Smart Living Weekly - November 9, 2016

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Sm mart a r t L iving Weekly Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • Rockford Region/Beloit/Freeport 95¢ • November 9, 2016

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Right in Our Region

Dance Co. Performs ‘The Nutcracker’

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J.R. Sullivan’s Hometown Holiday Remodeling Your Home Holiday Side Dish Recipes Dining at GreenFire Know Your Breast Cancer Risk

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Smart Living Weekly

Issue 1

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In This Issue Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 20 The Nutcracker Your Home .................................................. ..... 11 Upgrading Your Home in Any Economy Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 Peace Promised Your Kitchen .....................................................15 Delicious Holiday Side Dishes Your Outing ...................................................... 17 J.R. Sullivan’s Hometown Holiday Your Health ............................................. .......... 25 What to Know About Breast Cancer Risks Your Fun ................................................... ......... 27

Dining Locally .......................................... ........ 29 GreenFire Your Money .................................................. ......33 Ask the Right Questions About Auto Care

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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So Who Won? T

he Cubs have celebrated victory and we’ve turned our clocks back an hour. I write this the Monday before Election Day. By the time you read it, you’ll know the results (I hope.) So who won?

No matter the answer, some folks will be elated, others crushed, still others very angry.

Most will be greatly relieved it’s over.

Now it’s time for our leaders to work together to combat major problems and dangerous enemies. There’s no time for more elephant-and-donkey monkey business!

Lady Liberty has endured quite an onslaught of abuse. It would be smart living on our part to pause and remember what’s remarkable about America, and perhaps remind our children of the same. Here are just a few things off the top of my head. You can edit my list or make your own.

1. Our process of transferring power is still remarkably peaceful, at all levels.

2. The average citizen can be deeply involved in the political process without fear of retribution such as physical attack or job loss.

3. Our citizens largely submit themselves to the rule of law without coercion.

4. We’re mostly free to worship, innovate, work, love and live as we choose. These freedoms have expanded, not diminished, with time, and have spread to more people.

5. Our standard of living remains remarkably high, on a global average.

6. Most citizens are physically safe from violence most of the time.

7. We certainly enjoy freedom of speech.

8. Our people are generous. It’s hard to think of a problem that some charity is not dedicated to solving.

9. The notion that “all people are created equal” is still our gold standard, even when we fail to live up to it. We haven’t given up.

10. Our basic utilities and public protections – clean water, air and a safe food supply – work so well that we take them for granted.

It’s good to be an American, no matter who is president! ❚ Janine Pumilia Managing Editor

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Pricing Selling The Most Powerful Tool For Buying Your Next Home The Gambino Realtors Mobile App! Access to the most comprehensive and accurate real estate listings is now at your fingertips.

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Type in Gambino Realtors and download.

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Y H  G

Home Upgrades Make Sense Any Time

By Janine Pumilia, managing editor

T

he majority of today’s homebuyers are looking for homes that have been updated and they’re willing to pay more for them. “In fact, we find that if the home is not updated and fresh, it will always be reflected in a much lower selling price,” says Frank Gambino, owner of Gambino Realtors and Gambino Building and Remodeling.

And, those people who update their homes just for their own enjoyment reap a significant psychological benefit.

“They feel better and happier about their surroundings,” says Gambino.

For more than 90 years, the Gambinos have been leaders in selling real estate as well as building and remodeling homes in the region.

Recently, Gambino opened a new building/remodeling design center and showroom at 6114 E. Riverside Blvd.,

in Loves Park, to help customers have a better experience with the design and decision-making process.

“The advantage for our customers is that it’s more convenient and the showroom offers a wider sampling of kitchen and bath materials and ideas,” says Gambino. “People are very visual. It’s a lot easier to have something to look at before a plan is set in stone. We’re able to really talk and look over the options, so we feel we’re making the right decision.”

Gambino’s contractors average 20 years or more of working for the Gambinos. “We believe in quality and trustworthy craftsmen,” says Gambino. “What sets us apart from the box stores and other remodelers is that we handle the pro-

cess from start to finish. Because we do the design work for the project, as well as supply all labor and many of the products, our customers only have one point of contact for all of their needs.Gambino Building and Remodeling’s showroom is open to the public and you can stop in anytime. In some instances, you can get a quote right there for your project.”

Call (815) 637-0113 to learn more. ❚

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I  W

Peace Promised I t’s not like we risk our lives just to catch supper anymore. We live in one of the safest time periods and societies ever, enjoying average lifespans undreamed of just a century ago.

Why, then, does high anxiety take such a toll on modern individuals?

Jesus Christ taught us there are two kinds of personal peace: the kind found in the world, and the kind found in him.

The first depends upon on factors often beyond our control. The second is rooted in our faith; no one can take inner peace from us, although we can choose to relinquish it.

Shortly before he was betrayed, Jesus began preparing his disciples for the terrible events that would follow. He understood their fear and anxiety.

“Let not your heart be troubled: you believe in God, believe also in me.” (John 14:1) Clearly upset, the disciples asked him questions. Jesus explained that after he would leave the earth, “the Comforter” would come to dwell with them.

“Even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it sees him not, neither knows him: but you know him; for he dwells in you and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless. I will come to you. Yet a little while and the world sees me no more; but you see me: because I live, you shall live also.” (John 14:17-19).

Why would Jesus Christ ask his followers not to be troubled, unless it was possible to do so?

“Peace I leave with you,” he says a few verses later in 14:27. “My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

Many more scriptures speak of the “peace that passes understanding” given to us by Jesus Christ, which is rooted in the hope of his return and the knowledge that we have eternal life through his grace.

“These things I have spoken to you that in me you might have peace,” he says in John 16:33. “In the world you will have tribulation: But be of good cheer: I have overcome the world.” ❚ – Janine Pumilia

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Stand-Out Holiday Side Dishes D

uring the holidays, the main dish usually steals the spotlight. This year, turn the tables in your own kitchen and make the sides the stars of the show.

Cream and milk are kitchen staples all year long, but they become even more important during the holidays. Whether you are using DairyPure brand Heavy Whipping Cream to prepare delicious and creamy soups and sides – like Corn Chowder – or using half & half or milk in your guests’ coffee, they’re perfect and versatile ingredients to always have onhand.

The only farm-to-fridge dairy products backed by the exclusive Five-Point Purity Promise, DairyPure creams and milk contain no artificial growth hormones, are tested for antibiotics, are continually quality tested to ensure purity, only come from cows fed a healthy diet and are cold-shipped from your trusted dairy.

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For more recipes for the holidays and every day, visit DairyPure.com, and find DairyPure on Facebook and Pinterest.

Creamy Corn Chowder Ingredients: 4 slices bacon, diced 3 stalks celery, finely chopped 2 small potatoes, peeled and diced 1 medium onion, finely chopped 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped 2 TB all-purpose flour 2 TB paprika 1 can (14 1/2 ounces) chicken broth 1 tsp. salt 1 1/2 cups DairyPure Half & Half or Heavy Whipping Cream 1 can (15 1/4 ounces) corn, drained Preparation: In 4-quart saucepan over medium heat, cook bacon until just crisp, stirring occasionally.

With slotted spoon, remove to paper towels to drain. Reserve bacon.

Leave 2 tablespoons bacon drippings in saucepan. Add celery, potatoes, onion and pepper, and cook until vegetables are just tender, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in flour and paprika; cook 1 minute.

Gradually stir in chicken broth and salt until mixture is smooth and thickened.Stir in half & half (or heavy whipping cream) and corn; over high heat, heat to boiling. Reduce heat to low; simmer uncovered 5-10 minutes, until mixture is heated through. To serve, sprinkle each serving with reserved bacon. ❚

Source: Family Features

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Y O

Tickets on Sale Now for Hometown Holiday T hough the leaves are still falling, it’s time to think about the soon-to-behere holiday season. One of Rockford’s holiday traditions, J. R. Sullivan’s Hometown Holiday, returns Dec. 10 and 11 to the Sullivan Theater in the Nordlof Center, 118 N. Main St. This seasonal variety show, custom-made each year for the Rockford community, will be held Saturday, Dec. 10, at 4 and 8 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 11, at 4 p.m.

Tickets, at $25 each, are on sale now at the BMO Harris Bank Center and Coronado Performing Arts Center Box offices, or at ticketmaster.com or by calling (815) 968.0595 (service fees will apply). Tickets also will be available, for cash or check, at the Rockford Area Arts Council and J.R. Kortman Center for Design, 107 N. Main St., Rockford.

This year will be the 21st production of Hometown Holiday, featuring holiday-

inspired storytelling, comedy and seasonal and popular songs. Rockford natives Miles Nielsen and Holland Zander will join a returning company of talented musicians and actors, including Shawn Wallace, composer and pianist; Randy Sabien, jazz violinist and multiinstrumentalist; Marcella Rose Sciotto, Daniel Patrick Sullivan and local favorites Linda Abronski and Steve Vrtol. An all-new Rockford story by J. R. Sullivan will close the show.

“I happily anticipate another great Hometown Holiday show, especially with the great Miles Nielsen headlining and the return of HH favorites Randy Sabien, Shawn Wallace, Holland Zander, and of course our acting company Linda Abronski, Daniel Patrick Sullivan, Marcella Rose Sciotto, and Stephen Vrtol,”

Sullivan says. “Variety is our format and joyful celebration is our theme. It will be just great to be in downtown Rockford again this season and home for our holiday show.”

Supporting sponsors for this 21st Hometown Holiday production are Graham Spencer Brand + Content and WNIU/WNIJ with assistance of the Rockford Area Arts Council. Visit jrsullivanhometownholiday.com. ❚

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Dance Company Performs ‘The Nutcracker’

By Lindsey Gapen, assistant managing editor

“T

he Nutcracker” is a magical combination of ballet, Christmas and cute kids in mice costumes. This year, Rockford Dance Company (RDC) is performing the holiday classic at Rockford University’s Maddox Theatre on Nov. 26-27.

“We take cues from the community, and people have been loud and clear that they want a traditional Nutcracker – a magical performance that you take your family to see on a yearly basis,” says Emily Cooke, the company’s executive director. “We hope the community is pleased with this year’s production.”

Rockford Dance Company is a nonprofit corporation and pre-professional company for children up to age 18.

The company’s mission is to pursue Cover Photo: Pictured is Dancer Martina Berger.

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excellence in the art of dance through performance, education and outreach.

“The Nutcracker” tells the story of a young German girl, Clara, who dreams of a Nutcracker Prince battling a ferocious mouse king. She proceeds on an enchanted journey and witnesses a world of cultures. Tchaikovsky’s timeless score leads the audience through this nostalgic Christmas classic.

Cooke began working on Rockford Dance Company’s version of “The Nutcracker” months ago. Besides teaching class and building up her dancers’ technique, she also set out to recruit talented professionals to strengthen the caliber of the annual production.

After seeing the impressive work of Milwaukee Ballet Company, Cooke approached choreographers Monica Isla and Rolando Yanes about possibly working

Nov 9 To advertise call 815-316-2300

with the company on “The Nutcracker” and other productions.

Not only did the professionals agree to it, but they also scheduled an immediate trip to Rockford.

“They were looking at our studios that next weekend,” Cooke says. “It’s so great that they’re willing to work with us. Everyone’s excited to have them on board. They’ve been unbelievably kind, and their vision matches what our community wants. It’s a perfect fit.”

“The Nutcracker” is unique in that all members of the community are welcome to audition. Though members of Rockford Dance Company receive the main roles, everyone from across the region has an opportunity to play a part in the production.

Milwaukee Ballet Company’s top dancers are going to play the Sugar Plum

R  O R

Fairy and the Cavalier - two small, yet impactful roles. A stunning pas de deux (duet) between the two dancers is what closes the show.

“That is huge,” Cooke says. “It’s a moment for the audience to think ‘wow, these people are flawless.’ It’s a palpable moment when you can feel the energy of the audience. And it’s also an inspiring moment for the dancers – they realize what’s possible.”

For RDC dancer Martina Berger, dancing in last year’s “Nutcracker” is

one of her all-time favorite memories. The 17-year-old is even more excited this year to be working with professionals.

“Last year was actually the first “Nutcracker’ I was a part of,” Berger says.

“That’s pretty uncommon.

Most dancers are in it their whole lives. So being able to finally dance it was a dream come true.”

Like many dancers, Berger started taking class when she was just 3 years old. Ballet is her favorite style, though she’s also trained in modern and jazz.

She’s been dancing at RDC for a little over a year now.

“It’s the best dance school in the area, and I really wanted to challenge myself,” Berger says. “It’s definitely a big time commitment, but it’s worth it.”

Dancing at Maddox Theatre is a huge accomplishment for the young dancers.

Many professionals have graced the college stage.

“This gives the dancers an opportunity to perform in a collegiate setting,” Cooke says. “That exposure helps them envision what a dancing career would be like.”

Berger and her 17 fellow company members spend about 20 hours per week in classes and rehearsals. With “The Nutcracker” approaching, those rehearsals have become even longer. However, to Berger, that hard work and dedication pays off when everything comes together in the end.

Being homeschooled helps Berger to balance dance with her schoolwork.

“I’m not sure if I want to make dancing my career yet, but it’s really special to learn from professionals,” Berger says.

“With their guidance, the programming is going to reach new levels this year.”

To purchase tickets, call (815) 9633341 or visit rockforddancecompany. com. ❚

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Y H

Health Advice All Women Need to Hear W ith all the caregiving women do for others, they often need a reminder to pay attention to their own health.

Aside from skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer among U.S. women. Each year, about 40,800 women died from it. Early detection greatly raises the odds of surviving cancer, which is why doctors urge women to have regular checkups and mammogram screenings, and to do breast self-checks.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that average-risk women who are 50 to 74 years old have a mammogram every two years. Women 40 to 49, and younger women with higher risk factors, should talk to their doctors about when to start.

While most women have some risk factors, most don’t get breast cancer. According to the CDC, some risk factors include: • Getting older. Most breast cancers are

diagnosed after age 50.

• Genetic mutations. Inherited changes (mutations) to certain genes, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2.

• Early age at onset of menstrual period.

• Late age at or no pregnancy. Having the first pregnancy after age 30 and never having a full-term pregnancy can raise breast cancer risk.

• Starting menopause after age 55.

• Not being physically active.

• Being overweight or obese after menopause.

• Drinking alcohol.

• Having dense breasts.

• Taking hormones to replace missing estrogen and progesterone in menopause for more than five years.

• Taking certain birth control pills.

• Personal history of breast cancer.

• Personal history of certain non-cancerous breast diseases.

• Family history of breast cancer, mean-

ing a first-degree female or male relative.

• Radiation therapy before age 30.

• Women who took the drug diethylstilbestrol (DES), between 1940 and 1971, to prevent miscarriage, and women whose mothers took DES while pregnant with them.

Keep in mind that abnormal mammogram results don’t always mean cancer; they simply mean that further testing is required. Mammograms don’t take long and are covered by most insurance programs. Schedule yours at your hospital of choice. ❚

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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

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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.

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Tourism

Attractions & Events

Carrie Underwood: The Storyteller Tour Nov. 9, 7 p.m. Grammy winner Carrie Underwood is bringing her tour to Rockford, featuring special guests Easton Corbin and The Swon Rockford, IL 61101 1.800.521.0849 gorockford.com Brothers. BMO Harris Bank Center, 300 Elm St., Rockford, (815) 968-5222, thebmoharrisbankcenter.com.

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Tribute to Veterans Nov. 10, 10-11 a.m. Pay tribute to those who have served in the United States Armed Forces with Keynote Speaker Mary J. Nicholls. Loves Park City Hall, 100 Heart Blvd., Loves Park, gorockford.com.

Veterans Day Ceremonies Nov. 10-11, Th. 10 a.m.-noon, Fri. noon. The 17th Annual Veterans Day Remembrance Ceremonies showcases a wall of Rock Valley College staff, faculty and students who have served or are currently serving. On Friday, hear a patriotic reading, patriotic music and see a performance from a Korean War Veteran Color Guard. Rock Valley College Samuelson Road Center Commons, 4151 Samuelson Road, Rockford, rockvalleycollege.edu.

Buddy Guy & Jonny Lang Nov. 11, 8 p.m. See the past, present and future of blues music in one unforgettable night. Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org.

Capture at Prairie Street Brewing Co. Nov. 11, 6-9 p.m. Join more than 30 of Rockford's premier photographers to purchase photography and enjoy drinks and appetizers. Prairie Street Brewing Co., 200 Prairie St., Rockford, (815) 962-1512, ticketor.com/thehavennetwork.

Stories with Veterans Nov. 11, 4-5:30 p.m. In celebration of Veterans Day, children ages 2-10 can listen to stories from vets in the area and do a craft with them. Rockford Public Library, 6685 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 965-7606, rplexplorer.org.

Great Choruses and Overtures from Opera Nov. 12, 7:30-9:30 p.m. Listen to the majestic overtures and chorus numbers from great operas - featuring Rockford Symphony Orchestra and the Mendelssohn Chorale. Coronado Performing Arts Center, Rockford, (815) 965-0049, rockfordsymphony.com.

Grammy winner Carrie Underwood performs at the BMO Harris Bank Center on Nov. 9.

Oak Street Health Senior Resource Fair Nov. 12, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Discover some of the many resources available for Medicare patients and seniors in the stateline area. There will be presentations, demonstrations, entertainment and more. Oak Street Health, 301 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 668-7810, oakstreethealth.com.

Rockford Arts & Crafts Holiday Spectacular Nov. 12-13, Sat. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.4 p.m. Start your holiday gift shopping or find the perfect item you need to have. Mercyhealth Sportscore Two and Indoor Sports Center, 8800 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park, (815) 997-1744, artsandcraftfair.com.

Jazz at Emerson Nov. 13, 3 p.m. Celebrate the wealth of talented music professionals in our area with a performance from jf.gaziano & beatmerchants. Light refreshments are served after the performance.

Emerson House, 420 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 9643-9713, mendelssohnpac.org.

Climate Change, Chemistry, International Assessment and Policy with Marsha Lester, Ph.D. Nov. 14, 4-5 p.m. Marsha Lester's research employs novel spectroscopic methods to rigorously characterize important, yet previously uncharted regions of chemical reaction pathways, including reaction intermediates of environmental significance. Rockford University, Fisher Memorial Chapel, 5050 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 2264100, rockford.edu/artslectures/forum. ❚

For More Attractions & Events Visit GoRockford.com Tell them you saw it in ...

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Nov. 9

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WDL

Restaurant of the Week

‘Something Different’ At GreenFire Restaurant

By Peggy Werner

I

f you’re looking for a unique dining experience, look no further than GreenFire Restaurant, Bar and Bakery, 6795 E. Riverside Blvd.

Shendet Ismajlaj, owner for the past year, has a long history of working in Rockford area restaurants and is now carrying on the dream of late owner and founder Philippe Forcioli, who owned Café Patou and then opened GreenFire.

“I worked with Philippe for several years and never met anyone who could cook like him,” says Ismajlaj.

GreenFire is an American-contemporary farm restaurant, bar and bakery that uses only natural, fresh and seasonal ingredients, with everything cooked in stateof-the-art wood stone ovens.

“We offer something for everyone,

but we cater to the individual who wants to try something different,” says Ismajlaj. “People tell us there is nothing like it anywhere. We are known for our customer service, quality of food and unique flavor combinations.”

For breakfast, unique choices include tequila French toast, caramel apple pecan French toast, avocado eggs Benedict, wild berries crepes, and apple cider pancakes.

Appetizers include treats such as gorgonzola stuffed dates wrapped in applewood smoked duck bacon, with blackberry gastrique.

For lunch and dinner, there’s a wide selection of salads, meat entrees, seafood dishes, burgers, pasta, wood fire pizza and those delicious crepes made famous by Café Patou.

Shendet Ismajlaj, owner of GreenFire

On any given week, at least a dozen kinds of dessert are featured, the most popular one being a flourless, dense chocolate torte.There are regular and featured daily specials, as well as dinner pizzas for $10 after 10 p.m. every day. Learn more by calling GreenFire at (815) 316-3473. ❚ ❚

Top Picks for Local Restaurants

GreenFire EUpscale-Casual/American contemporary. Seasonal cuisine; local-sourced ingredients; gourmet market; 9 East Coffee E Casual/Coffeehouse. Specialty coffees, pas- live entertainment. 6795 E. Riverside Blvd., Rockford, (815) tries, breakfast, lunch. 9 E. Stephenson St., Freeport, (815) 316-3473. BkLD M-F 11am; Sat-Sun 8 am. Bar open late. $$.

233-7300, BkL M-F 7am-3pm, Sat 7am-2pm. $ JMK Nippon Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar E UpscaleArturo’s Mexican Restaurant E Casual/Authentic Mexican. Casual. Food cooked tableside. 2551 N. Perryville, Rockford, 107 W. Main St., Poplar Grove, Ill., (815) 765-1144. LD M 11am- (815) 877-0505. L T-F 11:30am-2pm, Sat to 2:30pm; D M-Th 8pm; T-Th to 9pm; F to 10pm; Sun noon-8pm. $.

5-9:30pm, F-Sat to 10:30pm, Sun 4:30-9:30pm. $$.

Bravo Pizza E Italian/American. 376 Prairie Hill Road, South Be- Local Dough Cafe E Restaurant/cafe. Baked goods, breakloit, Ill., (815) 624-7900. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat 11pm. $. fast, lunch, dinner, beer, wine. 202 W. Main St., Rockton, Cannova’s Italian Cuisine E Casual. 1101 W. Empire St., Free- (815) 957-0584. BkLD W-Sun 7 am-6 pm. $. port, (815) 233-0032. D T-Th, Sun 5-9pm; F-Sat 10pm. $-$$.

Main Street Meat Co E Deli/bakery. Quality meats, seafood, Costa’s Ristorante E Upscale-Casual/Italian. 133 Blackhawk café/bakery with catering services. 9515 N. 2nd St., Roscoe, (815) 623-6328. BkLD M-F 8 am-6:30 pm; Sat. 8 am-6 pm; Dr., Byron, Ill., (815) 234-4707. LD Daily 4pm. $-$$.

Sun. 9 am-5 pm. $.

Franchesco’s Ristorante E Upscale/Italian-American. Sommelier, live entertainment. 7128 Spring Creek Road, Rock- Mamma Mia’s E Casual/American. Pizza, pasta, sandwiches, wraps. 1139 N. Alpine Road, Rockford, (815) 399-6262. ford, (815) 229-0800. LD Sun-Th 4-9pm, F-Sat to 10pm. $$ LD M-Th 4-9pm, F 11am-10pm, Sat 4-10pm, Sun to 9pm. $$ Fresco at the Gardens. E Casual/American Café. Fresh, localsourced ingredients. 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, (815) Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint E Fine Dining. Ironworks Hotel, 500 Pleasant St., Beloit, (608) 313-0700. D Sun-Th 316-2256 BkL Daily 7am-3pm. $$ 4:30-9pm, Fri-Sat to 10pm. $$.

Giordano’s E Casual/Italian. Stuffed pizza, salads, entrees, sandwiches, desserts. 33 Executive Parkwy., Rockford, (815) Prairie Street Brewhouse E Upscale-Casual/American. 200 Prairie St., Rockford, (815) 277-9427. LD Sun-W 11am-10pm, 398-5700. LD Sun-Th 11 am-10 pm, F-Sat to 11 pm.

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

Giovanni’s/Big Al’s Bar/Alchemy E Upscale-casual/American. Three dining rooms. 610 N. Bell School Road, Rockford. Thrive Café E Casual/Cafe. Salads, wraps, sandwiches, (815) 398-6411. LD M-Th 11a.m.-10 pm, F to 11 pm, Sat 3-11 smoothies, cold-pressed juices. Inside Peak Fitness, 4401 Peak Drive, Loves Park, Ill. BkLD M-F 6am-8pm, Sat 8am-2pm. ❚ pm. Live entertainment, open late. $-$$.

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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. ❚

WDL

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Y M

How to Pay the Best Price for Auto Repair D o you take your car’s “health” for granted?

Only when the check engine light comes on do most of us realize how important a fully functional vehicle is to our daily lives.

“According to Mintel, on average, drivers spend nearly $1,000 per year maintaining their cars,” says Joe Wiesenfelder, executive editor of Cars.com.

“Even more important, a recent survey

by Cars.com and Toluna found that one in three drivers don’t trust that the prices mechanics quote to them are fair.”

Knowledge is power, but for many consumers, car maintenance can be shrouded in mystery. Here are a few expert tips, resources and busted myths: 1. You probably don’t need to change your oil every 3,000 miles. Due to technology advancements, many auto manufacturers recommend changing oil at 7,500 miles or more for new cars.

2. A clogged air filter won’t significantly affect fuel economy, but it can reduce acceleration from 6 to 11 percent, according to a U.S. Department of Energy study. For that reason, it’s a good idea to periodically visually check the engine air filter.

3. Cars.com has launched a new “Service & Repair” feature that provides a fair price estimate for different types of services, helping to ensure that drivers never overpay. The online tool also helps drivers find local service providers and offers reviews from actual customers to help them find a quality mechanic.

4. Drivers expect the tires that come with their new vehicle to last a long time, but tire life depends on many factors, including the quality of the tire, its treadwear rating, whether it’s an all-season, summer performance or winter tire, the type of vehicle and where and how it is driven.

5. If the check engine light comes on and has a steady illumination, that indicates a possibly serious issue that should be dealt with quickly by a mechanic. If the check engine light is flashing, find a place to park the vehicle and turn the engine off as quickly as you safely can. Ignoring your check engine light increases the likelihood of additional problems. ❚

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