Smart Living Weekly November 13, 2019

Sm mart a r t L iving Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • Rockford Region/Beloit/Freeport 95¢ • November 13, 2019

™

Right in Our Region

‘Messiah’: A Gift

to Our Community

See Page 16

Best New Flooring Options Stroll on State Fun Nov. 30 Cold Weather? Get Cooking!

Your Central Nervous System

FREE WIN!

Google Nest Hub from EZ Satellite and Wireless

See Pg. 28 Details

Best of Life Information for Our Region’s Residents & Visitors Proudly Serving the Needs of 326,000 Neighbors - For Your Home, Health & Fun!

Smart Living Weekly

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In This Issue Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 16 Rockford Choral Union to Present ‘Messiah’ Your Home .................................................. ..... 11 New Options in Flooring Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 Freedom of Opinion Your Kitchen ...............................................15, 21 Apple Butter Cake; Cozy Cold-Weather Cooking!

Your Outing ............................................. ......... 19 Stroll on State Nov. 30 Your Health ............................................. .......... 23 About Your Nervous System Your Fun ................................................... ......... 25

Restaurant of the Week ................................... 26 Dos Reales Dining Locally .......................................... ........ 26

Smart L iving Weekly ™

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Bill Hughes

Executive Editor/Web Editor Chris Linden Managing Editor Lindsey Gapen Lukas Assistant Managing Editor Jermaine Pigee Editor Emeritus Janine Pumilia Graphics Director Blake Nunes Graphic Designer Samantha Behling Contributing Writer Peggy Werner, Paula Kalivoda Furniss General Sales Manager Brent Hughes Sales Manager Brad Hughes Advertising Sales Representatives Brian Hughes, Jeremy Jones, Nita Lasky Administration & Circulation Manager Lisa Hughes Distribution Kelly Fairbairn 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 2019 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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TechMag Live “W

hat will they think up next?”

I wish I had a dollar for every time I’ve said that in my career. When I wrote my first newspaper article for the Daily Vidette at ISU 40 years ago, I used a typewriter.

That was before cell phones, Internet, PCs and software revolutionized nearly every field, including journalism. Back then we used hot wax machines to literally “paste up” galleys of newspaper copy that would then be photographed and printed. We also developed our own black & white film in a darkroom to produce news photos. We picked up the phone a lot and didn’t know what “e-mail” was.

Every technological development along the way has intimidated me at first and then improved my life. I sure don’t miss thumbing through encyclopedias to research facts.

Now our publisher, Bill Hughes, is employing some new technology to improve your reading experience, too. You may have noticed the masthead on our cover now says “Live” after the words “Smart Living.”

That’s because Northwest Quarterly and Smart Living are now offering Augmented Reality technology. Once you download a free Wikitude phone app, you can hold your cell phone above one of our articles or ads marked with a yellow circle icon and see video images spring to life along with sound!

Example: In our next issue of Northwest Quarterly, you’ll find an article about Rockford’s brilliant young musician, Emily Bear. Not only can you read detailed information about Emily that only print media provides, but you also can see and hear her actually performing!

Crazy, right? What’s next? Smell-avision?

Likewise, when you hold your phone over an ad, you’ll see and hear a local business owner demonstrate or explain his or her trade in ways a still photo just can’t capture.

I tried it for the first time last week and it really works!

You’ll find more information about what we call TechMag Live in issues to come. Have a great week! ❚ Janine Pumilia SLW Editor

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Our DREAM CREAM is Our BEST SELLER! This extreme hydrating cream is great for dry, cracked skin, burns, scars and much more!

324 East State St. • Rockford, IL 815.980.9147 • bathandbodyfusion.com

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Y H  G

Flooring: Learn the Latest Before You Buy

By Janine Pumilia iven all the new products rolling out from the flooring industry, it’s a good idea to learn what you can from retailers who keep up with trends, says Andy Benson, owner of Benson Stone Co., 1100 11th St., Rockford. You may even save money by asking questions.

For example, when people come to the store looking for authentic stone floors, Benson is likely to point them to the luxury vinyl tile display instead.

“Speaking as someone who has been a stone guy most of my life, I can tell you there’s not much reason to install a natural stone floor anymore,” says Benson.

“Because of the great things that have happened in the evolution of flooring technology, luxury vinyl tile (LVT) that looks like natural stone or wood is just as good – better in many respects – than natural stone flooring. And it’s a lot less expensive.”

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LVT (or LVP if shaped like a wood plank) marries the benefits of a manmade product with the high-end look of natural materials. And although manmade products haven’t always been great at mimicking nature, today’s LVT is a very different story.

“Most people are hard-pressed to tell the difference between real wood or stone and LVT that looks like wood or stone,” says Benson. “Not only is the digital printing of the surface very realistic, but now the texture is, too. You not only see a knothole, you can feel that knothole. There’s nothing shiny or plastic-looking about it. The coloring and embossing is amazing.”

Benson was as surprised as anyone to find he prefers LVT to real wood.

“I swear by wood floors but now it’s LVT all the way – I love it,” he says.

“People immediately touch it when they

see it, to try to figure out if it’s real wood or stone. It’s that convincing.”

LVT is the fastest-growing segment of the flooring industry.

Unlike laminate flooring, which is made with fiberboard that falls apart in moisture, LVT is made with layers of (mostly) PVC vinyl, making it far more stable and waterproof.

“We install it in homes of every price point,” says Benson. ❚

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I  W

Freedom of Opinion

W

hen we think about it, it’s remarkable that God allows us to choose whether or not to follow Him. If anyone has a right to force us to do something, surely it’s the Creator. But God doesn’t want allegiance that isn’t freely given. Jesus told his followers to “go tell the good news,” not “go force people into joining my religion.”

Tragically, government and religious leaders have been far less respectful of individual conscience, to the point of killing and persecuting dissenters, even in the U.S. From the early 1600s to mid 1700s, religious persecution and state-mandated, tax-supported religions were the norm.

Louisiana required residents and their slaves to practice Catholocism; Virginia mandated Anglicanism; Puritan Massachusetts barely tolerated Protestant dissenters, much less the beliefs of American Indians, Africans, Jews or Quakers. This led Quaker Roger Williams to declare “Forced worship stinks in God’s nostrils,” as he established Rhode Island on the “new” principle of religious freedom.

It was against this backdrop that Virgina Gov. Thomas Jefferson declared that no man is truly free as long as his religious beliefs are manipulated by others.

In the 1786 Viriginia Act for Establishing Religious Freedom, Jefferson wrote: “... Be it therefore enacted by the General Assembly, That no man shall be compelled to frequent or support any religious worship, place, or ministry whatsoever, nor shall be enforced, restrained, molested, or burdened in his body or goods, nor shall otherwise suffer on account of his religious opinions or belief; but that all men shall be free to profess, and by argument to maintain, their opinions in matters of religion, and that the same shall in nowise diminish, enlarge, or affect their civil capacities...”

He later made this concept a cornerstone of the U.S. Constitution.

Especially as we approach Thanksgiving, let’s fully appreciate the hard-won freedom of religion that ALL Americans are guaranteed by law. God gives each of us the choice to follow Him or not. May we follow His example. ❚ Janine Pumilia

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Y K

Easy Potluck Dishes: Apple Butter Cake A

s the saying goes, sharing is caring, and nothing spreads a little love like a potluck gathering among family and friends. Whether you’re celebrating the holidays or at a watch party for your favorite team, bring a simple make-andtake recipe for a tasty good time.

One sure bet for a crowd pleaser is the rich flavor of Musselman’s Apple Butter, a classic Pennsylvania Dutch spread made with apples and cinnamon that can add a special touch to your favorite sweet or savory recipes. Find more recipes just right for sharing at musselmans.com.

Apple Butter Gooey Butter Cake Cake Ingredients: 1 cup flour 3/4 cup sugar 1 1/2 tsp. baking powder 1/2 tsp. salt 1 egg 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

2 TB milk 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

Filling Ingredients: 4 ounces cream cheese, softened 1 cup Musselman’s Apple Butter 1 egg 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract 1 cup powdered sugar 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon, plus additional for serving 1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg whipped cream Preparation: Heat oven to 350 F. Lightly grease 8-by-8-inch square pan.

To make cake: In large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder and salt.

Whisk in egg, melted butter, milk and vanilla until moistened. Spread evenly in pan.

To make filling: In large bowl with electric

mixer, beat together cream cheese and apple butter until smooth. Beat in egg then beat in melted butter and vanilla. Scrape bowl then beat in powdered sugar, 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon and nutmeg.

Spread filling over cake; bake 45-50 minutes, or until center is set. Do not overbake as center should be slightly gooey. Cool completely before serving.

Garnish with whipped cream and dust with cinnamon to serve.

❚ Source: Family Features

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R  O R

Rockford Choral Union Presents 74th ‘Messiah’

By Janine Pumilia

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he Rockford Choral Union’s performance of George Frideric Handel’s “Messiah” is among the most beloved Christmas traditions in our region and certainly the longest-running, having begun in 1945.

This year’s performance will be at 3 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 30 and Dec. 1, at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 920 3rd Ave. This is the original location where it was first performed in Rockford.

The three-part story begins with Old Testament prophecies of Jesus’ birth, leading up to the Gospel accounts of Jesus Christ’s birth, life, death, resurrection and glorification. The famous and muchloved “Hallelujah Chorus” is sung at the end of Part Two. Many patrons say the concert starts off their Christmas season right, by

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reminding them of the reason we celebrate Christmas in the first place – Jesus Christ.

“Every single word is directly from the King James Bible,” says Webb Stevens, vice president of the board of governors for the Rockford Choral Union and a “Messiah” singer for six years with wife Sylvia. “We really focus on diction so people can understand the words and the message. The music is amazing, of course, but we’re all about the message.”

What began as a labor of love in

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local Lutheran churches, at the end of World War II, has grown to include people of all Christian denominations, says Stevens. More than 60 churches are now represented in the local performance.

Singers aged 13 to 80-something commit to six Sunday afternoon rehearsals in October and November along with the two concerts over the Thanksgiving weekend. Some have sung “Messiah” for more than 30 years. The late Elsie Lundvall, the last charter member of the choral union, will be remembered at this year’s concert in a special memorial. Up until a few years ago, she performed with the groups every year since 1945.

Some singers come from the Chicago suburbs to be part of Rockford Choral Union’s “Messiah.”

“We’ve earned a reputation as one of the better choral performances in the country,” says Stevens.

R  O R

(Ted Johnson photo)

For the second year, Michael Beert will direct the production. He’s been involved as a cellist with the group since 1985 and was named its sixth director after Nat Bauer retired from that role in 2017. Born in Rockford, Beert has been a cellist for 49 years and the Principal Cello in the Rockford Symphony Orchestra for 10 of his 25 years there. He’s also Professor of Music and Academic Chairman of Music and Art at Rock Valley College.

Rachel Handlin, who is married to Beert, has conducted the choral union’s chamber orchestra for more than 20 years.

Baritone Nicolai Janitzky, a

Belvidere resident and frequent soloist with the Lyric Opera of Chicago, will return for his second year as a guest soloist.

Three new guest soloists will also be featured, including Rockford native Michael Day. “Opera News” describes the young lyric tenor’s voice as “bright, clear, and endearing.” He spent the past two seasons working as a studio artist at Michigan Opera Theatre, where he performed the title role in “Candide,” Al Joad in “The Grapes of Wrath,” and Spoletta in “Tosca.” He spent the past three summers performing at Opera Theatre of Saint Louis.

Sisters Susan Nelson (soprano) and Joanna Gates (mezzo) are natives of Princeton, Ill. Nelson lives and works in Chicago and is a member of the Lyric Opera Chorus and the Grant Park Symphony Chorus. Gates lives on the East Coast and works with the Grammy-winning choral group, The Crossing.

Beert describes the soloists as

high-level performers with superior musical technique and distinctive, beautiful voice quality.

Handel was 55 years old when he Guest tenor Michael Day wrote “Messiah,” an English language oratorio composed in 1741. He debuted it in Dublin, Ireland. Legend has it that when “Messiah” was first performed in London a year later, King George II was so moved by the music that he stood up for the “Hallelujah Chorus,” starting a tradition that continues to this day.

There’s no charge to attend this exquisite performance because it has always been presented as a Christmas gift to the community, although a voluntary offering will be taken. Parking is free. Learn more at RockfordChoralUnion.com. ❚

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Y O

Stroll on State 2019 Even Bigger and Better T

he 7th annual Stroll on State will be better than ever this year. More than 87,000 people filled the streets of downtown Rockford last year to welcome the season and experience the wonder of what a community can do when its people come together.

This year’s event will kick off at 2 p.m. on Nov. 30, the Saturday after Thanksgiving, with a parade with floats, followed by horse & wagon rides, fireworks, visits with Santa, a very special tree lighting and much more.

The parade will step off at 2 p.m. from South Main at Chestnut Street and stroll north to State Street, heading east across the bridge and ending at 3rd Street.

It’ll feature eight large-scale balloons, including Buddy the Dinosaur and Butterscotch the Elf, as well as festive floats,

live music, DJs and a few extra surprises.

In Strollville, children will play inside real elf houses this year. There’ll be plenty to see, touch and take photos with, including a larger-than-life Elf parade balloon. Strollville also is the location of Rudolph’s Reindeer Village, immediately east of BMO Harris Bank Center.

Also new is a reimagined tree lighting experience. To accommodate growing crowds, the Main Stage will move to the southwest corner of Wyman and State streets. Guests will sing together and count down to the official tree light-

ing. Watch for Santa as he appears during the music production beginning at 5:45 p.m. The tree lighting will begin at 6:15 p.m.

Sky Lights Fireworks will launch from Davis Park immediately after the tree lighting.

The new Sleigh Bell stage will join the Silver Bell and Jingle Bell stages in order to accommodate the many talented performers of our region. It will be in front of Chase Bank on East State Street.

Catch the synchronized River Lights show under the Jefferson Street Bridge this year.

New and returning outdoor food, beverage and gift vendors will be at two locations: Rockford City Market Pavilion and the parking lot at West State and Wyman streets.

Volunteers are needed before, during and after Stroll on State. Visit gorockford.com to learn more. ❚

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Y K

Cozy Up to Home Cooking this Winter

By Peggy Werner

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f the unseasonably cold weather has you feeling down, start cooking.

There’s nothing cozier than coming home to a fragrant hot meal after tossing a good cut of meat and some seasonings into a slow cooker in the morning.

Countryside Meats & Deli, 781 Highgrove Place, will get you started.

“People always want a home-cooked meal, but they don’t always want to take the time to prepare it,” says Jarrod Bush, owner of Countryside. Slow cooking is an ideal solution because prep time is minimal.

Bush says certain meats work best in a slow cooker, like chuck roast, pot roast, pork shoulder (for pulled pork), short ribs and lamb shanks, all of which become melt-in-your-mouth tender with moist, low-heat slow cooking.

It’s possible to cook a roast without

any liquid, but adding a small amount of broth, wine, water, beer or soup adds moisture and flavor, says Bush. The slow cooker traps steam from cooking meat, which keeps meat moist.

The store offers a weekly advertised special every Wednesday and other in-house specials. There are cases full of “oven ready” meals such as lasagna, stuffed green peppers, meatballs, Italian beef, pulled BBQ pork, chicken pot pie, chicken Kiev and 25 kinds of bratwurst.

“If there’s something you want for dinner, we can have it ready for you,” says Bush.

Countryside specializes in top quality Midwestern beef, pork and poultry and is a full-service meat market that caters to customer needs, whether that means grabbing lunch on the run or planning a big party.

There are also cheeses and cheese spreads, sauces, dips, dressings, mari-

nades, chicken, egg, tuna and crab salads, as well as cole slaw, broccoli slaw, baked beans, potato salad, macaroni salad, Italian pasta salad and creamed or pickled herring.

Gourmet items include four varieties of stuffed chicken breasts, twice baked and cheesy potatoes, and stuffing made with ham and Swiss cheese, apples and cranberries, or traditional bread stuffing and crab cakes. Large portabella mushrooms are filled with crab meat and Swiss cheese or cheddar cheese and bacon. ❚

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Your Central Nervous System Matters!

By Peggy Werner

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t’s always a good time to take a personal inventory of what bad habits we have and to take steps to replace them with good habits – all leading to better health.

And although everyone knows the benefits of stress management, proper nutrition and getting enough rest and exercise, they may not be aware of how vital the health of the central nervous system is to experiencing success in all these areas, says Chiropractor Kory Spear of The Joint at Forest Plaza, next to Kohl’s, at 6139 E. State St. “It all works hand in hand. If you’re stressed, you can’t sleep well; if you can’t sleep well, you can’t handle stress.

If a person isn’t eating right and getting enough rest, energy levels suffer and they are more prone to injury. I believe wellness is about continual improvement and

is not a goal, but an ongoing process,” he says Chiropractors specialize in the proper alignment of the spine to control pain, tightness, inflammation, tenderness and other problems.

The spine and brain make up the central nervous system, which is the main communication center in the body. Unless everything is in alignment, the communication lines don’t remain open and the body can’t function at optimal levels, says Spear.

People are not always aware they need an adjustment, but see improvement when they have one, he says.

The Joint is a new concept in chiropractic care, with 440 locations nationwide that offer more affordable and more convenient adjustment appointments by not accepting insurance and passing those savings along to the customer. The Joint accepts walk-ins from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Monday through Friday and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Current specials include a $29 new patient offer for a consultation, exam, and adjustment, as well as a “wellness package” of four visits per month for $59 – good at any location. New patients may call to schedule an appointment, but follow-up visits are walk-in only.

The Joint staff includes Clinic Owner and Director Dr. Dan Cammarano of Aurora and Illinois Board Certified Chiropractors Dr. John Staranko, and Spear.

For more information, visit thejoint. com or call (815) 977-4316. ❚

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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

Autumn Fun

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

Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

Attractions & Events

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.

RAM: Bold Abstractions Now thru Jan. 26, daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Exploring new forms of abstract painting from Rockford, IL 61101 1.800.521.0849 gorockford.com the 1960s. RAM, (815) 968-2787, rockfordartmuseum.org.

9/10/07 2:07:37 PM

Katie's Cup Second Thursday Concert Nov. 14, 7 to 8:30 p.m. Rockford-based, nationally-celebrated singer-songwriter Emily Hurd performs. 502 7th St., (815) 986-0628, Katiescup.com.

The Piano Guys Nov. 15, 8 p.m. An original blend of classical music with pop. The Piano Guys have performed on 'The Tonight Show' and the 'Today Show.' Coronado PAC, Rockford, (815) 9680595, coronadopac.org.

Cameras at the Confluence Nov. 16, 2:30 p.m. The series finishes with 'Available Light,' featuring holiday shooting; light refreshments after the session. Nature at the Confluence, South Beloit, Ill., (815) 2006910, natureattheconfluence.com.

Wisconsin Brass Quintet Nov. 17, 2 p.m. The acclaimed quintet has maintained a position at the forefront of brass chamber music since the group’s founding in 1972. MAC, Monroe, Wis., (608) 325-5700, monroeartscenter.org.

Anton Natwich Trio Nov. 17, 3 p.m. A Chicago-based group specializing in jazz and improvised music, playing compositions inspired by Thelonious Monk, Duke Ellington, Sun Ra and Steve Lacy. MPAC, Starr Center, 415 N. Church St., Rockford, (815) 964-9713, mendelssohnpac.org.

The Sounds of Simon & Garfunkel Nov. 20-21, see website for times. Enjoy an evening of iconic music of the famous duo, including “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” “The Sound of Silence” and “Scarborough Fair.”

White Pines, Mt. Morris, Ill., (815) 946-3817, whitepinesinn.com.

AJG: Lecture Nov. 21, 7 p.m. Tim Gruner, Head of Horticulture and Garden Curator, gives his annual “garden year in review.” Anderson Japanese Gardens, Rockford, (815) 229-9390, andersongardens.org.

Avalon String Quartet will perform Nov. 24.

'The Best Christmas Pageant Ever!'

Nov. 22-Dec. 8, Fri. 8 p.m., Sat. 2 & 8 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. A couple struggling to put on a church Christmas pageant is challenged, leading to mayhem and fun. Pec Playhouse Theatre, (815) 239-1210, pecplayhouse.org.

Barbara Buck Open House Nov. 22-24, Fri. & Sat. 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Sun. noon-4 p.m. See the work of nationally recognized Santa artist Barbara Buck and enjoy cider, cookies and pumpkin fudge. 1240 S. Walnut St., Freeport, (815) 541-8890.

Broadway: 'The Jersey Boys' Nov. 23, 8 p.m. The story of how four blue-collar kids formed The Four Seasons and became a pop sensation with hits such as “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” and “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You.” Coronado PAC, Rockford, (815) 9680595, coronadopac.org.

Trolls Live!

Nov. 23-24, 10 a.m. & 2:30 p.m. When the Troll’s Hug Time is put at risk, Poppy, Branch and friends put on a super party to save it.

BMO Harris Bank Center, Rockford, (815) 9685222, thebmoharrisbankcenter.com.

Avalon String Quartet Nov. 24, 3 p.m. Back for their ninth season, the quartet celebrates Beethoven’s 250th birthday by performing his string quartets with some newly composed transitions between the works. MPAC, Mendelssohn Hall, Rockford, (815) 964-9713, mendelssohnpac.org.

Stroll on State Nov. 30, 2 p.m.-9 p.m. Enjoy the parade, treelighting, Santa visit, Strollville, entertainment stages, live reindeer, carriage rides, River Lights show and more. Gorockford.com. ❚

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Restaurant of the Week

Authentic Mexican Cuisine at Dos Reales

By Paul Anthony Arco

D

(Samantha Ryan photos)

os Reales, 5855 E. State St., Rockford, has been serving up authentic Mexican fare since 1998, along with some American favorites and signature margaritas, in an intimate yet fun atmosphere.

Dos Reales features several Mexican signature items on its recently updated menu: burrito cheese steak, chimichangas and appetizers such as guacamole ranchero. Newer dishes include torta Mexicana, a Mexican style of sandwich filled with grilled chicken or steak; sopes Mexicanos, a traditional Mexican dish served with rice and beans; and molletes, a traditional Mexican meal with toasted bread covered in refried beans and grilled steak. There are nontraditional dishes, too, such as chicken wings, burgers and french fries.

“There’s a misconception that all Mexican food is hot,” says Jose Gonzalez, Dos Reales’s manager. “All of our dishes are mild unless guests request them to be spicy.

We prepare everything from scratch and Jose Gonzalez purchase our products from local sources.”

Dos Reales offers gluten-free options and has always used fresh, preservative-free corn tortillas, chips and vegetable oil in its cooking.

Recently, Dos Reales underwent a major renovation – its parking lot was repaved, the main dining room was repainted, new flooring and a new roof were installed and the kitchen received extensive upgrades.

There’s a new bar, where customers gather for what Gonzalez calls the “best margaritas in town.” Drink specials are popular on Monday and Tuesday evenings. Live music is featured every other Friday.

The main dining room seats 100, and the back dining area can be reserved for private events. Carry-out and catering are also offered. Dos Reales is open Sun.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-10 p.m., and Fri.Sat. until 10:30 p.m. ❚ ❚

Top Picks for Local Restaurants Baci’s Kitchen  Fast-Casual, dine-in, carry-out. 2990 N. Perryville Road, inside A Perryville Place. (815) 329-6922. Open 7 days/wk. at 8 a.m. BkLD. Complete menu at Baciskitchen.com.

Backyard Grill & Bar  Casual/American. 5390 Elevator Road, Roscoe, Ill., (815) 623-6677. 2nd St., Loves Park, Ill., (815) 6369430. LD M-Th 11am-midnight, F-Sat to 2am, Sun noon-10 p.m. $-SS. Bravo Pizza  Italian/American. 376 Prairie Hill Road, S. Beloit, Ill., (815) 624-7900. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11pm. $.

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

Daily specials. 6500 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park, Ill. (815) 654-9900. LD M-F 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Sat. 5-10 p.m. $$ Cucina di Rosa  Italian Bistro/Bakery 1620 Bell School Road, (815) 395-5040. BkLD. M-Sat 7am-9pm. $$ Dos Reales Mexican Restaurant  Casual/Mexican. 5855 E. State St., (815) 227-4979. LD $-$$.

Fresco at the Gardens.  Casual/American Café. 318 Spring Creek Road, (815) 316-2256. BkL Daily 7am-3pm. $$ Giordano’s  Casual/Italian. Stuffed pizza, salads, entrees, sandwiches, desserts. 33 Executive Parkway, Rockford, (815) 398-5700. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11 pm.

Hearthrock Cafe  Restaurant/cafe. Baked goods, coffee, breakfast, lunch. Inside Benson Stone Co., 1100 11th St., (815) 227-2000. BkL M-F 7:30am-3pm; Sat. 8am-3pm. $-$$.

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Lino’s  Italian/American. 5611 E. State St., Rkfd. (815) 397-2077. D M-Sat 4:30am-10pm; Sun. 4:30am-9 pm. $$.

Maciano’s  Casual Italian. 6746 Broadcast Pkwy., Loves Park, (815) 633-7500; & 5801 Columbia Pkwy., Rkfd., (815) 227-5577. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11pm. $-$$.

Mary’s Market Cafe & Bakery  Baked goods, sandwiches, salads. 2636 McFarland Road, Rockford, (815) 986-3300; 1659 N. Alpine Road, Rockford, (815) 394-0765; 4431 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 397-7291. BkLD Hours vary by location. $.

Olympic Tavern  Upscale-Casual/American. 2327 N. Main St., (815) 962-8758. Extensive beer list. LD M-Th 11 a.m.-midnight; Fri-Sat. to 2 a.m. $-$$.

Prairie Street Brewhouse  Upscale-Casual/American.

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

Salamone’s North  Italian-American. 2583 N. Mulford Road, Rkfd. LD. Sun. noon-10 p.m.; Mon.-Th 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri. 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sat. noon-11 p.m. (815) 639-1200 Stockholm Inn  Casual/American, Scandinavian emphasis.

2420 Charles St., Rockford, (815) 397-3534. BkLD M-Sat., Sun. brkfst. only. M-Th 7a.m.-7 p.m.; Fri. & Sat. 7 a.m.-2 p.m.

Sun. 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Weekend brunch. Large menu, Swedish pancakes specialty. $$ Taco Betty’s  Casual/Mexican-American. 212 E. State St., Rkfd., (815) 977-5650. LD Daily 11am-1am. $$. ❚

Nov. 13

To advertise call 815-316-2300

In the Spotlight

Hearthrock Cafe

B

enson Stone Company’s Hearthrock Café has introduced new items to its already-popular menu. Head Chef Todd Cooper is following the popular farm-totable trend, working with seasonal and fresh ingredients as much as possible.

One of his most popular creations is the Smoked Andouille Sausage Flatbread, with a homemade Marinara sauce, fresh mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, red pepper and mushrooms.

There’s also a Benson Reuben sandwich, made with homemade sauce and pickled red cabbage.

Fresh salads include apple walnut, mandarin orange, garden, spinach or Caesar, iwith optional chicken or bacon.

Hearthrock Café hours are Mon.Fri. 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m. and Sat. 8 a.m.-3 p.m.

Breakfast is served until 11 a.m. Benson Stone Company is located at 1100 11th St. in Rockford. Learn more at BensonStone. com/hearthrock. ❚

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