Smart Living Weekly - September 3, 2014 by Northwest Quarterly Mag

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Save Smarter • Live Better • Rockford Region/Freeport 95¢ • Sept. 3, 2014

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Right in Our Region

Suds Shine at Pretzel City Brewfest By Karla Nagy, associate editor

reeport’s Pretzel City Brewfest will honor the community’s past while celebrating its future. The event, a fundraiser for Freeport Downtown Development Foundation, will showcase 30 breweries, including several from the region. “Each brewery typically brings at least two different styles or ﬂavors, so guests

will have between 60 and 70 beers to sample,” says Danielle Rogers, Foundation executive director. Local groups and restaurants will also be on hand, selling food, soft drinks and water. The Brewfest will be held on Sept. 13 in downtown Freeport, on the grass lot at the corner of Chicago Street and Douglas Avenue, from 1-5:30 p.m. Continued on p. 20

• Get All the SAVINGS You Deserve from Local Businesses

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome • Extending Carpet Life • 100th Green County Cheese Days ‘The Difference’ of Gray’s Foods • Keep Gutters Clean • Labor Day Grill Safety

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In This Issue

Right in Our Region: .....................Cover & p. 20 Freeport’s Pretzel City Brewfest Your Home ........................................................11 Keep Your Gutters Free of Debris Inspiration & Worship .....................................12 10,000 Years of Beer Your Kitchen .................................................... 15 Experience The Difference at Gray’s IGA Your Outings ....................................................17 100th Green County Cheese Days Your Health ...................................................... 25 Early Breast Cancer Detection Key Your Fun .......................................................... 27 Dining Locally ................................................. 29 Tips ................................................................... 31 Grilling Safety Tips Your Money ...................................................... 33 Extend the Life of Your Carpet

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 Jim Killam Toni Rocha 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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Sept. 3

10,000 Years of Beer

eer. We sure do hear a lot about it, these days, in the respectable company of words like “craft,” “artisan,” and “brew master.” When I was growing up in Loves Park, beer was just beer and my friends’ workingclass fathers drank Old Style, PBR, Hamm’s or Bud. (My Prohibition-influenced dad preferred milk, though he very occasionally ordered a wine cooler made with two parts 7up.) Coors was available only in the West, so its novelty made it special, and I discerned that Michelob drinkers thought themselves rather sophisticated. That’s the sum total of what I knew about beer, which was regarded as a workingman’s drink, not a work of art. When I got to college, I didn’t drink beer because it tasted bad and smelled even worse, especially when spilled on carpeting (and in the 1980s, carpeting covered the world, from kitchen floors to the ceilings and walls of Chevy fun vans.) As our local beer culture evolved, I came to appreciate the subtle qualities of small-batch beers. Like winemaking, craft brewing is very much an expression of the individual maker, and that’s a refreshing change from mass production. At Smart Living and Northwest Quarterly magazines, we’re all about buying locally made products whenever possible, and that includes beer! The Pretzel City Brewfest in Freeport sounds like a fun opportunity to sample beers without committing yourself to a whole glass of something you may not enjoy. It also provides a chance to chat with your beer’s brewer, something that’ll never happen while you’re sipping a Michelob. Man has been brewing beer for about as long as he’s been making bread (both involve yeast), at least 10,000 years. Beer buffs may be interested to learn that the National Brewery Museum in Potosi, Wis., offers fantastic collections of beer bottles, cans, ads, steins and much more, as well as a beer library and, of course, plenty of freshly brewed beer. Learn more about it at potosibrewery.com. Enjoy! Janine Pumilia Executive Editor Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Weekly

Sept. 3

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It is our goal to offer our communities the best possible healthcare services we can provide, and recognition such as this confirms our commitment to your confidence in our processes and capabilities. Whether you need surgery, cancer treatment or other specialty care close to home, a hand in welcoming a new baby into your life, help in handling a chronic health condition, or emergency care,

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

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

* Within a 50-mile radius of Freeport

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Debris-Free Gutters Mean Longer Roof Life By Karla Nagy, associate editor

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 you risk serious injury 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 is 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 3/8inch slit in the top allows water to filter through while keeping these pesky creatures from getting too close to your 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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The Joy of Honesty

onest people can be trusted to do the right thing, even when that thing means personal sacrifice. But cheaters rationalize selfish behaviors. They tell themselves it’s OK to cheat on taxes; to forge school papers or exams; to shortchange customers; to lie to the boss ... While “Be Honest” isn’t one of the 10 commandments, it’s at the core of most. Stealing, bearing false witness and committing adultery, for example, all grow out of dishonesty … and God doesn’t like it. Habitual liars rob themselves of true peace and other spiritual riches that come with “growing up in Christ.” (Ephesians 4:15) More importantly, they grieve the heart of a generous God who has lavished us with unconditional love and eternal life. How must God feel when we act like petty thieves rather than grateful children? God can’t be fooled and won’t be mocked. “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.” Luke 16:10 (NIV) Before the coming of Jesus, it would have been better for us to cut off our hands than to steal again. Today, we have better options. We can simply choose to change our bad habits and grow up in Christ. As we do, something wonderful happens: We experience the secret thrill of pleasing God. We grow closer to Him and feel joy. And with each good choice, we extend the light of Christ further into a dark world. The world seldom exalts people for being honest, but who cares? We do it because pleasing God is worth everything. “Now the Pharisees, who were lovers of money, were listening to all these things and were scoffing at Him [Jesus]. And He said to them, ‘You are those who justify yourselves in the sight of men, but God knows your hearts; for that which is highly esteemed among men is detestable in the sight of God.’” (Luke 16:14 & 15) The world exalts cheaters. Don’t let it get you down. Jesus Christ has overcome the world. (John 16:33). ❚ – Janine Pumilia 12

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Experience ‘The Difference’ of Gray’s Foods B y K a r l a N a g y, a s s o c i a t e e d i t o r re you tired of warehouse-style grocery shopping at the super stores? Prepackaged meats, all measured to the same weight; already cooked, already seasoned, flash-frozen chicken; ground meat that’s been piped into solid-color tubes. Fear not. The old-fashioned personal service of the in-store butcher is alive and well. It’s all part of “The Difference” shoppers experience at Gray’s Foods, 1630 N. Alpine Road, Rockford. “Our biggest difference is our people,” says owner Jeff Gray. “They’re smart about their areas and about everything in the store. They treat customers like family.” Gray runs the family business his father started 46 years ago, following the same principles of quality, convenience and knowledgeable, friendly service. “We have so many things that we do better than our competitors, but our meat is one of the stand-outs,” he says. “If we do it, we do it well, and our fresh meat is

never prepackaged, pre-ground or frozen. We cut, trim, grind and package in-store. Our meat department staff has more than 150 years of combined experience.” Leading the team is Ricky Rhoads, certified butcher. “Our ground meat is made from all fresh trimmings,” he says. “We can answer questions about all cuts of meat, and we can special-cut and package anything Ricky Rhoads is Gray’s Foods’ certified butcher. a customer may need.” “I want our customers to experience Gray’s upholds strict quality standards when purchasing meat from regional sup- quality, and that needs to carry through to pliers. “Quality is always the No. 1 prior- the kitchen table,” he says. “The final experience happens at home. That’s where the ity,” says Gray. Gray is a hands-on owner who checks difference really comes through.” ❚ in with customers while they shop and Get SLW Kitchen articles every keeps a list on his smart phone about prodweek. Visit NWQSmartLiving.com ucts they’ve asked him to carry or have and start your e-Edition today. expressed concerns about.

(Samantha Ryan photo)

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‘Gouda’ Times at 100th Cheese Days By Rachel Shore

reen County Cheese Days celebrates its 100th anniversary Sept. 19-21. Held on even-numbered years, the much-anticipated event attracts upwards of 100,000 each year Monroe, Wis. “Cheese Days started when some people from downtown Monroe wanted to increase business in the area,” says Noreen Rueckert, Cheese Days coordinator. “They went to Sauerkraut Day in Forreston, Ill., came back and planned Cheese Days in just nine days.” Festivities commence in downtown Monroe at 10 a.m. on Friday, with food stands, the cheese tent, hospitality tents, vendor marketplace and more. For children, there’s a carnival, Kids Street and the Family Farm Adventure Tent. The ofﬁcial opening ceremony is held at 4:45 p.m., followed by a children’s costume parade and live entertainment. All weekend, visitors can enjoy yodelers, accordion players, alphorn players and polka bands, as well as rock, blues and country music. To mark the centennial, on Saturday at 12:55 p.m., a special performance of the ofﬁcial Green County Cheese Days theme song will be performed by 100

accordion players and the Monroe City Band on the Main Stage. There’s a Cow Milking Contest, an arts & crafts fair, a vintage tractor display, tours of quilt barns, a dairy farm, the cheesemaking center, the Minhas Brewery, cheese and butter carvers. Kids take part in “Build a Cheese House,” using locally made cheeses, with ﬁnals held on Saturday morning. “We want to keep the focus on cheese,” says Rueckert. “At the opening procession, cheesemakers from local factories will be recognized, holding the signature cheeses from their businesses.” Then, there’s the food: grilled cheese, cheesecake on a stick, deep-fried cheese curds, chocolate-covered items – along with regular festival fare. On Sunday, The Swiss Colony Cheese Days Parade kicks off at 12:30 p.m. from the Green County Fairgrounds, led by Green County’s famous Brown Swiss cows. Admission to Cheese Days is free. For speciﬁc event times and locations, visit cheesedays.com. ❚

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Pretzel City Brewfest Continued from Cover

General admission passes, which include 20 tasting tickets and a souvenir glass, may be purchased online for $20 until Sept. 5, and then only at the gate, on the day of the event, for $25. A limited number of $50 VIP passes are available, which allow entry at noon, with 30 tasting tickets and a special VIP goodie bag. Brewfest was conceived after Rogers and festival chair Jeff Kohl attended similar events in the region. “We decided that this was a good theme for a fall festival,” Rogers says. “Craft beer is very popular, and growing rapidly.” It also fits well with the city’s history. Nicknamed “The Pretzel City,” Freeport was founded around 1827 by German immigrants, many of whom also founded breweries – 19 to be exact – beginning in 1845. “Freeport has a tremendous brewing tradition, with hometown Mark Winter, right, founder of Freeport’s breweries operating until new Generation Brewing Co. 1940, when the last one

closed,” says Connie Sorn, executive director of Freeport/Stephenson County Convention & Visitors Bureau. “And that tradition is returning. We have two breweries opening this fall.” One of those is Generations Brewing Co., founded by Freeport native and former Galena Brewing Co. brewmaster Steven Winter, who wanted to reestablish brewing in his hometown. A new 8,000-squarefoot facility on Adams Street is nearing completion, with plans for tours, a tasting room and more. “They attended last year without bringing beer,” Rogers says. “Several locations are now serving their brews, so you’ll get a taste this year.” The other is Lena Brewing Co., owned by Ross Vehmeier and already producing several flavors. The brewery will be opening soon on Wagner Road in Lena, behind The Rafters, the popular restaurant owned by Vehmeier. Other local and regional breweries that will attend include Pig Minds Brewing Co. in Machesney Park; Galena Brewing Co.; Pecatonica Beer Co., Gratiot, Wis., with a Tap House in Warren, Ill.; Potosi Brewing Co.; Bent River Brewing Co. in Rock Island; Great River Brewery from the Quad Cities; and from Chicago, Left Hand Brewing Co. and Goose Island. Brewers from states such as Colorado, Kansas, California, Delaware and more will also be sampling their amber wares. “Each tasting is two ounces, and we ran out last year,” Rogers says. “I want everyone know that we ordered triple the amount this year!” The Only Full Time ABA Certified Group of Interventional Pain Management Physicians in the Rockford area

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R  O R Food will be sold by five local vendors: Main Street Bistro, The Royal Pub, Hungry Hot Dog Cart, Elks Lodge and the Freeport Jaycees. “The Jaycees will sell soda, and we’ll have water for sale,” Rogers says. Live entertainment will be provided by local and regional bands. “We’ve added one national touring group this year, Nathan Dean & the Dawn Band, based in Phoenix, but Nate Dean is originally from Freeport,” says Rogers. Vendors will also sell Pretzel City Brewfest memorabilia: tee shirts, coasters and last year’s souvenir glasses. A photo and poster exhibit will give a snapshot of Freeport’s brewing heritage. The region’s first brewery was Yellow Creek Brewery, in 1845, which prospered for 71 years, pumping out 2,000 barrels a year in its heyday, until a fire destroyed it and an adjacent pub. Underground caverns built for cooling remain. Other breweries followed over the years: Bavarian Brewery; Albion Ale Brewery; Schmichs Bros.; and more. Fritz Brewing Co. opened the year Prohibition ended, in 1933, but giant companies like Anheuser Busch, Pabst and Miller made small-batch breweries a thing of the past. A resurgence of smaller local and regional breweries is going strong and Pretzel City Brewfest shines a spotlight on this brew renaissance.

“We had 700 attend last year, and we anticipate 1,000 this year,” says Rogers. “The fest is meant to support downtown Freeport revitalization, bring people to downtown Freeport and promote craft beer and local foods. We want to increase traffic downtown and let people have fun, and to raise funds so that we can do more, and it’s been successful.” She adds: “But we couldn’t do it without the support of the community and our sponsors.” Major contributors are Lena Brewing Co., Generations Brewing Co., Fairway Ford and Main Street Bistro. All of the proceeds go directly back to the Freeport Downtown Development Foundation, a nonprofit corporation focused on improving Freeport. “We have five core committees that benefit – streetscape/beautification, marketing, mentoring, retention and events,” Rogers says. “We work on improving the area so that people want to work, shop, play and live in Freeport.” Pretzel City Brewfest runs from 1-5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 13. Purchase general admission for $20 online until Sept. 5; after that, pay $25 at the gate. A limited number of Designated Driver tickets (no tastings) are available for $10. Attendees must be at least 21 years of age. For more information, visit pretzelcitybrewfest.com. ❚

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Early Detection Key to Beating Breast Cancer B y To n i R o c h a

very woman should know the symptoms of breast cancer and the importance of being screened on a consistent schedule. Starting at age 40, women should schedule annual mammograms. Women with family histories of breast cancer should have a baseline mammogram at age 25. Family history is important; women who harbor breast cancer genes BRCA1 or BRCA2 are at a dramatically increased risk of developing these cancers. And, every woman needs to know how to a conduct self-examination, not only for lumps but other changes. “The best way to do a self-examination is with a soapy hand in the shower or lying ﬂat, checking in a circular motion,” says Dr. Fred Church, a boardcertiﬁed general surgeon with Rockford Health System’s Women’s Center. “Women should watch for any changes in their breast skin, including color, dimpling and retraction, and any change in the way the

breasts are shaped. Along with checking for lumps or areas with an unusual ﬁrmness, look for bulges near the lump’s site. Examine the nipples for any crusting or bleeding, as well as a bloody discharge. Any of these signs can point to cancer, and the woman should see her doctor immediately.” Church emphasizes the need for selfexamination at least twice a month; daily exams may not detect subtle changes. “Any sudden change should be regarded as suspicious,” he says. Diagnoses are increasing, but so, too, are survival rates – a direct result of education and public awareness. “While there are more cases being diagnosed, there’s less chance of it proving fatal, when it’s detected at an early stage, before spreading to lymph nodes,” says Church. “We can minimize the amount of tissue removed with a lumpectomy, and balance the use of chemotherapy and radiation therapy, depending on the individual

Dr. Fred Church

case. Each woman’s prognosis depends upon the stage of her cancer, the size of the tumor, and whether or not her lymph nodes are involved. The best possible scenario is early detection and expeditious treatment.” For more information on breast health or to schedule a mammogram, call the Women’s Center at Rockford Health System, (815) 971-2299. ❚

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Conservation & Wilderness Today Sept. 3, 7 p.m. Environmental scholar Michael Paul Nelson on our ideas about conservation and wilderness. Free. Registration req. Severson Dells Nature Center, 8786 Montague Road, Rockford, (815) 335-2915, seversondells.org. Artale Wine Tasting Sept. 5-6, Fri. 5:30 p.m., Sat. 8:30 p.m. Sample over 20 wines and enjoy hor’sdeurves from Josefs. Proceeds benefit Womanspace. $15. Artale Wine Company, 6876 Spring Creek Road, womanspace-rockford.org.

Wings of Wonder Sept. 6-Nov. 9, Tues.-Fri. 9 a.m.-10 p.m., Sat.-Sun. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. An exciting interactive exhibit where visitors may come “face to beak” with these colorful, playful, nectar-feeding birds. Nicholas Conservatory, 1354 N. 2nd St., Rockford, (815) 9878858, nicholasconservatory.com.

Wings of Wonder, Sept. 6-Nov. 9: Lorikeet exhibit at Nicholas Conservatory, Rockford.

Lena Lions 64th Annual Fall Festival Sept. 5-6, Fri. 6-10 p.m.; Sat. Noon to 11 p.m. This “Cadillac of Small Town Festivals” offers a variety of activities: carnival rides, games, food, stage entertainment, parade Sat. at noon, Sat. BBQ, raffle for a new car and ATV. Main Street, Lena, Ill., (815) 369-4946. Greek Fest 2014 Sept. 5-7, Fri. 5-10 p.m., Sat.-Sun. 11 a.m. Authentic food & pastries; marketplace with jewelry, clothes, books & gifts; live entertainment; kids’ activities; taverna all weekend; church tours. New: drive-thru Sat.-Sun. noon-7 p.m.; turn on 4th Street. Free admission Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 108 N. 5th St., Rockford, gogreekfest.com. The Importance of Being Ernest Sept. 5-21, see website for days/times. Oscar’s Wilde’s satire of late Victorian England, with its main characters trying to maintain fake identities to escape social obligations. Artists’ Ensemble, Rockford University, 5050 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 394-5004, artistsensemble.org.

Passenger Pigeon: Flight To Extinction Sept. 9, 7-8 p.m. The story of what was once the most abundant bird in North America and the lessons for to the 21st century. Burpee Museum of Natural History, Rockford, burpee.org. Traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall Sept. 11-14, around the clock. Fri. 7 p.m. Candlelight Remembrance Service. Half the size of the Wall in Washington, DC, with a fold-out semi-trailer truck museum. From sunrise Sept. 11. Field of Honor, 100 Heart Blvd., Loves Park, vvmf.org. 4th Annual Fish Fry Sept. 12, 4-9 p.m. Choice of cod, walleye, bluegill, or catfish. Silent Auction. Friends of Pecatonica River Foundation Adults: $15; Children 12 and Under: $10. Rock Hollow Conservation Club, 1931 Il. Rt. 75 East, Freeport, (815) 238-6895. Pretzel City Brewfest Sept. 13, 1-5:30 p.m. A craft beer tasting. Food vendors. Fundraiser for downtown revitalization. VIP (Not Available at the Door): $50; Advance General Admission: $20; At the Door: $25. Downtown Freeport. (815) 232-9000.

Bethesda Covenant Church Alley Walk Sept. 6, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Craft vendors, day-long entertainment, bake sale. Item in garages down alley between Shaw and Washington and inside the church. Rain or shine. Bethesda Covenant Church, Address: 2101 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 397-4212, bethesdacovenant.com.

Twilight in the Garden at Klehm Sept. 13, 6 p.m. Enjoy a five-course gourmet meal and wonderful wines in the beautiful surroundings. $100. Benefits Klehm’. Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden 2715 S. Main St. Rockford, (815) 965-8146, klehm.org.

12th Annual Durand Biker Bash & Chili Shootout Sept. 6, 11:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Free admission. See more than 5,000 bikes, sample original chili, vote for your favorites. A major portion of the proceeds go to the JDRF organization and the American Diabetes Association. Downtown Durand, durandbikerbash.com.

Greenwich Village Art Fair Sept. 13-14, Sat 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sun to 5 p.m. More than 120 juried artists in a variety of media display and sell thei.r work. Children’s activities, live music, food & drink. Rockford Art Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 9682787, rockfordartmuseum.org. ❚

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Sept. 3

WDL

Smart Dining Weekly Our Top Picks for Terrific Local Restaurants Legend: D Dinner, L Lunch, Br Brunch, Bk Breakfast, $ under $12.50, $$ $12.50-$25, $$$ $25+ 9 East Coffee E Specialty coffees, pastries, breakfast & lunch items. 9 E. Stephenson St., Freeport. (815) 233-7300. $ abreo E Upscale-Casual. Tapas menu. 515 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 968-9463. D M-Th 5-10pm, F-Sat to midnight. $-$$. Amici Italian Grill E Upscale-Casual/Italian. Fresh, authentic Italian cuisine. 5506 Clayton Circle, Roscoe, (815) 6237171. LD Sun-Th 11am-9pm, F-Sat 11am-10-pm. $-$$. Bravo Pizza E 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 E 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. $$. Cafe Fromage E Artisan sandwiches, soups, cheese plates, baked goods. 431 E. Grand, Beloit, Wis. (608) 207-3094. $ Cannova’s Pizzeria & Fine Italian Cuisine E Casual. Pizza, pasta, steak, seafood. 1101 W. Empire St., Freeport, (815) 233-0032. D T-Th, Sun 5-9pm; F-Sat 10pm. $-$$. Ciao Bella Ristorante E 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. $$. Costa’s Italian Ristorante E Upscale-Casual. 133 Blackhawk Dr., Byron, Ill., (815) 234-4707. Open daily. D Sun-Th 4-10pm, F-Sat to midnight. $-$$. Dos Reales E Casual/Authentic Mexican. 5855 E. State St., Rockford. LD M-Th, Sun 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 10:30pm$. Franchesco’s Ristorante E 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. $$. Giordano’s E Casual/Italian. Pasta, deep-dish pizza, specialties. 333 Executive Pkwy., Rockford, (815) 398-5700, LD 11 a.m.-midnight $. JMK Nippon Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar E Upscale-Casual. Food cooked tableside. 2551 N. Perryville, Rockford, (815) 877-0505. L T-F 11:30am-2pm, Sat 2:30pm; D M-Th 5-9:30pm, F-Sat 10:30pm, Sun 4:30-9:30pm. $$. Joey C’ Cucina & Cocktails E 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 $.

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Leombruni’s Italian Village Pizza & Restaurant E Casual. 110 W. 2nd St., Byron, Ill., (815) 234-2696. D T-Th 5-9pm, F-Sat to 11pm, Sun to 10pm. $. Lucha Cantina E 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 E Fine dining, full bar, live music Th&Sat. 109 S. Galena Ave., Freeport, (815) 232-2322. M-Sat 2pmmidnight. $$ Maciano’s Pizza & Pastaria E Casual. Italian favorites, beer & wine. 6746 Broadcast Pkwy., Loves Park, Ill., (815) 963-7869. LD Sun-Th 11am-midnight, F-Sat to 11pm. $$. Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint E Fine Dining. Ironworks Hotel, 500 Pleasant St., Beloit, Wis. (608) 313-0700 Sun.-Th 4:30-9pm, Fri-Sat. to 10pm. $$. Mulligans E Casual/American. 2212 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 963-7869. LD M-Sat 11am-2am, Sun to midnight. $ Napoli Pizzeria III & Top Dollar Slots E Pizza, pasta, sandwiches, appetizers, dinners, desserts. Takeout/delivery. 6560 N. Alpine, Loves Park, (815) 877-9888. Sun-Th11am10:30pm, F-Sat to 11:30pm. $-$$. Olympic Tavern E Casual/American. 2327 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 962-8758. LD M-Sat 11am-2am. $-$$. Prairie Grass Pub E Burgers, wraps, pork chops, steaks, pasta, daily fish fry. Craft beer, wine, signature cocktails. Deck, banquets. Prairie View Golf Course, 6734 German Church Rd, Byron, Ill. (815) 234--8535. LD daily 10am. $-$$. Prairie Street Brewhouse E 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. $-$$. Tavern on Clark E Casual/American. Tavern-style fare, big burgers, steaks, fries, flatbreads. Full bar; banquets. 755 Clark Ave., Rockford, (815) 708-7088. LD daily 10am. $-$$. This Is It Eatery E Ribs, burgers, pasta, salads. 16 N. Chicago Ave., Freeport, (815) 616-5449. LD T-Th 11am-8pm, F-Sat to 10pm. $ Vito’s Ristorante E 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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Sept. 3

Smart Living Weekly

Sept. 3

T  I

Practice Grill Safety All Year W

arm weather is winding down, but that doesn’t mean we’ll stop firing up our grills. Many of us take advantage of our propane grills to enjoy that distinctive grilled flavor well into winter. According to Weber’s annual GrillWatch survey, more than 60 percent of American home grillers use a propane gas grill. The Propane Education & Research Council reminds grillers to follow these important safety tips. • Follow instructions. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for assembling, using and maintaining your grill. • Keep it outdoors. Outdoor propane grills should be located on a level surface at least five feet from the house, siding, outdoor furniture and anything else that could be a fire hazard. • Take care in lighting and relighting. Keep the lid open and don’t lean over the grill when lighting it. If the flame goes out, turn off the gas and refer to the owner’s manual. At a minimum, the National Fire Protection Association advises grillers to turn off the gas, keep the lid open and wait at least 15 minutes before relighting. • Be present. A true grill master never leaves a grill unattended, no matter the weather. • Check for leaks. Use a soapy water solution to check connections for leaks. Expanding bubbles indicate a leak. Follow this procedure when replacing a cylinder. ❚ Source: Family Features

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Sept. 3

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Sept. 3

Y M

Proper Vacuuming Extends Carpet Life M

ost people don’t give much thought to their vacuuming methods. If they did, their carpets would last longer and look better, says Paul McCann, owner of Stanley Steemer, 9958 N. Alpine Road, Machesney Park. “Probably the biggest thing is, none of us vacuum as frequently as we should,” he says, adding that carpet warranties usually advise vacuuming at least once a day. While hardly anyone does that, it’s worth some thought. “It depends on how you live,” he says. “Do you have pets? Do you have kids? At my house, we have kids and we have a pool. All of our neighbors are there. It’s a constant parade. “We have two dogs. So we really need to vacuum it at least every couple of days. That’s a good goal for someone who has a pretty active house. A couple with no children or pets could probably get by with once a week.”

When you do vacuum, dirt and debris won’t come out with just one pass. “Make a cross pattern, going both ways,” McCann says. “When the fibers are standing up, you’re going to get more out.” Investing in a good vacuum (check Consumer Reports) makes a difference, as does changing the filter frequently. Still, even the best vacuums won’t pull out all of the dirt, he says. “That’s where you start to see traffic patterns, where carpet fibers get damaged and lay down,” he says. “What’s happened is, there are small amounts of dirt that stay in the carpet, and that has an abrasive affect as you walk across the carpet.” McCann recommends supplementing your vacuuming with regular

(Mohawk photo)

By Jim Killam

professional cleanings to extend carpet life. That involves high-pressure water heated to about 200 degrees, and then vacuumed back out with far more suction than household vacuums can provide. ❚ Get SLW Money articles every week. Visit NWQSmartLiving.com and start your e-Edition today.

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Sept. 3

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