Smart Living Weekly May 16, 2018

Smart L iving Weekly Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • Rockford Region/Beloit/Freeport 95¢ • May 16, 2018

™

Right in Our Region

Young at Heart Fesitval Fun

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Dining at Baci’s Kitchen The Rise of Reclining Furniture Celebrating Paths to Prosperity The ‘Closest thing to The Beatles’

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2 Passes to Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens

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In This Issue Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 16 Young at Heart Festival Fun Your Home ................................................. ..... 11 The Rise of Reclining Furniture Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 Are We First or Last?

Your Outing ................................................. .... 21 1964: The Tribute Your Education .................................................23 Upper Iowa University Students Celebrate Your Fun ................................................... ......... 25 Restaurant of the Week ................................... 26 Baci’s Kitchen Dining Locally .......................................... ........ 26

Smart L iving Weekly ™

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Bill Hughes

Executive Editor/Web Editor Chris Linden Managing Editor Lindsey Gapen 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, Kendra Green Administration & Circulation Manager Lisa Hughes Website www.SmartLivingWeekly.com Published by Hughes Media Corp.

222 Seventh St., Rockford, IL, 61104 (815) 316-2300, Fax: (815) 316-2301 lhughes@northwestquarterly.com Smart Living Weekly.

Copyright 2018 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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Paths to Prosperity

T

here’s an article in this issue about 35 Rockford-area students graduating from Upper Iowa University (UIU) this spring. Pamela Timmons, director of the UIU Rockford Center, said, “All of our graduates are looking to advance themselves in their careers and lives.”

That jumped out at me because we’re always on the prowl to identify pathways to prosperity here at Smart Living Weekly.

I’m personally a big believer in the value of higher education, whether obtained in a traditional manner or through non-traditional options at any stage of life. College isn’t for everybody but it’s certainly one important pathway toward prosperity. The more credible, non-traditional options we have, the better.

Just 21.6 percent of us hold a Bachelor’s degree in our region, compared to a national average of 30.3 percent, U.S. Census data says.

But what about folks who really aren’t cut out for formal education? Are paths to prosperity closed off to them? Absolutely not.

There are many forms of self-improvement that lead to economic advancement. They include apprenticeship in the trades, smallbusiness training for budding entrepreneurs, military service, tech schooling, high-demand manufacturing skills training and much more.

Rockford has a wealth of community resources for people who are serious about earning better incomes. The Workforce Connection comes to mind as one important bridge between employers who can’t fill positions and people who need jobs.

The prosperity puzzle has many pieces.

Sometimes the inability to find affordable daycare or transportation is enough to derail folks with good intentions. If local history has taught us anything, it’s that we sink or swim together. If we allow poverty and joblessness to fester, when it’s in the power of our hands to address it, we’ll all pay dearly one way or another. About 33 percent of our city’s children live in poverty; we can do better.

Have a great week! ❚ Janine Pumilia SLW Editor

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Y H  G

Power Furniture: Now This is Comfortable

By Janine Pumilia

M

ost of us grew up with furniture that wasn’t always so comfortable.

We either conformed our bodies to it or stretched out on the floor.

“With recliners, all you had for a very long time was the Archie Bunker type chair that opened or closed, using muscle power,” says Mitchell Johnson, store manager at Gustafson’s Furniture & Mattress, 6651 E. State St., Rockford.

“Then about seven years ago came really good power recliners. People immediately loved them, not because people are lazy, but because they allow you to stop at any point of motion along the way for honest, customized comfort.

“Your footrest can be raised a little or a lot or in between. And now there’s also power adjustment for your headrest and for your lumbar region. For the first time, the chair is really accommodating your body. You can make an infinite number of adjustments.”

The same motion technology was quickly incorporated into sofas and love seats. Today there are even more options for extended foot rests that better accommodate long legs.

“About 80 percent of the chairs, sofas and love seats we sell today are power,” says Johnson. “Once people try them, they love them. They see the cost isn’t all that much greater and they know this is something they’ll use every day.”

Johnson reports very few problems with the quiet, modern DC motors that smoothly power the furniture.

“Honestly, we do less service on power furniture than on the models that move with manual power,” he says.

“People tend to whack those around pretty hard. With power, it’s just the touch of a button.”

Gustafson’s has hundreds of samples of power furniture on display. While

leather and leather-look fabrics remain the most popular, there’s also a huge selection of other fabrics to choose from.

Through the years, furniture manufacturers have offered sofas and chairs with built-in heat, massage, speakers, lighting, refrigeration and cord outlets.

Says Johnson, “Some of those ideas came and went, but the power reclining is definitely here to stay.”

Archie Bunker would approve. ❚

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I  W

Are We First or Last?

In this series, we look at various qualities of Jesus Christ. hen Jesus came to the world, he preached mostly to fellow Jews.

But the great mystery of his life’s work and resurrection is that he extended God’s grace to all people who believed on him, then and now, regardless of race, gender, previous religion, education level or financial status. (See Galatians 3:28).

In fact, his parting instruction was to share the good news with all people on the earth. (Acts 1:8) No longer were the Jews the sole focus of God’s attention.

Why is it, then, that we Christians still insist upon valuing some people more than others? We’re in for a big surprise if we think our earthly systems of assigning status carry any weight with God. Jesus’ society overtly valued men over women, adults over children, the healthy over the sick and the wealthy over the poor. And, Jewish people had reason to believe they were singled out as God’s chosen people, based upon the Old Testament.

It’s little wonder that Jesus’ message of “salvation to all who believe” so rocked the world of the most powerful stakeholders in society. It still does.

To be clear, Jesus never said he loved the poor more than the rich, the gentiles more than the Jews, women more than men, children more than adults, the sick more than the healthy. But he did caution that those who are used to being “on top” in the world would find it especially difficult to forsake their ways and follow him.

When a devout rich man asked Jesus what he could do to obtain eternal life, Jesus replied: “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth. (Matthew 19:21) We’d do well to remember that God’s value system is different from society’s and the Christian’s goal is to conform to Him, not to the world. Among his other roles, Jesus is the great equalizer. “ Many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first.” (Matthew 19:30). ❚ –Janine Pumilia

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Memorial Day Weekend 2018

Loves Park City Hall Festival Grounds • 100 Heart Boulevard buttons are $12.00 at the gate or purchase in advance for $8.00 KIDS 6 and under are FREE when accompanied by an adult Sold at Loves Park City Hall,and other select locations IN MACHESNEY AND LOVES PARK button good for all four days • All shows are included with admission

To advertise call 815-316-2300

TICKETS ON SALE!

Diamonds, Denim & Stars WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 2018 | 6 - 9 P.M. @ CORONADO THEATRE

Original players from the All American Girls Professional Baseball League will be at the event signing autographs! Megan Cavanagh, most recognized as Marla Hooch from A League of Their Own, and Kim Ng, MLB’s Senior Vice President of Baseball Operations, will also be at the event visiting with guests and signing autographs. Vintage cars and trucks will set the scene, and ballpark fare will be served at the Tailgate Party outside the theater. This event will also be the launch site of the 2018 Women’s Baseball World Cup – the first time this has taken place in the United States!

Tickets are available at ticketmaster.com, or at the Coronado Performing Arts Center (800.745.3000).

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R  O R

Young at Heart Promises All the Favorites

By Peggy Werner oung at Heart Festival buttons are now on sale at 20 locations and serve as your admission ticket to the 47th annual festival that ushers in summer.

The festival will be from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday, May 25; noon to 11 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, May 26-27; and from noon to 6 p.m. Monday, May 28, at the Loves Park City Hall festival grounds, 100 Heart Blvd. The midway closes at 10 p.m. each night.

This year’s button, designed by Harlem High School Junior Katie Wachter, age 17, gets each person into the festival all four days and covers the cost of everything but food and rides. It costs $8 in advance, $12 at the gate. Children age 6 and under attend at no charge.

Diana Johnson, Parks Chamber executive director and Young at Heart Festival committee chairman, describes the colorful button as an “eye catcher.”

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“I wanted to create a feeling of all the things that make up the Young at Heart Festival,” says Katie. Her clever design features popcorn and hearts inside a ferris-wheel shape.

New this year is a two-day Kids Day from 1 to 5 p.m. (with a wristband for unlimited rides) on Saturday or Sunday; a new pageant director; more food vendors; and a new ride, says Johnson, who has worked as festival chairperson since 2002 and will retire after this year.

“I like watching the looks on kids’ faces as they go on the rides, get the food they like, see superheroes, and get candy along the parade route,” she says. “And I’ve enjoyed working with businesses.”

In retirement, she plans to spend more time with her children, grandchildren and husband Steve, the mayor of Machesney Park.

“Down Draft” is the name of a

May 16

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new ride recently purchased by Skinner Amusements. It has a 60-foot spinning base and spokes that move up and down.

Expanding Kids Day to two afternoons is meant to spread out the crowds and get people on and off rides faster, Johnson says.

The Young at Heart Queen pageant took place May 12 when 14 contestants vied for the title of Mini Princess (ages 5 & 6), Junior/Petite Princess (ages 7 to 11), Senior Princess (ages 12 to 14) and Queen (ages 15 to 19).

Kathleen McMasters is the new owner and director of the pageant. She was chosen for the job by 92-year-old Frances Williams, who ran the pageant and the former Forest Hills Dance Academy for many decades.

McMasters says she hopes to encourage more girls to enter the competition and be involved in more community

R  O R

activities during their year of their reign.

The contestants must be in good standing at their school, agree to represent the Parks area at numerous events, and present a dignified public image.

“I love these children and want them to gain skills and confidence in a way that develops them for the rest of their lives,” McMasters says.

On the Friday opening night, music highlights will include Three Good Men, performing at 6:30 p.m., and the Blooze

Brothers performing at 9 p.m.

Saturday’s events will open with the Young at Heart Parade at 9 a.m. The theme is “Embrace Knowledge.” The 75 entries include scouts, local fire and police departments, Korean War veterans, local businesses, mascots, clowns, Singing DJ Jayke Bluus and more.

Barb Schwengels, parade chairperson, says online applications may be submitted until May 21 at loves-park.IL.US. The parade travels north about 2.5 miles on North 2nd Street from Woodward to Theodore Street (near the library.)

After the parade, people will head to the festival grounds for lunch, music and activities. Billy The Balloon Guy, The Little Mermaid, Hawaiian Princess, Bat Hero and Captain USA will be available for pictures with kids. The John Measner Magic Show is at 1, 2, and 3 p.m.; The Young at Heart Idol Contest begins at 4 p.m.; and Dixie Crush performs at 7 p.m. followed by a 9 p.m. $25,000 fireworks display and Country Artist Raelynn at 10 p.m.

On Sunday, Jim Gill performs at 1:30 p.m.; The Magic of Brian Holt at 2:30 p.m.; Mr. Steve at 3:30 p.m.; The Missing Links at 6:30 p.m. and Infinity at 9 p.m.

Monday’s headliners will be Cole and Co., featuring Carl Cole and the YES Club from 12:30 to 2 p.m., followed by the Men of Our Times from 3 to 5:30 p.m.

Buttons are on sale at Kelley Williamson/Mobil gas stations, Northwest Bank, Alpine Bank, Associated Bank, Blackhawk Bank, Loves Park City Hall, North Suburban Library, Rock Valley Credit Union, Schnucks, Machesney Park Village Hall and Valli Produce.

Ride wristbands can be purchased in advance for $15 (cash only) from noon to 6 p.m. May 21-23 at Loves Park City Hall. Only 700 wristbands will be sold at the discounted price. At the gate, they’re $20.

Young at Heart is being sponsored

by Trickie Enterprises for the 10th consecutive year.

Learn more and find a complete schedule at parkschamber.com. ❚

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Y O

‘1964 The Tribute’ to Perform June 23 M

ost of us have never experienced a live performance by The Beatles and never will. But the next best thing to it is coming to Rockford in June when “1964 The Tribute” recreates an early 1960s live The Beatles concert with period instruments, clothing, hairstyles and accurate onstage banter.

“Those who never saw The Beatles perform live and always wanted to know what it must have been like will come as close as you can possibly get to feeling the magic,” says the band’s publicist.

The band will appear Saturday, June 23, 7:30 p.m., at the Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St. “1964 The Tribute” is hailed by critics and fans alike as THE most authentic and endearing Beatles tribute band. Rolling Stone magazine describes the group as “The Best Beatles Tribute on Earth.”

Having toured the globe since the early 1980s, “1964” members have re-

searched and performed Beatles music for more than 35 years. They include Mark Benson as John Lennon; Mac Ruffing as Paul McCartney; Tom Work as George Harrison; and Bobby Potter as Ringo Starr.

Benson, a native of Ohio, co-founded the tribute band in 1984. He began playing drums and piano at age 8. “‘1964’ shows the audience what it was like to attend a Beatles concert in the early ’60s and generates the same feeling of happiness that is still generated by the music of The Beatles,” says Benson. “We get so much of this positive energy back from our audiences, it reassures us that,

for now, we are where we are supposed to be. We had no idea, when we first started this band, that it would lead to us perform at so many of the venues The Beatles played, like Carnegie Hall, Red Rocks Amphitheater, The Deauville Hotel, Shea Stadium, and The Cavern in Liverpool, England.”

Through the years, “1964 The Tribute” has shared the stage with luminaries including Chuck Berry, Cheap Trick, The Beach Boys, Rod Stewart, Dave Mathews, Smokey Robinson and James Taylor.

Buy tickets at the Coronado PAC and BMO Harris Bank Center box offices, over the phone at (815) 968-0595, or online at Ticketmaster.com. ❚

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F  E

Rockford’s Upper Iowa U. Grads Celebrate

By Peggy Werner pper Iowa University (UIU) of Rockford recently hosted its annual Senior Reception to recognize graduates and to award top students.

Rockford UIU Center Director Pamela Timmons says the reception is an opportunity for graduates to celebrate their accomplishments, whether or not they attend the graduation ceremonies held in Fayette, Iowa, this month.

“Graduates walk away from the reception with a sense of pride for having completed their degree at Upper Iowa,” she says. “They know they were a part of a great community and can feel good about their accomplishments.”

The evening included a dinner, awards and speakers, including Upper Iowa President William Duffy.

From among this year’s 35 graduates, four were recognized for their academic accomplishments, which included

U

New graduates Alyssa Behmer, Jordan Diehl, Falina Bertolasi and Virgie Taylor.

achieving a GPA of at least 3.8. They were selected by teachers and advisors.

The award-winning graduates are Falina Bertolasi of Byron, Human Services; Virgie Taylor of Cherry Valley, Financial Management; Alyssa Behmer of Stillman Valley, Business Administration; and Jordan Diehl of Rockford, business administration.

“These students are very dedicated, organized, stay on track and met their goal without being distracted,” says Tim-

mons. “They’re all working in their fields and can now look forward to a better future. All of our graduates are looking to advance themselves in their careers and lives.”

The Teacher of the Year award went to Jeff Gasoske, who has taught at the Rockford location since it opened in 2008. He also won the award in 2010.

Upper Iowa University was founded in 1857. In the late 1990s, it began offering online degree programs. The private, non-profit university provides undergraduate and graduate degree programs and leadership development opportunities to about 6,000 students a year in 25 locations in the U.S. and Asia.

In addition to online courses, the UIU Rockford Center, 1161 Tebala Blvd., hosts evening classes. Registration takes place every eight weeks. Learn more by calling (815) 332-1414 or go to uiu.edu/ locations/Rockford. ❚

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May 16

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

AE: 'The Woman in Black' Through May 27, Thu.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sat. 4 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. A London lawyer hires an actor to help recount a story to family and Rockford, IL 61101 1.800.521.0849 gorockford.com friends that has long troubled him since he attended the funeral of an elderly recluse.

Cheek Theatre, Rockford University, Rockford, (815) 226-4100, artistsensemble.org.

9/10/07 2:07:37 PM

RSO: Disney Around the World May 19, 7:30 p.m. The music of Disney classics will delight the entire family, featuring songs from “The Little Mermaid,” “Pocahontas,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Frozen,” “Pirates of the Caribbean,” “Mulan,” “Aladdin” and the “Lion King.” Rockford Symphony Orchestra, Coronado PAC, Rockford. Tickets: (815) 9650049, rockfordsymphony.com.

Nature Fiesta May 19, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Part environmental education and part bilingual festival, people of all ages will enjoy nature exhibits, displays, live animals, crafts, guided hikes and games and will learn about our rivers, birds, butterflies, wildflowers and bees. Food available for purchase or bring a picnic. Blackhawk Springs Forest Preserve, 5360 Mulford Road, Cherry Valley. Learn more at Winnebagoforest.org.

Made in America May 19, 7:30 p.m. The first full-length Toby Keith tribute concert. Chicago musician Paul Wenzel leads the 11-piece band and shares his humor and patriotism. Special guests: Jason Aldean Tribute Band, Caldean. Egyptian Theatre, 135 N. 2nd St., DeKalb, Ill., (815) 7581215, egyptiantheatre.org.

MPAC: Rockford Jazz Showcase May 20, 3 p.m. A celebration of jazz that brings together diverse regional musicians representing a range of styles in a collaborative event.

MPAC, Mendelssohn Hall, Rockford, (815) 9649713, mendelssohnpac.org.

Nik's Night Out May 22, 5:30 p.m. at University Club, 945 N. Main St., Rockford. Free admission. Buy dinner and drinks and enjoy live music by Harlan Jefferson as well as a silent auction with the chance to get pre-season Chicago Bears tickets. All bartender tips go to the Nikolas Ritschel Foundation, a local charity that grants wishes to young adults who are fighting cancer.

Celebrate nature on May 19. (David C. Olson photo)

'Shrek the Musical' June 6-9 & July 11-15, Wed.-Sun. 8 p.m. & Sun. 2 p.m. The DreamWorks hit animated film comes to life onstage, featuring the tough cookie, the short villain, the forever-talking donkey, the hero ogre, the princess and other misfits. Starlight Theatre, Rock Valley College (RVC), 3301 N. Mulford Road, Rockford, (815) 921-2160, rockvalleycollege.edu.

'Hair' June 7-30, Thu.-Sat. 8 p.m. The radical musical of the ’60s tackles issues still relevant today, with hits like “Aquarius” and “Good Morning Starshine.” [Usual] Suspects, Nordlof Center, Rockford. Info: rockfordpubliclibrary.org RAM Midwestern Biennial Show June 9-Sept. 30, daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The 75th presentation of RAM’s biennial juried exhibition showcasing multimedia work by contemporary artists across the Midwest.

RAM, Rockford, (815) 968-2787, rockfordartmuseum.org.

'Jane Eyre' June 13-16 & July 18-22, Wed.-Sun. 8 p.m. & Sun. 2 p.m. A musical adaptation of Charlotte Bronte’s story of the orphaned young girl living with a family who dislikes her. Starlight Theatre, RVC, Rockford, (815) 921-2160, rockvalleycollege.edu.

Klehm Woodsong: Josh Hoyer June 17, 6 p.m. Featured on “The Voice,” John Hoyer & Soul Colossal combine soul, funk and R&B for a high-energy show. Bring a picnic dinner and beverage to enjoy on the lawn of the Fountain Garden. Klehm Arboretum, 2715 S. Main St., Rockford, (815) 965-8146, klehm. org. ❚

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WDL

Fast-Casual Dining at Baci’s Kitchen

By Janine Pumilia

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ears before he opened it, owner Nikko Castrogiovanni mulled over the concept for Baci’s Kitchen in his mind. He envisioned a fast-casual atmosphere for breakfast, lunch and dinner that would become a neighborhood favorite because of its good food, reasonable prices and fast service all day long.

Baci’s Kitchen is located at 2990 N. Perryville Road, Rockford, inside A Perryville Place, between Olde Creek and Spring Creek roads.

Much of the operation runs through the back door, with delivery, carryout and catering service, but full table service is available as well.

“The Baci menu offers Italian and American cuisine, with many healthconscious and vegetarian options,” says Castrogiovanni.

For breakfast, classics like waffles and omelets are favorites, but so too are breakfast bowls such as quinoa, spin-

ach and hard-boiled eggs with avocado, tomato and feta cheese, served with toast, for the same price.

There’s also steel-cut oatmeal with fresh fruits and spices, or Greek yogurt with fresh berries, granola, bananas and honey.

“The breakfast pizzas are great to pick up and take into morning office gatherings,” says Castrogiovanni.

The lunch/dinner menu begins at 11 a.m. daily and includes sandwiches, paninis, wraps, specialty salads, pizzas, calzones and full-blown entrees like peppercorn-encrusted sirloin filet or lasagna.

Especially popular are Baci’s healthful signature protein bowls such as the Salmon Bowl, with blackened salmon filet, brown rice, sesame seeds, spinach, avocado, edamame and shredded carrots, for $14. Other protein bowls star chicken, seared tuna, steak, shrimp or vegetables with quinoa.

Entrees like stacked salmon feature a pan-seared salmon filet topped with sautéed radishes, carrots, tomatoes, orange slices, for $20.

Enjoy live music most Friday and Saturday nights; check the website to learn the lineup.

Baci’s opens every day at 8 a.m. It closes on Sundays at 8 p.m.; on Mon.Wed. at 9 p.m.; and Thurs.-Sat. at 10 p.m.

Find the complete menu at Baciskitchen. com. ❚

In the Spotlight

Top Picks for Local Restaurants Baci’s Kitchen  Fast-Casual American and Italian specialties, Giordano’s  Casual/Italian. Stuffed pizza, salads, entrees, dine-in, carry-out. 2990 N. Perryville Road, inside A Perryville sandwiches, desserts. 33 Executive Parkway, Rockford, (815) Place. (815) 329-6922. Open 7 days/wk. at 8 a.m. BkLD. Com- 398-5700. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11 pm. plete menu at Baciskitchen.com.

GreenFire  Upscale-Casual/American contemporary. SeaBravo Pizza  Italian/American. 376 Prairie Hill Road, South Be- sonal cuisine; local-sourced ingredients; gourmet market; loit, Ill., (815) 624-7900. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11pm. $. live entertainment. 6795 E. Riverside Blvd., Rockford, (815) Capital House  Fine dining, sushi bar, gourmet coffee (martini 316-3473. BkLD M-F 11am, Sat-Sun 8am. Bar open late. $$$.

bar awaiting liquor license). 308 W. State St., Rockford, (815) 708- Hearthrock Cafe  Restaurant/cafe. Baked goods, coffee, 8989. BLD M-Th 8am-4pm, Fri. 8 am-10pm, Sat. 11am-10pm. breakfast, lunch. Inside Benson Stone Co., 1100 11th St., Closed Sunday. $-$$$.

Rockford, (815) 227-2000. BkL M-F 7:30am-3pm; Sat. 8amCiao Bella Ristorante Upscale-Casual/Italian-American. Dai- 3pm. $-$$.

ly specials. 6500 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park, Ill. (815) 654- Maciano’s Pizza & Pastaria  Casual. Pizza, Italian favor9900. LD M-F 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Sat. 5-10 p.m. $$ ites, beer & wine. 6746 Broadcast Pkwy., Loves Park, Ill., Costa’s Ristorante  Upscale-Casual/Italian. 133 Blackhawk (815) 633-7500; 5801 Columbia Pkwy., Rockford, (815) 2275577. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11pm. $$.

Dr., Byron, Ill., (815) 234-4707. LD Daily 4pm. $-$$.

Cucina di Rosa  Italian Bistro/Bakery 1620 Bell School Road, Prairie Street Brewhouse  Upscale-Casual/American. 200 Rockford, (815) 395-5040. BkLD. Homemade gelato, baked Prairie St., Rockford, (815) 277-9427. LD Sun-W 11am-10pm, Th to midnight, F-Sat to 2am. $-$$. goods, pasta, frittatas, more. M-Sat 7am-9pm. $$ Dos Reales Mexican Restaurant  Casual/Mexican. Authen- Taco Betty’s  Casual/Mexican-American. 212 E. State St., tic dishes, lunch menu. 5855 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 227- Rockford, (815) 977-5650. LD Daily 11am-1am. $$.

4979. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 10:30pm. $-$$.

Thrive Café  Casual/Cafe. Salads, wraps, sandwiches, smoothies, cold-pressed juices. Inside Peak Fitness, 4401 Peak Fresco at the Gardens.  Casual/American Café. Fresh, local-sourced ingredients. 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, Drive, Loves Park, Ill. BkLD M-F 6am-8pm, Sat 8am-2pm. ❚ (815) 316-2256. BkL Daily 7am-3pm. $$

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Smart Living Weekly

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C

Cannova’s

annova’s has been serving up authentic Italian dishes and pizza since Anthony and Philippina Cannova started the restaurant in 1921.

Today, their granddaughter, Linda, and her husband, Patrick Beckman, carry on the tradition, at 1101 W. Empire St., Freeport. They use many original recipes for pizza, spaghetti sauce, Italian beef, fresh bread and pizza dough.

House specials include a Sicilian filet, marinated in olive oil and red wine; Italian-style baked cod; and seafood Alfredo. Linda’s made-from-scratch desserts include tiramisu, cheesecake and chocolate spoon cake.

Then there are the award-winning pizzas: the Classic; the New York; the double-crusted Gloria Read, named for a longtime customer; and the Sicilian.

Cannova’s is open Sun.-Tues. 5-10 p.m. and Fri.-Sat. until 11 p.m. ❚

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