canned and pouched salmon is shelf-stable, you can always have some on hand. To ensure a top-quality, wholly natural product simply look for “Alaska” on the lid or label.

Alaska canned salmon is easy to prepare and surprisingly versatile, for use in a wide range of dishes, from salads and wraps to entrées and appetizers. For additional preparation tips and recipes, visit wildalaskaseafood.com. ❚

Get SLW Kitchen articles every week. Visit NWQSmartLiving.com and start your e-Edition today.

Alaska Salmon Cakes with Yogurt Dill Sauce Ingredients

Sauce: ½ cup nonfat yogurt 1½ tsp finely minced fresh garlic Salt and pepper 1 tbls chopped fresh dill or 1 tsp dried dill weed ¼ cup grated cucumber (squeeze dry) Salmon Cakes 1 egg ¼ cup small-curd nonfat cottage cheese 1 tbls chopped fresh dill or 1 tsp dried dill weed 1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning ¼ cup sliced green onions 1 can (14.75 oz) traditional pack Alaska salmon or 2 cans/pouches (6-71 oz. each) skinless, boneless salmon, drained and chunked 3 tablespoons garlic-and-herb bread crumbs Vegetable oil

Directions For the sauce, mix yogurt and garlic, and add salt and pepper to taste. Stir in dill and cucumber.

Refrigerate, covered, until ready to serve. For the salmon cakes, whisk egg lightly in medium bowl. Add cottage cheese, dill, lemon pepper and green onions; mix well. Mix in drained salmon, bread crumbs; mix well. Shape into 4 patties, 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick and 3 inches in diameter. Heat nonstick skillet over medium-high heat and brush skillet with oil. Fry salmon cakes for about 2 1/2 to 3 minutes per side. Cakes should be crisp and golden on the outside and still moist on the inside. Serve with Yogurt Dill Sauce. Prep time: 21 minutes. Servings: 4

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See the Sights in Comfort this Summer

By Peggy Werner

A

re you in the mood to get up and go, but don’t want to drive? Consider traveling by luxury motor coach. A company like Rockford Charter Coach, 3491 Merchandise Dr., Rockford, makes it easy, with day trips to shopping malls, sporting events, festivals and sightseeing attractions, as well as overnighters and trips throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Upcoming excursions include Wrigley Field, Soldier Field, Warrens, Wis. for a cranberry festival, the Mississippi River for a cruise, Drury Lane Theater near Chicago, and a multi-day Lake Erie fishing expedition.

Rockford Charter Coach arranges customized trips for businesses, schools, churches and other groups, as well astransportation for special events like weddings, bachelor parties and private parties.

It’s also certified by the U.S. Department

of Defense for military transports.

Rick Mills and Bill Pfeiffer started Rockford Charter Coach in 2005, after the company they worked for was purchased

by Coach USA. The partners employ a full-time mechanic, maintenance crew, safety director, tour director and bus drivers. The bus fleet has grown from four to 15, ranging from 56-passenger luxury motor coaches to a 21-passenger executive coach, all outfitted with video and public announcement systems, Wi-Fi, climate control, bathrooms and reclining seats.

The company has grown by 5 to 10 percent each year. How to account for such success?

“As a locally owned business, we’re more in touch with peoples’ needs,” says Mills, managing partner of the company.

“We’re all about customer service, which has to do with how you treat people, addressing their needs in a timely manner, and listening to them. When someone calls or emails for a quote at Rockford Charter Coach, they communicate with one of the owners.” ❚

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Boone County Fair Continued from Cover

On Aug. 9 at 7:30 p.m., country singer Easton Corbin takes the stage. His debut album in 2009 yielded two No. 1 hits – “A Little More Country Than That” and “Roll With It” – and the Top 15 charting “I Can’t Love You Back.” Tickets are $8 for American English and $15 or $18 for Corbin.

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Performances in the other two venues are free. “We have good bands at the Entertainment Pavilion – including Back Country Roads, Kevin Burns’ ‘Good Vibrations’ show, Missing Links band and Rockin Horse band,” Ratcliffe says. On the third stage, three acts will rotate throughout each day – Dueling Pianos; Mama’s Wranglers, a family group from Las Vegas that sings, dances and plays a variety of instruments; and Lance Gifford’s House of Magic, a comedic magician whose show includes hypnosis.

Entertainers will also stroll the fairgrounds.

Also at the Grandstand: harness racing; the antique tractor parade; demolition derbies; pro bull riding; truck/tractor pulls; and, on opening night at 7:30 p.m., the Queen Pageant and Little Miss Pageant.

“The Queen Pageant is definitely the most popular event,” Ratcliffe says. “The Grandstand is packed. It’s a two-hour

July 30

extravaganza, with singing and dancing.”

In addition, fair-goers can take in a variety of other attractions, like the Banana Derby, a race with dogs and monkey jockeys; cowboy riding and sharp-shooting; chainsaw wood carving; and the annual talent contest.

New this year is Ranch Sorting, held on Tuesday. It’s a competitive circuit event that has two wranglers working together against the clock to herd 11 numbered calves into a gate in a randomly selected numerical order. “A new daily show this year is called Percheron Thunder, with Jason Goodman,” says Ratcliffe.

“He harnesses six of these draft horses together, stands on the backs of the last two and rides them Roman style. At Elephant Encounters, you can see an elephant upclose, and even ride it. And the Gooseman is coming back.”

The Gooseman, aka Paul Messerschmidt, travels the fair circuit with his Dirty Dozen Puddle Jumpers, 12 geese Cover & inside photos by Rebecca O’Malley

R  O R the Boone County Rural Fire Protection District No. 2 is making homemade doughnuts.”

The Granges of Boone County, which owns and operates the fair, will serve a different meal each day at it food store, Thursday through Saturday. Green County, Wis., will sell cream dressed in various costumes, which fol- puffs and cheese curds.

And don’t forget the Midway, with low him around, and to the amusement of onlookers, partake of fair fare, such as Ferris wheels, Tilt-a-Whirls, carousels and other spinning, jarring or dizzying rides, cotton candy and soda.

Speaking of fair food, there’ll be along with games of skill and chance. On plenty of that as well: corn dogs and other Wednesday and Thursday are Kids Days treats on a stick, funnel cakes, pizza, ele- Games, from 10 a.m.-noon, where 200 phant ears, lemonade shake-ups. “You can kids will compete for prizes and trophies, find just about anything, from chocolate- and ride specials at the Midway will be ofcovered bacon to deep-fried Oreos, Chi- fered on these days.

In addition, each day includes show nese to Tex-Mex,” Ratcliffe says. “Some nonprofits set up booths. The Boy Scouts judgings and exhibits that cover almost RBT-Take_Magazine_Ads_BuyOrRefi_7-375x4-875_PRN.pdf 1 7/17/14 11:01 AM are selling baked potatoes, the Cosmo any interest. “This is the largest liveClub is roasting Harvard sweet corn, and stock show in the state, with more than

3,000 animals, including everything from rabbits, chickens, goats, ponies, horses large and small, swine, sheep, beef and dairy cattle,” says Ratcliffe. “Wednesday through Saturday, there’s something going on in every barn. The fair also features more than 6,000 other entries, in the culinary arts, flowers, fruits and vegetables, photography, textiles, ceramics, woodworking. There’s something different to see or experience around every corner.”

At $6 a ticket, the fair is also a great value. “We offer a lot for $6,” Ratcliffe says. “A family of four, with two children 10 or under, can go to the fair for $12.”

Each year, upwards of 200,000 people attend the Boone County Fair. “Since I’m in charge of promoting the fair, I guess my favorite part is seeing the people – the crowd gathering, the anticipation and smiles on children’s faces as they enter,” says Ratcliffe. “I enjoy seeing a big, happy crowd, enjoying a beautiful summer evening at the fair. There’s nothing better.”

For a full schedule of times and events, visit boonecountyfair.com. ❚

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Y H

Dealing with Recurring Throat and Ear Pain

By Craig Schmidt

A

n occasional sore throat or earache is bad enough, but what if stabbing throat and ear pain occurs repeatedly?

Sore throats and earaches are symptoms of an array of medical disorders. The ears and throat are anatomically connected via the Eustachian tube, which makes them susceptible to infection.

Viruses and bacteria are the culprits behind infections. The most important difference between viruses and bacteria is that bacteria respond well to antibiotic treatment, while viruses do not. Antibiotics sometimes fail to do their job, and the infections may return again and again because of the person’s anatomy, environmental exposures or activities.

Millions of children are evaluated yearly for enlarged tonsils – grape-sized pieces of tissue in the back of the throat on each side – and adenoids – small pads of tissue at the back of the nose above the throat. Infected tonsils can cause

frequent sore throats, difficulty swallowing and bad breath. Infected adenoids contribute to ear infections and breathing trouble. Enlarged tonsils or adenoids are associated with snoring and obstructive sleep apnea.

They’re usually removed if the swelling interferes with breathing or swallowing.

In children, tonsils and adenoids are often removed at the same time. Otolaryngologists (ear, nose and throat doctors) use special instruments to cut the tissue in order to remove the tonsils and adenoids. The surrounding blood vessels are then sealed to control bleeding.

Thanks to antibiotics, the number of tonsillectomies in the U.S. has declined progressively since the 1970s.

Adults become just as sick from inflamed tonsils as kids, and it’s not unusual for an adult to require a tonsillectomy.

If your surgeon recommends removal of the tonsils, be assured that the surgery can be done safely and effectively as an outpatient procedure. ❚ Source: Rockford Ambulatory Surgery Center

Get SLW Health articles every week. Visit NWQSmartLiving.com and start your e-Edition today.

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Y F

August 22-24

Monty Python’s SPAMALOT July 30-Aug. 3, 8 p.m Starlight Theatre, RVC, Rockford, (815) 921-2160.

(Travel Wisconsin photo)

Freeport, Illinois

75th Anniversary Open House July 31, 1-5 p.m. Children’s Home + Aid marks 75 years of assisting Rockford’s vulnerable children.

Northern Region Headquarters, 910 2nd Ave., Rockford, (815) 962-1043.

Tour beautiful Beckman Mill County Park’s 50 natural acres and historic atrractions, Aug. 1-2 in Beloit, Wis.

Single Admission $5 Film Discussion To Follow Each Film

LINDO THEATRE

115 South Chicago Ave. • Freeport • 815.233.0413

For More Information: Freeport Visitors Bureau 815-233-1357 • 800-369-2955 www.classiccinemas.com

The Backroads Trio Aug. 1, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Friday in the Park music series. Get $6 lunch from local restaurant.

National Bank Plaza, State & Grand, Downtown Beloit, downtownbeloit.com.

Mr. Smarty Pants Big Balloon Show Aug. 1, 2 p.m. A fantastic circus made entirely of balloons. Beloit Public Library, 605 Eclipse Blvd., Beloit, Wis., (608) 364-2905, beloitlibrary.info.

Celebrate Weekend Street Dance Aug. 1, 5:30-11 p.m. Live music, with headliner The Eddie Butts Band. Beer tent. Sidewalk sales 8 a.m. $5/$1 age 4-11. Downtown Beloit, 300 block/State Street. Info: downtownbeloit.com.

Beckman Mill Historical Tours Aug. 1-2, 1-4 p.m. Tour the beautiful 50-acre county park, with restored 1868 grist mill, historical cooperage museum & gift shop. Beckman Mill County Park, 8606 S. County Road H, Beloit, Wis., (608) 361-1377, weltycenter.org.

Festa Italiana 2014 Aug. 1-3, Fri. 5 p.m.; Sat.-Sun. noon. Authentic music & folk dancing, carnival rides, kids’ activities, great Italian food. Boylan High School, 4000 St. Francis Dr., Rockford, griaa.com.

SwedishAmerican State Street Mile Aug. 2, first event 4:45 p.m., Post Race Festival 5:30 p.m. Divisions/age groups. Starts East State/Summit streets. SwedishAmerican Hospital, 1401 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 985-896, facebook.com/StateStreetMileRockford.

Lincoln-Tallman Arts Festival Aug. 3, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Arts & crafts sale, food, drinks, live music, auctions, more. $4/17-under free. Rock County Historical Society, 440 N. Jackson, Janesville, Wis., (608) 756-4509.

Free Medicare Seminar Aug. 5, 6-7 p.m. “Understanding Medicare Part

A & Part B and Medicare Supplement Plans.”

Public welcome; please RSVP. MembersAlliance Credit Union, 2550 S. Alpine Road, Rockford, (815) 226-2260.

Tuesday Evening in the Gardens: Caroline Smith Aug. 5, 6:30 p.m. Tickets $5/$3 teens. Food, beer & wine, beverages for sale. Anderson Japanese Gardens, 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, andersongardens.org.

Rock Valley Summer Festival Orchestra Aug. 5, 7 p.m. Sounds of Summer Concert Series. Sinnissippi Park Band Shell, Rockford, rockfordparkdistrict.org.

Sounds of Summer: The Blooze Brothers Aug. 7, 7 p.m. 12-piece band covers hits from the ’40s to today. Sinnissippi Park Band Shell, Rockford, rockfordparkdistrict.org.

The Brothers Quinn Aug. 8, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Friday in the Park music series. Get $6 lunch from local restaurant. National Bank Plaza, State & Grand, Downtown Beloit, Wis., downtownbeloit.com.

Music & More Westside Andy Aug. 8, 7 p.m. Harry C. Moore Pavilion, Riverside Park, 1240 Riverside Dr., Beloit, Wis., friendsofriverfront.org.

National Water Ski Show Tournament Aug. 8-10, 8 a.m. Rock Aqua Jays, other teams, compete in Ballet Line, Pyramids, Doubles, more. Concessions. Free Admission. RAJ Stadium, Traxler Park, 600 N. Main St., Janesville, Wis., (608) 757-3171.

Read with Lilly the Library Dog Aug. 8 & 15, 2-3 p.m. Kids love to read with Lilly, a trained Reading Education Assistance Dog. Registration req. Beloit Public Library, 605 Eclipse Blvd., Beloit, Wis., (608) 364-2905. ❚

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august 16, 2014 7pm - 11PM

Proceeds from The Local benefit Burpee Museum of Natural History

A foodie competition along the Rock River Pig Minds & Five Forks VS.

Rockford Brew Co. & Garrett’s VS.

Carlyle & The Sweetery VS.

Hailey’s Winery & Vintage @501 VS.

Famous Fossil Winery & Mary’s Market Live music featuring Clutch Cargo & sonicbloom

SponSoRed By:

pReSented By:

Entre Computer Solutions, Porch & Metalscapes, Eckburg & Bates, Joan Kelley, Private Wealth Advisor, UTC Aerospace and Fred & Mary Ann Wham

Go to Burpee.org/TheLocal for Tickets

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6246 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park. (815) 637-2660. LD M-F 11am-2am, Sat-Sun 8am to late. $.

9 East Coffee  Specialty coffees, pastries, breakfast & lunch items. 9 E. Stephenson St., Freeport. (815) 233-7300. $ abreo  Upscale-Casual. Tapas menu. 515 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 968-9463. D M-Th 5-10pm, F-Sat to midnight. $-$$.

Amici Italian Grill  Upscale-Casual/Italian. Fresh, authentic Italian cuisine. 5506 Clayton Circle, Roscoe, (815) 6237171. LD Sun-Th 11am-9pm, F-Sat 11am-10-pm. $-$$.

Bravo Pizza  Italian/American favorites, full bar. 376 Prairie Hill Road, South Beloit, Ill. (815) 624-7900. LD M-Th 11am10pm, F-Sat 11am-11pm, Sun11am-10pm. $.

Butterfly Club  Upscale-Casual/Fine Dining. 5246 E. Co. Road X, Beloit, Wis. (608) 362-8577. LD T-Th 5-9:30pm, F 4:30-10pm, Sat 5-10pm, Sun noon-8pm. Live bands. $$.

Cafe Fromage  Artisan sandwiches, soups, cheese plates, baked goods. 431 E. Grand, Beloit, Wis. (608) 207-3094. $ Cannova’s Pizzeria & Fine Italian Cuisine  Casual.

Pizza, pasta, steak, seafood. 1101 W. Empire St., Freeport, (815) 233-0032. D T-Th, Sun 5-9pm; F-Sat 10pm. $-$$.

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

Extensive wine list; daily specials. 6500 E. Riverside, Loves Park, (815) 654-9900. LD M-F 11am-9pm, Sat 5-9pm. $$.

Costa’s Italian Ristorante  Upscale-Casual. 133 Blackhawk Dr., Byron, Ill., (815) 234-4707. Open daily. D Sun-Th 4-10pm, F-Sat to midnight. $-$$.

Dos Reales  Casual/Authentic Mexican. 5855 E. State St., Rockford. LD M-Th, Sun 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 10:30pm$.

Franchesco’s Ristorante  Upscale/Italian-American. Sommelier, live entertainment, weddings, Sinatra Lounge, Benny’s Bar. 7128 Spring Creek Rd, Rockford, (815) 229-0800. LD M-Th 11am-10pm, F to 11pm, Sat-Sun 4pm. $$.

Giordano’s  Casual/Italian. Pasta, deep-dish pizza, specialties. 333 Executive Pkwy., Rockford, (815) 398-5700, LD 11 a.m.-midnight $.

JMK Nippon Restaurant  Upscale-Casual/Japanese.

2551 N. Perryville, Rockford, (815) 877-0505. L T-F 11:30am2pm, Sat to 2:30pm; D M-Th 5-9:30pm, F-Sat to 10:30pm, Sun 4:30-9:30pm. $$.

™

Joey C’ Cucina & Cocktails  Upscale-Casual/Italian.

2583 N. Mulford, Rockford, (815) 639-1200. LD M-T 4-10pm, W-Th 11am-9pm, F to 10pm, Sat-Sun 4-10pm $.

Leombruni’s Italian Village Pizza & Restaurant  Casual. 110 W. 2nd St., Byron, Ill., (815) 234-2696. D T-Th 5-9pm, F-Sat to 11pm, Sun to 10pm. $.

Lucha Cantina  Casual/Mexican. Fresh ingredients, no MSG, steaks, mac ‘n cheese, burgers. 1641 N. Alpine, Rockford, (815) 977-4319. LD M-Th 11am-midnight, F-Sat 2am. $.

Main Street Bistro  Fine dining, full bar, live music Thurs. and Sat. nights. 109 S. Galena Ave., Freeport, (815) 2322322. Mon.-Sat. 2p.m. to close. $$ Maciano’s Pizza & Pastaria  Casual. Italian favorites, beer & wine. 6746 Broadcast Pkwy., Loves Park, Ill., (815) 963-7869. LD Sun-Th 11am-midnight, F-Sat to 11pm. $$.

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

Mulligans  Casual/American Pub. 2212 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 963-7869. LD M-Sat 11am-2am, Sun to midnight, F-Sat to 2am. $ Napoli Pizzeria III & Top Dollar Slots  Pizza, pasta, sandwiches, appetizers, dinners, desserts. Takeout/delivery.

6560 N. Alpine, Loves Park, (815) 877-9888. Sun-Th11am10:30pm, F-Sat to 11:30pm. $-$$.

Olympic Tavern  Casual/American. 2327 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 962-8758. LD M-Sat 11am-2am. $-$$.

Prairie Street Brewhouse  Upscale-Casual/American.

Riverside dining, handcrafted beers, banquet rooms, marina.

200 Prairie St., Rockford, (815) 277-9427. LD Sun-W 11am10pm, Th to midnight, F-Sat to 2am. $-$$.

Tavern on Clark  Casual/American. Tavern-style fare, big burgers, steaks, fries, flatbreads. Full bar; banquets. 755 Clark Ave., Rockford, (815) 708-7088. LD daily 10am. $-$$.

This Is It Eatery  Ribs, burgers, pasta, salads. 16 N. Chicago Ave., Freeport, (815) 6165449. LD T-Th 11am-8pm, F-Sat to 10pm. $ Vito’s Ristorante  Casual/Italian. Authentic fare from family recipes. Sauces, soups, mama’s meatballs, desserts fresh daily. 1620 N. Bell School Rd., Rockford, (815) 312-5080. LD T-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11pm. $$. ❚

Visit online to see our Expanded Dining Guide at NorthwestQuarterly.com/Dining.

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T  I

13825 Metric Dr. Roscoe, IL 61073 | (815) 389-7917 | www.historicautoattractions.com

Why Your Car Hates Running on Empty

W

hether intentional or purely circumstantial, it’s likely that most experienced drivers have seen the low-fuel light illuminate their vehicle’s dashboard at least once. It’s no secret that an automobile can continue to run after the fuel light comes on, but should drivers rely on the extra mileage it allows?

Knowing how far a vehicle can drive with low fuel may be reassuring, but the effects of low-fuel driving can be damaging to the car.

“When you’re running low on gas, it’s best not to push your luck,” says Neil Hoff, a refined fuels specialist with CHS, which supplies more than 1,400 Cenex branded gas stations. “Stopping to fill up before your gas gauge hits ‘E’ could save you stress, damage to your car and time spent on the side of the road.”

Hoff explains that by allowing a car to run on empty, dirt and contaminants are more likely to become suspended in the fuel and block the fuel filter. When fuel is extremely low, the fuel pump is no longer suspended in fuel and can overheat. In some cases, low fuel can even affect power steering and brakes.

To avoid an expensive trip to a mechanic, Hoff advises taking a proactive approach to fueling, advising drivers to always keep at least a quarter tank of gas in the tank at all times. Running out of gas in heavy traffic is not only inconvenient but also dangerous. Always keep a gas can in the trunk in case of emergencies.

For more helpful automotive information, gas-saving tips and to learn how to nominate someone to win free Cenex gas, visit www.tanksofthanks.com. “I think we all know someone who is always running on ‘E’, so why not make it easier for them and nominate them for a tank of free fuel?

They, and their car, will thank you.” ❚ (Source: BPT)

13750 Metric Dr. Roscoe, IL 61073 | (815) 389-9999

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Y M

Warranty May Not Reveal Mattress Quality

By Jim Killam

I

f you’re shopping for a new mattress, and warranty is a consideration, be sure to read the fine print, advises Ryan Poppie of Beloit Mattress Company, 1946 Liberty Ave., Beloit.

“Frankly, some of the longer-lasting mattresses will actually have the shorter warranty,” Poppie says. “Companies who build really bad products tend to put absurdly long warranties on them to try to convince you that it’s actually a good mattress. And then you get into the fine print of the warranty, and you’ve got no chance.

There’s no way you’re ever going to collect on that.”

For instance, he says, a bad mattress might carry a 20- or 30-year warranty. But the warranty also might state that the dip – the permanent impression in the top of the mattress – has to be more than 2 inches deep to be considered for replacement.

“Well, they’ll make sure they put an inch and a half of padding on it, so if

the padding completely goes away, it still isn’t covered under the warranty,” he says.

Conversely, some of the better, more expensive mattresses – costing $10,000 or more – only carry a 10-year warranty.

“But it’s a warranty that actually covers something,” Poppie says. “Body impression of more than three-quarters of an inch are actually going to be covered. Whereas these places that have the 30-year warranty, it’ll be 2 or 2 ½ inches – some ridiculous number that’s not possible.”

Mattress life also depends on how it’s used. If you watch TV, read or do computer work in bed, you’re spending considerably more time on a mattress than someone who sleeps seven hours a night and travels frequently. Still, getting long life out of a good mattress remains a reasonable expectation.

“The way most modern mattresses are engineered, sometimes even seven years is a stretch,” Poppie says. “But there are companies out there, and we’re one of them, that can still get that 10-20 years out of a mattress.” ❚

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