iving Sm mart a r t L ivi Weekly Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • Rockford Region/Beloit/Freeport 95¢ • May 24, 2017
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Right in Our Region
Bigger and Better Klehm Garden Fair
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Brand New Treatment for Cataracts Are Your Gutters Always Dirty? 75th Harvard Milk Days How to Buy a Car Ready, Set, Plant!
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In This Issue
Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 20 Klehm Arboretum Garden Fair Your Home .................................................. ..... 11 Better Gutters May Extend Your Roof Life Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 Magnet & Compass Your Kitchen .....................................................15 Spice Up Your Grilling Life Your Outdoor Living ...................................17, 23 Landscape Success: Keep it Simple; Container Gardening Basics Your Outing ............................................. ......... 19 76th Harvard Milk Days Your Health ............................................. .......... 25 A New Treatment for Cataracts Your Fun ................................................... ......... 27
Restaurant of the Week ................................... 28 GreenFire Bakery Your Money .............................................. ......... 33 Tips for Buying a Vehicle
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 Writer Peggy Werner General Sales Manager Brent Hughes Sales Manager Brad Hughes Advertising Sales Representatives Brian Hughes, Jeremy Jones, Bob Ulmer, Nita Lasky 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 2017 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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Deep Breaths
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his is one of the prettiest and bestscented springs we’ve had in a long time. It reminds me that life goes on, no matter what turmoil chronically rocks the national and state news these days. “Just take deep breaths and calm down,” speaks the blossom-soaked breeze. The cooler temps have kept flowers fresher longer and nearly everything has been blooming its heart out, which isn’t always the case. Tulips, forsythia, honeysuckle, azalea, violets, dogwood, lilacs, flowering fruit trees and daffodils have dazzled us. And there’s some kind of viburnum flower that knocked my socks off with its intoxicating scent this year. It’s good to know springs can still surprise me after living through so many! I’ve also seen more interesting birds than usual. A recent early morning dog walk rewarded us with the sight of a bright turquoise indigo bunting looking for its breakfast. Breathtaking! They’ve been described as a “scrap of sky with wings.” We also spotted a handsome rose-breasted grosbeak at our feeder, bluebirds nesting in a neighbor’s box and our first hummingbirds of the season, too. Now the temps are rising and I look forward to peony, iris, clematis, bluett, hydgrangea, coneflowers, daylilies, the first roses … and a cart full of pretties from the greenhouse. (Can you feel me smiling?) Along with springtime rituals of the natural world, we also anticipate springtime community rituals, like the Garden Fair at Klehm Arboretum. It’s one of my favorites! Too, there are farmers markets, festivals, fairs, City Market, concerts and other outdoor fun to look forward to. And, a long Memorial Day weekend to honor all who’ve given their lives in service to our country. So take deep breaths and sniff the wind. Winter is only a distant memory. ❚ Janine Pumilia Managing Editor
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Debris-Free Gutters Mean Longer Roof Life A build-up of debris, leaves and water can damage the structure of your roof and home, forcing you to make costly repairs. Cleaning them yourself is not only messy, but dangerous, when you’re climbing ladders. You can always pay someone regularly to clean them, but there’s a more permanent solution. Toby Lask, vice president of Lask Roofing & Siding, 1101 22nd St., Rockford, recommends installing Gutter Helmet to keep your gutters clean. “The Gutter Helmet protects your gutter from leaves and debris, and still allows water to flow freely,” Lask says. “It moves a lot of rain and can take about 10 times the heaviest rainfall ever recorded.” Gutter Helmet is installed with heavy gauge reinforced support brackets. Panels are individually prepared and custom-fitted over your full-sized gutters by trained installers, who clean, seal, check and adjust the alignment of your existing gutter system as needed. The panels are then securely installed under or over shingles as
needed. In most cases, installation can be completed in just one day. Gutter Helmet also protects your gutters and roof from damage in the winter. “Snow slides down your roof and gets stuck in the gutters,” says Lask. “The snow melts and refreezes into ice, creating an ice dam that blocks drainage and keeps the water on your roof, which can damage it. Icicles hanging from your eaves are an indication of this condition. Gutter Helmet will just shoot all the snow away, so that it can’t clog your gutters.” Birds, rodents and insects often take up residence in neglected gutters, but with the Gutter Helmet system, a precise 3/8-inch slit in the top allows water to filter through while preventing pesky creatures from making themselves at home. Moving the water from your roof is only part of the battle. If it pools on the ground near your house, it can damage the foundation as well as your landscaping.
Gutter Helmet’s gutter shield directs rain water directly away from the home, preventing buildup near your home. The cost of installing Gutter Helmet varies, depending on things like the size of your house, the number of corners and stories, roof and fascia conditions, or special equipment that may be required. For more information or to schedule an estimate, contact Lask Roofing. ❚
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Magnet & Compass
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he late theologian Howard Hendricks said, “A leader is a person with a magnet in his heart and a compass in his hand.” A magnet alone is not enough. How do we recognize a good leader? First, by studying scripture. In a way, the Bible is an anthology of leadership profiles, detailing successes and failures of prophets, judges, kings, Roman emperors, Jewish high priests and leaders of the fledgling church. Along with studying scripture, we can pray for spiritual insight to see a leader through God’s eyes. Here are a few sections of scripture that give us insight. • In the gospels, we meet the only perfect leader, Jesus Christ. “Jesus called them [his disciples] together and said, ‘You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be a slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.’” (Mark 10:42-45 NIV) • In I Timothy, Paul shares leadership qualities he values. “Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.” (I Tim. 3:3 NIV) • In Proverbs we find gems of wisdom penned mostly by King Solomon. “Good leaders abhor wrongdoing of all kinds; sound leadership has a moral foundation. Good leaders cultivate honest speech; they love advisors who tell them the truth. An intemperate leader wreaks havoc in lives; you’re smart to stay clear of someone like that. Goodtempered leaders invigorate lives; they’re like spring rain and sunshine.” (Proverbs 16:11-15 MSG) • In Judges, we meet deeply flawed, often-reluctant leaders made great by God, whose stories are riveting. As God told Paul, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Cor. 12:9) ❚
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GATE AT THE
PICNIC TABLES WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE IN THE BEER GARDEN
Memorial Day Weekend 2017
Loves Park City Hall Festival Grounds • 100 Heart Boulevard Buttons are good for all 4 days. All shows are included with admission. Sold at Loves Park City Hall, most Kelley Williamson Mobil stations, Schnucks, and other select locations.
– Janine Pumilia
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SATURDAY 9 - 5 | SUNDAY 9 - 4 100 VENDORS LIVE MUSIC! LOTSA FOOD! BEER TENT FREE PARKING SHUTTLE SERVICE
Presented by
$8 Admission (good both days)
Members and Children 12 and under are free!
$5 Garden Klehm Arboretum & Botanic PRESENTED BY
Advance tickets available at Klehm, Florists and local Garden Centers.
See klehm.org/gardenfair2017 for complete list.
2715 S. Main St. | 815-965-8146 965 8146 | klehm.org
Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden
2715 S. Main St. | Rockford, IL | 61102 klehm.org | 815-965-8146
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Y K
Upgrade Your Summer Grilling Game T
he days are getting longer and hotter and you’re enjying grilling season. But after a few weeks of eating the same boring burgers and hot dogs, you’re looking for something a little more exciting (and so are your guests). These recipes can help take your grilling skills to the next level and make your next party something to brag about.
Sweet Chili Ribs
2 full racks pork spareribs, trimmed (about 6 pounds) 2 Tb. fresh ginger, minced 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 bottle (12 ounces) Frank’s RedHot Sweet Chili Sauce, divided Heat grill to 250 F and prepare for indirect cooking. Spread ribs with ginger and garlic. Place ribs on rib rack or in foil pan. Cook on covered grill 2 hours. Spread 6 oz. sweet chili sauce evenly over ribs; cook another hour, until tender.
Baste ribs with remaining sweet chili sauce during last 15 minutes of cooking. If desired, at end of cooking time, grill ribs over direct heat to char slightly.
Buffalo Chicken Sandwich 4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves 1 bottle (12 ounces) Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Wings Sauce, divided 1/4 cup blue cheese or ranch dressing 4 hard rolls, split 1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles Lettuce leaves (optional) Tomato slices (optional) Red onion rings (optional)
Marinate chicken in 6 ounces Buffalo wings sauce for 30 minutes, or up to 3 hours. Mix remainder of Buffalo wings sauce and dressing together. Keep refrigerated until ready to use.
Grill chicken 12 minutes, turning once, or until no longer pink in center. Place 2 Tb. of mixed sauce on each roll half. Place chicken on top of roll half and top with 1 Tb. blue cheese crumbles. Add lettuce, tomato and onion rings, if desired. Top with second roll half. Repeat for remaining sandwiches. For more grilling tips and recipes, visit franksredhot.com/recipes.❚ Source: Family Features
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Landscape Success: It Pays Off to Do Things Right By Janine Pumilia, managing editor
K
eep it simple but do it right. With 25 years of landscape design and maintenance under his belt, that’s the advice Joe Taylor most often gives to customers. As the owner of Changing Seasons Landscaping & Maintenance in Belvidere, Ill., he’s seen the cost of taking foolish shortcuts. “Whether your project is big or small, the important thing is to develop a good plan, use high-quality materials and work with good people to implement it and maintain it,” says Taylor. “Over the years, I’ve often been called in to fix problems caused by people who didn’t know what they were doing.” Knowledge of design principles, hardscape materials and quality plants is not optional. “It’s not enough to go to the big-box store, buy some plants, stick them in the ground and hope for the best,” says Tay-
lor. “You have to choose quality plants and the right plants for the location, plant them correctly and follow through with fertilizing and pruning when needed. It’s sad when homeowners neglect plants and then wonder why they die.” Enhancing a landscape doesn’t have to cost a fortune, either. “Curb appeal is very important and often very affordable to achieve,” says Taylor. “I tell customers to give me a budget and I’ll help them to make the most of it. I spend time listening to people; what can they realistically handle in terms of budget and maintenance time?” Taylor’s business serves homes and businesses in the northern Illinois area with lawn care, landscape design/maintenance and retaining wall/hardscape construction. It specializes in curb appeal packages that may include edging, weeding, fertilizing, pruning, mulching,
driveway sealing, power washing and planting. “People should be careful about who they allow to work on their properties,” cautions Taylor. “An inexperienced landscaper may do more harm than good. There’s a skill to cultivating living things. “I find it very gratifying to help a property look its best and to see the owners enjoy it.” Learn more at Changingseasonslandscaping.com or call (847) 276-8833 to set up an appointment. ❚
JASON SNORECK 630-239-8545
© 2017 Allstate Insurance Co.
215295
10006 W 190TH PLACE MOKENA
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Y O
Harvard Milk Days Returns for 76th Year A
s the “oldest continuous festival in Illinois,” the 76th annual Harvard Milk Days returns June 2-4 with the theme, “Believe in the Future.” The grounds at Milky Way Park open Friday at 5 p.m. The festival features a marketplace, food court, concessions, carnival rides, tethered hot air balloon rides, live entertainment, a display of antique tractors, nightly fireworks and a grandstand finale on Sunday. There’s also a parade at 1 p.m. Saturday, a Harvard Queen, Princess and Prince contest, a golf outing, a bed race, Big Wheel race, milk-drinking contest, cattle show, 10-K 2-mile Run/Walk, a talent show and more. There’s no gate fee to access the grounds, and on-site parking is $5 daily or $10 for a three-day pass. The festival began in 1942, when 3,000 men, women and children gathered at the intersection of Harvard’s Ayer and
Brainard streets to pay tribute to local dairy farmers. There were speeches, singers, baton twirlers, dancers and, of course, lots of milk to drink – some 500 gallons of it. By 1945, more than 10,000 people attended. The following year, Harvard Milk Days saw its first parade. By1947, a marching band contest was added to festivities and the parade has included marching bands each year since. Those who’ve driven through Harvard are familiar with “Harmilda,” the fiberglass cow that has stood at Five Points since 1966, when Robert Jones of Jones Packing Co. presented the cow as a gift to the town. Her name is coined from the
words HArvard MILk DAys. Learn more about this much-loved festival at MilkDays.com. ❚
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R O R
Klehm Garden Fair Better Than Ever By Jermaine Pigee
T
he 24th annual Garden Fair Weekend at Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden in Rockford promises to be even bigger and better this year, although it’s already the largest outdoor garden marketplace in the region.
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It will take place June 3 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and June 4 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the Klehm Arboretum grounds, 2715 S. Main St., Rockford. In addition to the fair’s usual assortment of plants and garden-related products, it will feature more art, antiques and garden accessories than before. There were 85 vendors and 5,000 guests at the fair last year and event organizers expect more than 100 vendors and even more visitors this year. “A few years ago, we started to see a decrease in attendance at the Garden Fair, which in turn resulted in fewer vendors wanting to participate,” says Jim Wojtowicz, director of special events at Klehm. “We also heard some grumbling from attendees that the show wasn’t as good as it used to be. We wanted to respond to what we were hearing, so we decided to put our
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heads together and come up with ways to make a better show.” The fair was re-invented last year by adding art, antiques, vintage goods and other wares to its lineup. Additional food booths, a beer tent and live entertainment were also brought in. Organizers eliminated Friday night events and extended Sunday hours. “You don’t necessarily have to be involved with gardening to enjoy the fair because there are a lot of other great things to see and do,” Wojtowicz says. “We wanted to include a larger variety of vendors that would appeal to a broader range of customers. Last year, we had a really positive response to this new format.” Garden Fair Weekend also serves as a major fundraiser for Klehm Arboretum. Ticket sales and vendor fees go back
R O R to Klehm and the proceeds are used to maintain the property and fund programs. “Klehm relies on fundraisers to help keep it running and developing,” Wojtowicz says. “Since this is a major fundraiser, we didn’t want to see it disappear due to lack of interest, so we worked hard to get the fair back to something really good.” Wojtowicz says the garden fair also gives people an opportunity to see Klehm Arboretum firsthand. “It’s a nice way for folks to see what Klehm is all about,” he says. “For a lot
of people, this may be their first time experiencing the arboretum and botanic garden grounds.” In addition to all the vendor booths, Klehm’s popular Fountain Garden will be transformed into a food court with plenty of meal and snack options, including beer from Prairie Street Brewhouse in Rockford. There will also be live entertainment by various local musicians throughout the weekend and plenty of room to relax on the grounds. The garden show is made possible by the efforts of more than 50 volunteers, making this Klehm’s biggest volunteer project of the year. With the fair getting bigger and better each year, more volunteers are needed. “We’re always looking for volunteers and extra bodies to help out,” Wojtowicz says. “We won’t turn away anyone who wants to get involved.”
Tickets are $8 a person at the gate or $5 when purchased in advance at local businesses. Admission is free for Klehm members and kids 12 and under. Presale tickets are available at Gensler Garden locations, Broadway Florist, Enders Flowers, J. Carlson Growers, The Landscape Connection, Village Green locations, Meridian Nursery, Pepper Creek, Rock Valley Garden Center and Arte Verde Garden Center. For more information or to become a volunteer, visit Klehm.org or call (815) 965-8146. ❚
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O L
Container Gardening: Ready, Set, Plant!
By Janine Pumilia, managing editor ontainer gardening is popular these “It’s important not to crowd too days because it’s manageable and many plants in a container,” says Gensler rewarding, says Scott Gensler of Gensler “In a 10-inch pot, three premium plants Gardens, 102 Orth Road in Loves Park is plenty. A 14-inch pot could take maybe th and 8631 11 St., Davis Junction. You five to six.” can buy a ready-to-go pot or plant your Before you buy, do think hard about own containers at home. where the container will be placed. SunWhether you prefer palettes of very hungry plants won’t thrive in shade and bright colors, soft pastels, monochromatshade plants may wilt in full sun. Also ic or contrasting hues, try to mix up the consider your sightlines. textures, recommends Gensler. “There “For example, if your location is are no firm rules except to buy plants that very high, you’d be better off buying you like to look at and have fun,” he says. plants that trail over the edge so you can One foolproof suggestion is the actually see them,” says Gensler. thriller-spiller-filler concept. Choose a Make sure your container provides bold, tall statement plant as a focal point adequate drainage and water often. (the thriller); a plant or two with a trailing “Probably the No. 1 mistake people habit to spill over the side of the containmake is inadequately watering hanging er (spillers); and some filler plants that baskets and containers, which dry out complement the colors and textures of faster than plants in the ground,” says the other plants. And remember that not Gensler. “I tell people to water until you all plants need flowers to be interesting. see it coming out the bottom.”
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Paper pulp-based hanging baskets are better for plants than plastic because pulp expands and contracts with the moisture level and allows for more even watering. Fertilize plants regularly and enjoy! ❚
The Yard Care Experts
MOWING FERTILIZING HYDROSEEDING MOSQUITO CONTROL Call Today for a Free Estimate
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A New Cataract Treatment By Lindsey Gapen, assistant managing editor natural lens and replaces it with an artifir. Edward Yavitz has always had cial lens, called an intraocular lens (IOL). a passion for innovation. With 37 Yavitz introduced a new IOL called the patents to his name and new ones pendSymfony lens, which is the first and only ing, the ophthalmologist at Yavitz Eye lens that provides continuous, high-qualiCenter, 4105 N. Perryville Road, Loves ty vision at any distance. Park, values inventions that lead to an “There are limitations with other increased quality of life. Recently, he lenses,” Yavitz says. “The usual implant discovered a new way to use replacement provided by Medicare and health insurlens implants for people with cataracts. ers is focused just for distance – you still “Cataracts are a big topic,” Yavitz have to wear reading glasses to see at says. “They affect 50 percent of people arms length or closer. Multi-focal IOLs over age 60.” allow for both distance and reading viInside your eye, there’s a natural lens sion, but can cost up to $6,000 out of that helps you to see. The lens starts out pocket. Plus, distance vision isn’t quite as clear, but turns into a cataract after years sharp and there can be a glare at night. So, of sun damage that causes it to become the new Symfony IOL often solves these cloudy. According to the American Acadproblems.” emy of Ophthalmology, having a cataract Yavitz is writing a paper on the use of is like looking through a foggy car windthe Symfony lens in one eye only, which shield. Things are blurry, or less colorful. saves his patients thousands of dollars in To remove a cataract, surgery is necout-of-pocket costs. essary. An ophthalmologist removes your
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Edward Yavitz M.D.
“I discovered that by putting a single-focus distance implant in the dominant eye and the Symfony implant in the non-dominant eye, the overall vision is vastly superior,” Yavitz says. “I’m always looking for a better result and a happier patient who isn’t burdened with extra expense.” For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (815) 395-8338. ❚
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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
Wildflower Walkabout May 26, 6 p.m. Walk where flowers carpet the forest floor and birds fly above you. Rotary Forest Preserve, 5390 Rotary Road, Cherry Rockford, IL 61101 1.800.521.0849 gorockford.com Valley, Ill., naturallandinstitute.tumblr.com. 9/10/07 2:07:37 PM
AE: “Whistling in the Dark – A Sherlock Holmes Adventure” Through May 28, Th. 7:30 p.m., Fri. 8 p.m., Sat. 4 & 8 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. Dr. Watson relates the tale of Holmes’ most baffling case in this world premiere comedy/mystery about the world’s greatest consulting detective. Artists’ Ensemble Theater, Rockford University, Clark Arts Center, 5050 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 394-5004, artistsensemble.org. FAM: Wish You Were Here Exhibition May 26-Aug. 11, Tues.-Fri. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat. noon-5 p.m. In today’s world of ever-changing technology and social media, the art of postcard and letter writing has largely gone by the wayside. This artistic exhibition acknowledges these changes with a salute to postcards as throwbacks to the days when communicating with loved ones was just as much a part of the adventure as the actual act of traveling. Freeport Art Museum, 121 N. Harlem Ave., Freeport, (815) 235-9755, freeportartmuseum.com. Ski Broncs Waterski Shows May 26-Sept. 1, Wed. & Fri. 7 p.m. The Rockford Ski Broncs’ dazzling water ski show is back. Powered by 2,000 horsepower, it’s like Cirque du Soleil on the Rock River. Shorewood Park, 235 Evelyn Ave., Loves Park, Ill., skibroncs.com. Young at Heart Festival May 26-29, Fri. 6 p.m.-midnight, Sat. & Sun. noon-midnight, Mon. noon-6 p.m. Bring the whole family to this annual festival with live music, a beer garden, carnival rides, kids’ activities and food concessions. Loves Park City Hall Festival Grounds, 100 Heart Blvd., Loves Park, Ill., (815) 633-3999, parkschamber.com. Miracle Mile Cruise Night May 27, 4-9 p.m. See hundreds of fine automobiles, motorcycles and modern sports cars. Don Carter Lanes, 4007 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 323-0395, miraclemilerockford.com. Magic Waters Opening Weekend May 27-29, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Magic Waters
The Rockford Ski Broncs return for a new season on May 26 at 7 p.m.
Waterpark is a family-friendly outdoor water park. Splash in Illinois' largest wave pool, slide down a 75-foot tall speed slide and enjoy much more. Magic Waters Waterpark, 7820 Cherryvale North Blvd., Cherry Valley, Ill., (815) 966-2442, magicwaterswaterpark.com. Science Saturday - Wildflowers May 27, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Learn about the unique and beautiful wildflowers that have a home in Northern Illinois. Dissect a flower to learn about its parts, make flower imprint art and head out for an exploration of the wildflowers at Severson Dells. Severson Dells Nature Center, 8786 Montague Road, Rockford, (815) 335-2915, seversondells.com. Memorial Day Parade & Programs May 29, 9 a.m. parade, 10:30 a.m. program with multiple speakers, a dove-release ceremony and a Sinking of the Ship ceremony. Parade starts at 7th and 6th avenues and proceeds north on 7th Street to Charles Street and State Street. The program takes place on North Wyman Street between Mulberry Street and Jefferson Street. More info: (815) 969-1999, veteransmemorialhall.com. Tuesday Evening in the Gardens: Jace Everett May 30, 5:45 p.m. Enjoy an evening of live music and camaraderie in a beautiful outdoor setting. Rockford band "Long Shot" opens for Nashville singer Jace Everett. Food and beverages are available for purchase. Carry-in picnics welcome, but carry-in beverages are prohibited. Anderson Japanesse Gardens, 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, (815) 229-9390, andersongardens.org. ❚
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WDL
Dreamy Desserts at GreenFire Bakery
By Peggy Werner
P
astry Chef Nancy Bedows of GreenFire Restaurant, Bakery and Bar, 6795 E. Riverside Blvd., is the master mind behind creations that are as much a feast for the eyes as for the palate. The display case is filled with cakes, cupcakes, pies, cheesecakes, muffins, cookies and more that reveal her creativity, artistry and dedication to her work. She credits two people for who she is today; her mom, Delores, and her former boss, the late Philippe Forcioli, who owned Café Patou and later opened GreenFire. “My mom could just pull things out of the cupboard and make something out of nothing. I just can’t say enough about her. Philippe taught me to never give up and to experiment with flavors,” she says. Today, she’s always thinking about what to bake next with the freshest of ingredients and seasonal items.
“I start out with one flavor, like a raspberry, and then I start thinking about what other flavors will go with it,” she says. The results are amazing. To name just a few, Cookies and Cream Cake is a chocolate layer cake with mascarpone cookie filling; Blackberry Lemon Cake is vanilla cake made with fresh blackberries, lemon custard and blackberry Italian meringue butter cream; Silky Bliss is a chocolate chip cookie cup filled with a Belgium chocolate mousse; and Peanut Butter Bomb is a chocolate cake with a salted caramel center topped with peanut butter mousse and nuts. Then, there’s Prickly Pear Wonder Cake, made with a vanilla cake soaked in prickly pear liqueur and layered with
fresh mixed berries. This recipe took three years to perfect, she says, and was inspired by her sister, who has a gluten allergy and is vegetarian. GreenFire Owner Shendet Ismajlaj says the prickly pear cake is popular with everyone, regardless of dietary restrictions. “When she makes it, it’s gone. Nancy is a hard worker and I’m lucky to have her on my staff. Our desserts are about flavor and texture and are not made with a lot of sugar,” he says. ❚ ❚
Top Picks for Local Restaurants 9 East Coffee E Casual/Coffeehouse. Specialty coffees, pas- GreenFire EUpscale-Casual/American contemporary. Seatries, breakfast, lunch. 9 E. Stephenson St., Freeport, (815) sonal cuisine; local-sourced ingredients; gourmet market; live entertainment. 6795 E. Riverside Blvd., Rockford, (815) 233-7300. BkL M-F 7am-3pm, Sat to 2pm. $ 316-3473. BkLD M-F 11am, Sat-Sun 8am. Bar open late. $$$. Arturo’s Mexican Restaurant E Casual/Authentic Mexican. 107 W. Main St., Poplar Grove, Ill., (815) 765-1144. LD M 11am-8pm, Local Dough Cafe E Restaurant/cafe. Baked goods, breakfast, lunch, dinner, beer, wine. 202 W. Main St., Rockton, T-Th to 9pm, F to 10pm, Sun noon-8pm. $. (815) 957-0584. BkLD W-Sun 7am-6pm. $. Bravo Pizza E Italian/American. 376 Prairie Hill Road, South Beloit, Ill., (815) 624-7900. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11pm. $. Hearthrock Cafe E Restaurant/cafe. Baked goods, coffee, breakfast, lunch. Inside Benson Stone Co., 1100 11th St., Cannova’s Italian Cuisine E Casual. 1101 W. Empire St., FreeRockford, (815) 227-2000. BkL M-F 7:30 am-3 pm.; Sat. 8 port, (815) 233-0032. D T-Th, Sun 5-9pm; F-Sat 10pm. $-$$. am-3 pm. $-$$. Costa’s Ristorante E Upscale-Casual/Italian. 133 Blackhawk Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint E Fine Dining. Ironworks Dr., Byron, Ill., (815) 234-4707. LD Daily 4pm. $-$$. Hotel, 500 Pleasant St., Beloit, (608) 313-0700. D Sun-Th Dickey’s Barbecue Pit ECasual/BBQ. 845 S. Perryville Road, 4:30-9pm, Fri-Sat to 10pm. $$. Rockford, (815) 599-1110. LD Daily 11am-9pm. $-$$. Prairie Street Brewhouse E Upscale-Casual/American. 200 Dos Reales Mexican Restaurant E Casual/Mexican. Authen- Prairie St., Rockford, (815) 277-9427. LD Sun-W 11am-10pm, tic dishes, lunch menu. 5855 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 227- Th to midnight, F-Sat to 2am. $-$$. 4979. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 10:30pm. $-$$. Taco Betty’s E Casual/Mexican-American. 212 E. State St., Fresco at the Gardens. E Casual/American Café. Fresh, lo- Rockford, (815) 977-5650. LD Daily 11am-1am $$. cal-sourced ingredients. 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, Thrive Café E Casual/Cafe. Salads, wraps, sandwiches, (815) 316-2256. BkL Daily 7am-3pm. $$ smoothies, cold-pressed juices. Inside Peak Fitness, 4401 Peak Giordano’s E Casual/Italian. Stuffed pizza, salads, entrees, Drive, Loves Park, Ill. BkLD M-F 6am-8pm, Sat 8am-2pm. sandwiches, desserts. 33 Executive Parkwy., Rockford, (815) Vito’s Ristorante E Casual/Fine Dining. Carry-out, steak 398-5700. LD Sun-Th 11 am-10 pm, F-Sat to 11 pm. & seafood, Italian specialties, pizza. 4866 Bluestem Road, Roscoe, Ill. (815) 312-5080. D Mon-Sat 4 p.m.-close. $-$$. ❚ 28
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May 24
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In the Spotlight Bravo Pizza
W
ith more than 40 years in the restaurant business, Joe Ocello knows how to create an authentic dining experience. Since opening the first Bravo Pizza & Italian Restaurant location in 2001 with wife Francesca, the couple has been refining its classic Italian fare. Most items are made from scratch, ensuring a home-made meal with fresh ingredients. The Italian beef, served au jus or with tomato meat sauce, was named Best in the Stateline by MyStateline.com in 2013. Top sellers include Italian meatball sandwiches, fettucine Alfredo and fish specials. “We make it all ourselves. Each meatball is about a quarter pound apiece, so they’re huge,” says Ocello. Bravo has locations in South Beloit and Poplar Grove. Both offer a full-service bar, catering, carry-out and delivery services. Learn more at Bravopizzarestaurant.com. ❚
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• New, used or certified “preowned” – affordability, depreciation (Edmunds.com) • Highway vs. city driving – fuel economy, hybrid (iihs.org) • Size and safety requirements – family, travel plans • How long you plan to keep it lease or buy? • Your budget – operating, maintaining, insuring, repairing • Trade-in Value and Selling Price – (NADA.com) Refinancing a current vehicle loan can also offer money-saving rewards. You might reduce your debt and increase your cash flow at the same time. “If rates are lower now than when you borrowed for your car, refinancing can make sense as long as you are not too far into the loan term,” says Cote. Factors that can affect your ability
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