Smart Living Weekly - March 8, 2017

Sm mart a r t L iving Weekly Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • Rockford Region/Beloit/Freeport 95¢ • March 8, 2017

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Right in Our Region

The Search for Great Antiques

See Page 20

The New Luxury Vinyl Tile Make Life Great at Any Age How to Avoid Foot Pain Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Pieroges Is Your Mower Ready for Spring?

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$25 Gift Card from GreenFire Restaurant

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Smart Living Weekly

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In This Issue

Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 20 Finding Treasures From Another Age Your Home .................................................. ..... 11 Functional & Stylish Luxury Vinyl Tile Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 Refresh the Soul Your Kitchen .....................................................15 Delicious Pierogies for a Night In Your Technology ..............................................17 Don’t Let Your Smartphone Intimidate You Your Outdoor Living .............................. .......... 19 Is Your Lawn Mower Ready to Work Hard?

Your Senior Living ................................. .......... 23 Life Can Be Good at Any Age Your Health ............................................. .......... 25 Avoid Foot Pain by Wearing the Right Shoes Your Fun ................................................... ......... 27

Restaurant of the Week ................................... 28 Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint Your Money .............................................. ......... 33 ‘Pay Yourself First’ Is Key to Saving Money

Smart L iving Weekly ™

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Bill Hughes

Executive Editor/Web Editor Chris Linden

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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

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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.

A Better Region

P

olitics at the national level continues to divide us, but there’s one thing most everyone agrees upon: local communities will be what we make them. Sitting on the sidelines waiting for others to fix things won’t get the job done. Each of us must stand up for what we value, right here at home. And that includes economic prosperity, since a stronger local economy benefits all of us.

In the 1920s, Rockford had something like eight large department stores, 330-plus grocery stores, 40 drug stores, 20 hardware stores and 60 clothing stores – all locally owned in a city with a population below 100,000.

Later in the century, when chain stores and chain eateries swept in, they all but destroyed our local business landscape. Even the largest locally owned retail giants fell one by one. For the first time, retail dollars made a beeline to out-of-state corporate headquarters rather than re-circulating here at home.

Sadly, local politicians even gave tax incentives to big-box stores, further tipping the scales against Mom and Pop. Today, a new generation has decided that doing business with impersonal mega-corporations who care nothing for Rockford is not all that much fun. Neither is ceding our local identity to generic strip malls. Neither is eating tasteless food processed 10 states away from here.

There was a time when I couldn’t imagine that local shops would again rise up in the shadow of national chain stores. But they are.

Local shops and restaurants are making a comeback and a local foods movement is growing. This is good! And this is why Smart Living Magazine exists. We’re one of very few locally owned media companies. We champion businesses owned by your friends and neighbors and help them to get your attention so they can earn your loyalty.

Let’s resolve to support this renaissance of local identity. It will strengthen our local economy and we’ll enjoy doing it – together!

Happy 2017! ❚

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Y H  G

Luxury Vinyl Tile: Functional and High-Style

By Janine Pumilia ust like other home materials, flooring is trending toward handsome but easy-care materials, says Kevin Rose, president of CarpetlandUSA Colortile, 326 N. Alpine Road, Rockford.

“The most innovative new thing in the flooring world is luxury vinyl, which comes in planks (LVP) or in tiles (LVT),” says Rose. “People are thrilled with how good it looks and how well it wears.”

Not to be confused with the plasticlooking vinyl floors of yesterday, luxury vinyl imitates natural wood and stone products with uncanny accuracy. The image on the surface of the vinyl is topped with a durable finish that resists stains, scratches and dents. Vinyl products are softer and warmer underfoot than real stone or tile and far easier to install, although Rose still recommends professional installation.

Unlike laminate flooring, which can disintegrate in moisture, or solid wood

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floors, which can warp in the Midwest’s fluctuating humidity, “Luxury vinyl is 100 percent waterproof, which means it can be used in basements, bathrooms, laundry rooms, kitchens and anyplace moisture could be a problem,” says Rose.

Trending now are much wider planks and much larger tile sizes.

Hard-surface flooring continues to gain ground over carpet. Luxury vinyl is taking market share away from laminate flooring, but solid wood and engineered wood floors are still wildly popular.

We’re covering fewer square feet of our homes in carpet these days, but it’s still highly valued in certain rooms for its warmth, softness and beauty, especially in four-season climates like ours.

“Carpet was probably 65 percent of our business 10 years ago and now it’s 50 percent,” says Rose. “We’re still laying a lot of carpet.”

Rose says the durability of carpet

varies greatly and “you really do get what you pay for” when it comes to choosing a carpet of good fiber with adequate face weight, density and twist.

Carpetland is the longest continually running flooring store in Rockford and has a second location in Sycamore, at 1719 DeKalb Ave. ❚

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

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I  W

Refresh the Soul

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s spring approaches, we feel the excitment of a new birth just around the corner. And we’re reminded that the Earth is ours to savor, not to own. For the Christian, this world is merely a stopping point along the way.

Not only the beauty of nature, but also its raw power, quietly points us toward God. Few things are more healing than time spent alone in the presence of what God alone has made. No cathedral compares to the sky and forest and sea and meadow and firefly and birdsong.

Nature inspires genuine awe. David said it like this, in Psalm 19:1-7:

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.

Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge.

They have no speech, they use no words; no sound is heard from them.

Yet their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.

In the heavens God has pitched a tent for the sun. It is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, like a champion rejoicing to run his course.

It rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other; nothing is deprived of its warmth. The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul.

Man’s religious piety can drive us away from God, but creation draws us closer to Him. Christian author Philip Yancey writes: “It was this whole good world outside as much as anything that brought me back to Christian faith. I emerged from childhood with a distorted image of God: a frowning Supercop looking to squash anyone who might be having a good time. I have since come to know God as a whimsical artist who fills the world with creatures like the porcupine and skunk and warthog, who lavishes the world with wildflowers and tropical fish more beautiful than any design on display in an art museum.”

Those who need their souls refreshed need only to stroll with God, on a warm spring day, with open eyes. ❚

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Y K

Delicious Dishes for the Perfect Night In Bacon-Wrapped Pierogies: W hen planning a get-together with friends, finding the right playlist and inviting your favorite people over is easy, but planning the perfect menu can be daunting.

Whether it’s game day, the season premiere of your favorite show or just a casual night in, if you’re craving something satisfying and delicious, one simple solution is Mrs. T’s Pierogies.

You can easily add a creative twist to your menu by serving up bite-sized Bacon-Wrapped Pierogies, featuring Classic Cheddar Mini Pierogies, which are perfect for sharing. Or try adding some flare to your nachos by substituting chips with pierogies.

Available in 15 tasty varieties, these potato-filled pasta shells are loaded with flavor and are the perfect canvas for all of your favorite ingredients and spices.

Find more recipes to enjoy with your friends at MrsTsPierogies.com.

Nonstick cooking spray 1 box (12.84 ounces) Mrs. T’s Mini Cheddar Seasoned with Bacon or Mini Classic Cheddar Pierogies 14 slices bacon, sliced in half 1/4 cup brown sugar (optional)

Preparation: Heat oven to 400 F. Spray baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray. Defrost pierogies by placing in boiling water for 2 minutes or refrigerating overnight. Wrap half-slices of bacon around each pierogy. Arrange pierogies on baking sheet. Sprinkle with brown sugar, if desired. Bake 16-18 minutes, or until golden brown, turning once. Optional: Saute wrapped pierogies 8 minutes, or grill 5 minutes until browned.

Pierogy Nachos:

2 boxes (16 ounces each) Mrs. T’s Classic Cheddar Pierogies 2 TB butter 1 1/2 cups canned black beans, drained and rinsed

3/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese Pico de Gallo (optional) guacamole (optional) sour cream (optional) pickled jalapeno peppers (optional) Preparation: To make nachos: Saute pierogies in butter over medium heat, approximately 8 minutes on both sides. Preheat broiler. On large, oven-safe plate, arrange hot pierogies; sprinkle with black beans and Monterey Jack cheese. Broil until cheese is melted and bubbly. Top with Pico de Gallo and guacamole, and sour cream or pickled jalapeno peppers, if desired. ❚

Source: Family Features

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Y T

Don’t Let Your Smartphone Intimidate You

By Peggy Werner

A

nthony Jenkins, owner of Apple Shack Repair Shop, 11706 N. Main St., Roscoe, repairs phones and attitudes.

The Apple Shack specializes in the repair and replacement of all Apple and Samsung products, including smartphones, tablets and computers.

Sometimes, customers need as much help as the devices in their hands. To help people feel more at ease with technology, Jenkins offers 60-minute one-on-one and group classes for $60.

“I mostly deal with baby boomers. It’s not that they aren’t capable; many are just still intimidated by their smartphones,” Jenkins says. “They’re not using their devices to their full potential, and I tell them their lives can change, if they just know how to use apps.”

Most people who struggle don’t know they can back up photos and data.

Others need to know how to clean up

their device with malware and antivirus protection.

The important thing to remember, when you have a problem, is not to panic. If you have a blank screen, check to see if the phone is turned on or the computer is plugged in. If you have a question, turn to Google or YouTube, Jenkins recommends.

He knows a thing or two about perseverance.

Jenkins grew up in a rough neighborhood on the East Coast, had a fondness for computers and a grandfather who encouraged him. He also had a knack for fixing electronics and friends who were able to teach him.

He later served in the U.S. Marine Corps before going to college to study political science, public administration and criminal justice. When he started his business three-and-a-half years ago, he had very

little money and not much to work with except his own determination, a passion for his work, and a willingness to tough it out on the path to success.

“When I joined the Marines, I wasn’t athletic. I just jumped in and decided to do it. Some people learn slower than others, but we can all learn,” he says. ❚

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O L

Is Your Lawn Mower Ready to Work Hard?

By Peggy Werner

B

eautiful spring days may be calling you outdoors to get some sunshine and start working in the yard, but make sure that lawn mower is ready to do its best job for you.

A spring tune-up can increase fuel efficiency by about one-third, extend the life of the engine, reduce repair costs, and decrease emissions by half, says Tim Kinney, manager of Lincoln Rent-All and Sales at two locations in Rockford: 6635 E. Riverside Blvd. and 3110 Auburn St. The business sells and services Toro, Lawn Boy and Snapper lawn mowers and will pick up any lawn mower and deliver it back to your home for $60, in addition to service costs.

Getting a lawn mower ready for spring starts in the fall, when you make sure the engine is empty of fuel and the under deck is clean and free of grass build-up, Kinney says.

Gas out of the pump lasts about

30 days before it starts to break down and collect moisture, especially with the addition of ethanol in recent years, says Kinney. Too much moisture in fuel will prevent an engine from starting.

Other mower maintenance includes changing the oil once a year or every 25

hours of use, changing the spark plug and air filter, and sharpening the blade.

Clean oil prevents the engine from getting clogged up. A spark plug’s health is directly linked to engine performance, including power and fuel economy. A clean air filter helps to maintain the proper air and fuel ratio, allowing the mower to have the best fuel efficiency.

A sharp blade not only gives your lawn a clean cut, but also protects the lawn from weakening and being susceptible to disease.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact the business through its website at lincolnrent-all. com, call the Riverside location at (815) 633-9322 or the Auburn location at (815) 968-0931. ❚

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R  O R

Finding Treasures from Another Age

By Peggy Werner

H

unting for antiques is a cherished pastime for many Americans, including many people in our region.

Though the internet has changed the nature of buying and selling antiques, there remains a hunger to see and handle objects from another age.

Roscoe Antique Mall, 1019 Gardner St., in South Beloit, Ill., has a worldwide reputation for its top-quality antiques beautifully displayed in a 22,000 squarefoot building.

“We’re truly an antique mall,” says Owner Gaylene Stomberg. “We don’t accept reproductions or crafts and have the best selection of items in the Midwest, as well as some of the best vendors in the country. Our customers are what make us successful and they keep coming back because of our always-changing selection and fun special events. We pride

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ourselves on having unique items and a shopping experience unlike other malls.”

The variety is impressive and everything is easy to view, no matter the direction you look. Items are carefully arranged and displayed in booths or welllighted cases.

The mall hosts 100 vendors who spend time talking with customers, bringing in new merchandise, and pricing and displaying items.

“We want quality merchandise, in good condition, and try to feature unique and exceptional merchandise dating from the 1800s through 1969,” Stomberg says.

“Our vendors are hand-picked and we want to know what they have to offer before renting space to them. It’s very important our vendors understand our business view and objectives before joining the mall.”

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People who shop at the mall often are serious collectors or antique dealers, but a lot of people simply visit out of curiosity. Some are looking for unique pieces for their homes, some want toys or other items that trigger childhood memories, and some just enjoy seeing the vast amount of historical artifacts in one place.

The mall hosts educational displays, classes and appraisal days in which knowledge and information is shared with customers in an effort to help them build collections.

“Everyone loves to collect something, often achieving their goal and then selling off that collection and starting all over again,” says Stomberg. “Collecting is kind of an obsession and is about the thrill of the hunt.”

Trends are always changing, and the mall aims to display items that are

R  O R

Gaylene Stomberg and Ted London

currently popular such as advertising items, quality primitives, petroliana (antiques related to gas stations and oil businesses), and early coin-operated machines. There will always be collectors of furniture, toys, jewelry, military items, clocks, glassware, coins, pottery, tools and books, she says.

Roscoe Antique Mall strives to make shopping a fun, memorable experience.

Friendly staff members offer coffee and cookies. They also host many special

events. January brings a Chili Cook-Off Contest. February brings the Valentine Cake Walk, in which 60 to 75 cakes are given away in a single day; March 5 is the Appraisal Fair; March 17 is a St. Patrick’s Day Hunt For Gold Event and a special display for National Peanut Month; April 2 celebrates National PB&J day with peanut butter and jelly sandwiches being given away; April 15 is “No Sales Tax Day,” and April 22 is the Spring Customer Appreciation Day. May and September bring outdoor markets.

Stomberg says the success of her antiques business is built upon good teamwork, good relationships with customers and vendors, and the men in her life.

In the 1990s, Stomberg and her late husband, Dennis, renovated a three-story Victorian home in Franklin Grove, Ill., and filled it with antique furniture. They had limited knowledge about the antique business, but Dennis wanted to open an antique mall. In 1998, they opened Roscoe Antique Mall, relying heavily on the

experience and knowledge of the dealers with whom they worked.

In 2013, Dennis died, leaving Gaylene with an uncertain future. Several longtime vendors retired and new vendors came on board, including Ted London, who rented a booth in 2014. He quickly became an asset, personally and professionally. The couple eventually married.

“He is everything Dennis was to the mall, only he came into the business already possessing a wealth of experience,” Stomberg says. “Ted is a networking and promotional genius with a great eye for merchandise. He’s a natural salesman, travels all over looking for antiques, and has been a huge asset in continuing the successful legacy which Dennis started.”

The mall is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. October through May and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. June through September, closing only for Christmas, Thanksgiving and Easter. For more information on special events, visit roscoeantiquemall.com. ❚

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Y S L

Life Can Be Good at Any Age

By Peggy Werner

G

etting older doesn’t have to mean letting go of what makes life good.

Helping people get the most out of life is a focus at Crimson Pointe Senior Living, 7130 Crimson Ridge Dr., Rockford. The new Lifestyle 360 Program there is a holistic approach to living that gives residents what they need in the areas of intellectual, social, physical, emotional and spiritual satisfaction.

“Studies have shown that if people are kept engaged in these areas, they live longer, healthier lives,” says Matt Hopkins, executive director.

And it’s not just about bingo, puzzles and reading material.

Lifestyle 360 offers residents options such as Yoga for Seniors, Tai Chi, and other exercise programs; pet therapy, volunteer opportunities, themed dinners, wine tastings, art classes, cooking class-

es, book clubs, Reiki, and other ways to stir the spirit through nature and getting outdoors.

“Everyone here was 20 and 30 years old at one time and did amazing things,” says Hopkins. “This program is our way of acknowledging each person’s worth, even though life has changed. This is just another chapter in the book of life, and it’s not the end chapter. It’s a time to let go of stress, chaos and fear – and just do the things that bring pleasure,” he says.

Crimson Pointe also honors residents with a “Wall of Honor,” recognizing those residents, their spouses and staff members who have served their country through the U.S. military.

Plans are also underway, within the next two years, to give the 19-year-old building a facelift. Certain areas will be enlarged and updated, without affecting

the basic design and floor plan, Hopkins says.

Crimson Pointe Senior Living is among the 270 Five Star Senior Living communities in 30 states. It offers seniors help with the activities of daily living such as personal care, transportation and medical reminders. Rehabilitative and respite care are also available. For more information, contact Crimson Pointe at lifeatcrimsonpointe.com or call (815) 398-7792. ❚

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Y H

Avoid Foot Pain by Wearing the Right Shoes P

By Peggy Werner

eople usually walk into Akerman’s Shoes at Edgebrook Center, 1613 N. Alpine Road, after friends and foot doctors recommend they go there to get relief for their aching feet.

The store is known for its quality, supportive shoes and great customer service. In business for 57 years, Akerman’s has always catered to seniors looking for comfort and supportive shoes, but younger people are feeling the need, too.

“They know we have always taken care of Mom and Grandma, and they come to us when they need help, too,” says Diane Cooling, buyer at Akerman’s.

“Teens, especially, are now coming in for Birkenstock sandals, and they don’t look much different than they did when their parents bought them,” she says.

Birkenstock is headquartered in Germany and its clogs and sandals have been

available in the U.S for 50 years. The company is known for crafting premium quality shoes that promote health and well-being.

Aetrex and Alegria are two of the newest brands of shoes, boots and sandals at Akerman’s. Oofos is a sandal made with foam for comfort and support

and is engineered to help painful feet recover quickly from a workout or long day at work. The shoe is designed to be 37 percent more shock absorbent than regular footwear, while cradling the arch and flexing with the foot when walking.

“People put on these shoes and feel instant relief from pain,” she says.

Many manufacturers of shoes today are responding to the foot problems caused by wearing inexpensive shoes that don’t offer proper support.

Expect to pay a little more for better shoes that fit right. “People always say it’s worth it,” Cooling says.

Learn more at akermanshoes.com or call (815) 397-9706. ❚

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Want a second opinion?

We give you one at every visit!

The L.P. Johnson Family Health Center (FHC) trains resident physicians. Every time you see a resident physician, a seasoned family physician reviews your current condition. You benefit from the highest standards of family focused care. As the family medicine residency program for the University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford, FHC has trained more than 400 family medicine physicians, many of whom continue to provide care in our community.

We accept most insurance and are open 8 am–8 pm Monday through Thursday and 8 am–5 pm on Fridays.

Call 815.972.1000 to schedule an appointment.

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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

Word of Art 3 March 10, 5-9 p.m. Authors read their pieces while artists display their work and share their inspirations. Light appetizers, dessert and beverRockford, IL 61101 1.800.521.0849 gorockford.com ages are available. Burpee Museum of Natural History, 737 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 9653433, burpee.org.

9/10/07 2:07:37 PM

Ian Fitzgerald at JustGoods Listening Room March 10, 7-9 p.m. Ian Fitzgerald is a folk singer and songwriter. Known for his storytelling and skillful use of language, Ian has independently released five albums of original material. JustGoods Listening Room, 201 7th St., Rockford, ianfitzgerald.com.

The Studio: “Beauty and the Beast” March 10-12 & 17-19, Fri. 7 p.m., Sat. 2 & 6 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. The beloved clasic comes to life in an enchanted and magical way with memorable music and endearing characters.

Maddox Theater, Rockford University, 5050 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 670-7112, thestudiorockford.com.

Irish Marching Society Parade March 11, parade starts 3 p.m. The Irish Marching Society presents its annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade with food, drinks and entertainment to follow. Parade begins on 5th Avenue, south of the BMO Harris parking lot. Festivities follow at Prairie Street Brewing Company, 200 Prairie St., Rockford, irishmarchingsociety.com.

Concerts on the Creek: Trinadora’s Celtic Frolic March 11, 7 p.m. See a performance from Trinador’s Celtic Frolic, featuring Jannie Nelson and Ron Holm. Refreshments and Mama Mia’s cuisine are available. Spring Creek United Church of Christ, 4500 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, (815) 877-2576, springcreekucc.org.

Rockford Symphony Orchestra Appalachian Spring Concert March 11, 7:30-9:30 p.m. Multiple Grammy Award winner Howard Levy is an acknowledged master of the diatonic harmonica, innovative composer and recording artist. See him perform with Rockford Symphony Orchestra.

Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 965-0049, rockfordsymphony.com.

Folk singer-songwriter Ian Fitzgerald performs at JustGoods Listening Room on March 10.

BJSO: March Madness March 11, 7:30-9:30 p.m. The Beloit Janesville Symphony Orchestra performs “March Madness with the Rock Goddess of Electric Violin.”

Eaton Chapel, Beloit College, 700 College St., Beloit, (608) 365-4838, Beloit.edu.

Rockford During Prohibition March 12, 2 p.m. Have you ever wondered about Rockford’s dark side? Kathi Kresol, author of “Murder and Mayhem in Rockford,” enlightens the crowd on the violent times, rum running and gangland slayings that impacted this city. Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford, (815) 397-9112, midwayvillage.com.

Jazz at Emerson: Frank Calvagna March 12, 3 p.m. Savor the talent of Frank Calvagna with light refreshments to follow.

Emerson House, 406 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 964-9713, mendelssohnpac.org.

An Evening with Mark Twain and Olivia Clemens March 13, 5 p.m. Enjoy an evening lecture with Mark Twain as he dispenses invaluable advice.

He will be accompanied by his dear wife, Olivia, as they share stories from their lives. Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum and Gardens, 411 Kent St., Rockford, (815) 964-2424, tinkercottage.com.

Miranda Lambert: Highway Vagabond Tour March 18, 7 p.m. Country music star Miranda Lambert brings her tour to Rockford, along with “garage country” singer Aubrie Sellers and 2016 CMA Vocal Group of the Year nominee Old Dominion. BMO Harris Bank Center, 300 Elm St., Rockford, (815) 968-5222, thebmoharrisbankcenter.com. ❚

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WDL

Restaurant of the Week

Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint Sizzles

By Paul Anthony Arco

B

eloit’s rich history comes alive at Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint, 500 Pleasant St. “It’s a tribute to our city’s past and the industry leaders who created Beloit,” says Jayme Braasch, the restaurant’s general manager. “We want people to feel like they can really connect with Beloit.”

Named after Orson Merrill and George Houston, who founded Merrill & Houston Iron Works in 1858 (later Beloit Ironworks and eventually the Beloit Corporation), the restaurant itself is a tribute to the past.

The bar, for example, was constructed with wood gathered from a house that once stood on the property of the Iron Works.

Leather seats, hardwood floors and many historical photographs lining the walls give the space a vintage feel.

As the name implies, the restaurant features mouthwatering steaks along with a full-service menu of fish, chicken and

seafood. Specialties include seafood Alfredo, duck a l’orange, and broiled pike almondine, complemented by a toasted almond lemon butter. “We offer something for every customer,” says Braasch.

Steak cuts include rib-eye, porterhouse and New York strip, along with petite filet, Manhattan steak, and ribeye mignon. Half sizes are available.

All steaks are seasoned and topped with buttered mushrooms and crispy thin onion rings. And for an additional $7.95, each can be topped with crab, asparagus and Béarnaise, for a traditional Oscarstyle steak.

Merrill & Houston’s hosts many special occasions such as birthday parties, reunions and wedding receptions. The main dining room seats 120 and the banquet room can accommodate 200 guests.

Jayme Braasch

“Fine dining is alive and well, and continues to grow,” Braasch says. “As long as you have quality food, excellent service and a great atmosphere, you can’t go wrong. People want a nice night out. That’s never going to change.”

Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint is open daily at 4 p.m. ❚ ❚

Top Picks for Local Restaurants 9 East Coffee E Casual/Coffeehouse. Specialty coffees, pas- sandwiches, desserts. 33 Executive Parkwy., Rockford, (815) tries, breakfast, lunch. 9 E. Stephenson St., Freeport, (815) 398-5700. LD Sun-Th 11 am-10 pm, F-Sat to 11 pm.

233-7300. BkL M-F 7am-3pm, Sat to 2pm. $ Giovanni’s/Big Al’s Bar/Alchemy E Upscale-casual/AmeriArturo’s Mexican Restaurant E Casual/Authentic Mexican. 107 can. Three dining rooms. 610 N. Bell School Road, Rockford.

W. Main St., Poplar Grove, Ill., (815) 765-1144. LD M 11am-8pm, (815) 398-6411. LD M-Th 11am-10 pm, F to 11 pm, Sat 3-11 pm. Live entertainment, open late. $-$$.

T-Th to 9pm, F to 10pm, Sun noon-8pm. $.

Bravo Pizza E Italian/American. 376 Prairie Hill Road, South Be- GreenFire EUpscale-Casual/American contemporary. Sealoit, Ill., (815) 624-7900. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11pm. $. sonal cuisine; local-sourced ingredients; gourmet market; live entertainment. 6795 E. Riverside Blvd., Rockford, (815) Cannova’s Italian Cuisine E Casual. 1101 W. Empire St., Free316-3473. BkLD M-F 11am, Sat-Sun 8am. Bar open late. $$. port, (815) 233-0032. D T-Th, Sun 5-9pm; F-Sat 10pm. $-$$.

Local Dough Cafe E Restaurant/cafe. Baked goods, breakCosta’s Ristorante E Upscale-Casual/Italian. 133 Blackhawk fast, lunch, dinner, beer, wine. 202 W. Main St., Rockton, Dr., Byron, Ill., (815) 234-4707. LD Daily 4pm. $-$$.

(815) 957-0584. BkLD W-Sun 7am-6pm. $.

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit ECasual/BBQ. 845 S. Perryville Road, Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint E Fine Dining. Ironworks Rockford, (815) 599-1110. LD Daily 11am-9pm. $-$$.

Hotel, 500 Pleasant St., Beloit, (608) 313-0700. D Sun-Th Dos Reales Mexican Restaurant E Casual/Mexican. Authen- 4:30-9pm, Fri-Sat to 10pm. $$. tic dishes, lunch menu. 5855 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 227Prairie Street Brewhouse E Upscale-Casual/American. 200 4979. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 10:30pm. $-$$.

Prairie St., Rockford, (815) 277-9427. LD Sun-W 11am-10pm, Franchesco’s Ristorante E Upscale/Italian-American. Som- Th to midnight, F-Sat to 2am. $-$$. melier, live entertainment. 7128 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, Thrive Café E Casual/Cafe. Salads, wraps, sandwiches, (815) 229-0800. LD Sun-Th 4-9pm, F-Sat to 10pm. $$ smoothies, cold-pressed juices. Inside Peak Fitness, 4401 Peak Fresco at the Gardens. E Casual/American Café. Fresh, local- Drive, Loves Park, Ill. BkLD M-F 6am-8pm, Sat 8am-2pm. sourced ingredients. 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, (815) Vito’s Ristorante E Casual/Fine Dining. Carry-out, steak 316-2256. BkL Daily 7am-3pm. $$ & seafood, Italian specialties, pizza. 4866 Bluestem Road, Giordano’s E Casual/Italian. Stuffed pizza, salads, entrees, Roscoe, Ill. (815) 312-5080. D Mon-Sat 4 p.m.-close. $-$$. ❚ 28

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March 8 To advertise call 815-316-2300

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 have been refining its classic Italian fare.

Most items are made from scratch, ensuring a homemade 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. ❚

Vito’s Dish of the Week Name of Plate: Conchiglie alla Sarda (Con-jil-ee) Restaurant: Vito’s Ristorante 4866 Bluestem Road, Roscoe Description: Vito’s signature dish! Featuring shell pasta in a tomato-cream sauce with peas and ground sausage.

Why does this dish stand out?

“This is our most popular dish,” says Chef Vito, owner. “This dish is our best seller and dates back all the way to my culinary training days in Chicago.”

Vito’s Ristorante offers dine-in, carry-out and banquet room services. The restaurant opens Mon.-Sat. at 4 p.m.

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Y M

‘Pay Yourself First’ is Key to Saving Money

By Peggy Werner

N

o matter how much money you have to spend, getting into the habit of saving money is not only a good idea, it’s also good planning.

Everyone should have an emergency savings account, with money set aside for those unexpected costs that are inevitable, like replacing a worn-out appliance, fixing a leaky roof, repairing a car or paying medical expenses, says Matt Lynch, director of marketing for MembersAlliance Credit Union, headquartered at 2550 S. Alpine Road, Rockford.

“We teach the mantra ‘Pay yourself first.’ If you’re not in the habit of saving, set aside a small amount of money on a regular basis until you get used to the idea and enjoy the results,” Lynch suggests.

“You have to work up to it, but the earlier you start, the more you will benefit from getting into the habit of saving.

People find out they can enjoy saving money as much as they enjoy spending it. When an emergency occurs, you won’t have to wonder where the money is coming from, you’ll have it,” he says.

Of course, a lot depends on how old you

are, what debt you have, your family size, and personal situation.

Technology makes it easy to transfer money to a savings account before making other payments. “The only thing you have to be diligent about is increasing the amount over time. People think they will miss the money, but they won’t, especially if they increase the amount they set aside gradually, maybe eat out less, or make other minor adjustments to the way they live.”

MembersAlliance also has branch locations at 6951 Olde Creek Road in Rockford, and inside the Walmart Supercenters on West Riverside Boulevard, Walton Street and Rockton Road in Rockton, Ill. ❚

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