Smart Living Weekly November 20, 2019

Smart L iving Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • Rockford Region/Beloit/Freeport 95¢ • November 20, 2019

™

Right in Our Region

Stroll on State: Better Than Ever!

See Page 16

Holiday Menu Ideas Tips for Hiring a Home Cleaner What to Know About Hospice Care Tons of Fun Local Events!

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$25 Gift Card to Bravo Pizza 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 Stroll on State!

Your Home ............................................ ............ 11 Tips on Hiring a Home Cleaner Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 Trusting God with Real Life Your Kitchen ......................................................15 Flavorful Holiday Menus Your Health ............................................. .......... 23 Understanding Hospice & Palliative Care Your Fun ................................................... ......... 25

Restaurant of the Week ................................... 26 Tavern on Clark 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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Your Midwest Home

WHEN THE TURKEY’S ON YOUR PLATE, IT’S TOO LATE! SCHEDULE TODAY!

W

e Midwesterners should be really proud of our region but we too often fall prey to that “flyover country” nonsense. American innovation and adventure are in no way exclusive to the East and West coasts!

Yes, our farms and factories keep blood pumping through U.S. veins, but we also have a long history of leadership in social movements, creative pursuits and technical innovations that change the world. Names like John Deere, Oprah, Walt Disney, Jane Addams, Toni Morrison and Frank Lloyd Wright come to mind and the list goes on and on.

It’s always been the mission of Northwest Quarterly Magazine to highlight unique people and aspects of our northern Illinoissouthern Wisconsin region. The fact that we haven’t run out of subjects in our 15th year of publication says it all: This is an exciting place to live and has a history worth knowing. In our new Autumn/Holiday issue alone, you’ll discover the following: – Our region (Wisconsin in particular) has produced most of the noteworthy environmental champions of U.S. history, including Aldo Leopold, John Muir, Millie Zantow, Gaylord Nelson, Sigurd Olson, Lorrie Otto and Rockford’s own George Fell.

– Illinois and Wisconsin were the first states to ratify the 19th Amendment that, in 1920, granted women the right to vote; leading suffragists lived here.

– We all know President Abraham Lincoln guided our country through the Civil War intact, but do we know the role his Illinois debates against Stephen A. Douglas, on the subject of slavery, played in getting him to the White House?

These are just a few of the subjects we explore in our current issue. We also offer an exciting update on Rockford’s own girl-wonder musician Emily Bear, and much more.

We hope you’ll seek out a copy of Northwest Quarterly and cozy up with it, perhaps by a fireplace or with a hot cup of something, and enjoy learning about this place that so many remarkable people have called home. It really is special.

Have a good week and stay warm! ❚

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Janine Pumilia SLW Editor

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Experience Downtown Rockford

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Y H  G

What to Ask Before Hiring a House Cleaner

By Janine Pumilia

H

iring someone to clean your house can be a real pleasure. Who doesn’t love coming home to a clean home? And who couldn’t use the time it frees up, especially now that two-income households are the norm? For the cost of one family dinner out, this pleasure could be yours.

Before you hand your house key to a stranger, however, be sure to ask these questions, suggests Paul Wheelock, owner of Merry Maids franchises in five local counties.

• What’s your security protocol?

Wheelock personally runs federal background checks on every person he hires.

“State background checks alone are not enough,” he says. “My guideline is that I won’t hire anyone I wouldn’t give my own house key to.”

• Can you provide proof of insurance? “If a company isn’t insured and bonded, you could be responsible for any

injuries that occur on your property,” says Wheelock. All Merry Maids employees are insured, bonded and covered by Worker’s Compensation.

• How well are your employees treated? High turnover is never good.

Companies that respect employees will attract better people who take more pride in their work.

“We offer a career experience to our employees,” says Wheelock. “We provide benefits like paid time off and a retirement plan. This helps us to find the best people and keep them onboard.”

• Is the work guaranteed? Expectations on both sides should be well communicated to avoid conflicts. “We’ll come back and make right anything that a customer feels was not properly done,” says Wheelock.

• How do pricing and payment options work? “We do a walk-through before a final price is set,” says Wheelock.

“Be wary of companies that skip this step and offer a ‘free cleaning,’ sight unseen, as a gimmick.” You get what you pay for.

As for payment methods, “We offer options for encrypted, secure online payment so you don’t have to bother with checks or cash.” Online software allows you to get a rough idea of how your cleaning job will be priced or you can get an estimate over the phone.

Merry Maids specializes in residential work. A typical cleaning schedule is 1.5 to 3 hours every two weeks.

Learn more at Merrymaids.com. ❚

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I  W

Trusting God with Reality I

n the middle of our Bibles is a collection of 150 psalms that offer a jarring roller coaster ride of human emotion. Several authors wrote the psalms over a period of about 1,000 years; King David penned roughly half of them.

While we tend to gravitate toward the psalms that reassure us (like the 23rd), many were composed during times of deep disappointment with God. Feelings of abandonment, anger and frustration are laid bare.

If we’re honest, all of us have been disappointed with God. Most of us have experienced or witnessed hardship, oppression, sickness, injustice, unanswered prayers. We may feel that our acknowledgement of reality conflicts with our faith life.

This is when the emotional poetry of the psalmists shows us what a healthy relationship with God looks like, suggests author Philip Yancey. We’re like third parties “peering over the shoulders” of these diary-writers. We witness their rants, but we also see them “talk themselves down from the ledge” as they journey from rage to a calm acknowledgement of what they know for sure about God: He is good, wise, powerful, loving.

The psalmists force themselves to recall the times God rescued ungrateful Israel from its self-inflicted messes. They regain perspective. Without God they would be nothing, have nothing, and they know it. They find God in the starry skies and fertile earth. Their rants turn to flights of praise – in spite of everything.

In “The Bible Jesus Read,” Yancey writes: “The odd mixture of psalms of cursing, psalms of praise and psalms of confession no longer jars me as it once did.

Instead, I am continually amazed by the spiritual wholeness of the Hebrew poets, who sought to include God in every area of life by bringing to God every emotion experienced in daily activity. One need not ‘dress up’ or ‘put on a face’ to meet God. There are no walled-off areas; God can be trusted with reality.”

To experience Psalms is to feel kinship with people through the ages whose struggles were not so different from our own. ❚ – Janine Pumilia

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Y K

Festive and Flavorful Holiday Menu Cornbread-Stuffed Bacon-Wrapped PorkTenderloin Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 55 minutes Servings: 4

•1 Smithfield Peppercorn and Garlic Seasoned Pork Tenderloin •7 slices Farmland Thick Cut Hickory Smoked Bacon, divided •3 TB. butter •1/4 cup apple cider •3/4 cup cornbread stuffing mix •1/3 cup chopped red cooking apple •3 TB. dried cranberries •2 TB. chopped pecans, toasted

Directions: Heat oven to 375 F. Cut 3 slices bacon into 1⁄4-inch wide slices. In medium saucepan, cook over medium heat until crisp; drain. Leave 1 tablespoon grease in pan. Add butter and apple cider; bring to a boil. Remove from heat; stir in cooked bacon, stuffing mix, apple, cranberries

and pecans. If needed, add additional cider to moisten stuffing. Place remaining slices of bacon about 2 inches apart down center of 15-by-10-by-1-inch baking sheet. Cut down center of tenderloin but not all the way through; lay flat on top of bacon slices. Spoon stuffing down center of tenderloin; wrap bacon slices around tenderloin, overlapping on top. Secure with wooden picks. Bake 40-45 minutes until internal temperature of stuffing reaches 160 F. Let stand 10 minutes before slicing.

BBQ Pork Tortilla Rollups

Prep time: 15 minutes plus 2-hour stand time Servings: 36 slices •1 package (12 ounces) pimiento cheese spread •3 TB. barbecue sauce •1 tsp. smoked paprika •4 flour tortillas (10 inches) •1/2 Smithfield Applewood Smoked Bacon Seasoned Pork Loin Filet, cooked and finely diced

Directions: In small bowl, combine pimiento cheese spread, barbecue sauce and paprika; mix well. Divide cheese mixture between 4 tortillas; evenly spread on each tortilla.

Sprinkle chopped pork over top of cheese spread. Tightly roll up each tortilla and wrap in plastic wrap. Place in refrigerator 2 hours or up to 2 days. Cut each tortilla into 1/2-inch slices. Serve with light drizzle of barbecue sauce. ❚

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Source: Family Features

Nov. 20

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R  O R

2019 Stroll on State Expands, Set for Nov. 30 T he 7th annual Stroll on State is expanding this year. More than 87,000 people filled the streets of downtown Rockford last year to welcome the season together and experience a true sense of community.

“The magic of the season shines through our downtown during Stroll and brings people together in a variety of ways,” says Tana Vettore, Rockford Area Convention and Visitors Bureau’s director of destination development.

This year’s event will kick off on Nov. 30, the Saturday after Thanksgiving, from 2 to 9 p.m., featuring a parade with floats, 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

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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 life-sized 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.

This interactive activity will be located just east of the BMO Harris Bank Center and a block south of the city Christmas tree.

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 lighting.

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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

R  O R

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.

Longtime Stroll on Street favorites also are returning. Randy Finch and the

Ice Brigades will be back to show off their ice sculpture creations.

Fire and Ice will amaze crowds, as blocks of ice dissolve into amazing bonfires that create stunning displays. Check this out at the corner of East State Street and North Second Street and at Veterans Memorial Hall.

Horse and wagon rides will be set up at two locations, at the corner of Elm and South Main Streets across from the BMO Harris Bank Center and across from Indoor City Market on Madison Street.

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. Locally owned businesses will have plenty of holiday specials and fun activities available during Small Business Saturday, which coincides with Stroll on State.

Mayor Tom McNamara says this annual event is another powerful example of the welcoming nature of Rockford.

“Stroll illustrates the diverse and progressive spirit of our city, providing a unique opportunity for visitors and residents alike to join together in celebration,” he says.

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

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You Deserve Robert’s Unsurpassed Service Robert Jones, Gambino Realtors Here’s What Robert’s Customers Have to Say: My agent Robert Jones was outstanding! He made me feel at ease and helped us to sail through the home-buying and home-selling process. I would recommend him to anyone.

Khalid & Sheila Z. 815-509-4248 • rjones@gogambino.com.

See more of my testimonials at my website: GoGambino.com/rjones

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Y H

Hospice and Palliative Care: What to Know

By Janine Pumilia ike it or not, we’re all mortal – that much is beyond our control. We can control how our dying process is managed, however. Hospice care professionals are end-of-life care specialists that help us to learn our options and what to expect. About 1.4 million Americans are in hospice care on any given day.

“The single most important thing to know about palliative or hospice care is that the sooner you start having difficult conversations about end-of-life care – with your loved ones, your doctor – the more positive and peaceful the process will be,” says Britney McKay, marketing associate at Beloit Regional Hospice.

Waiting until we’re in full-blown crisis mode to ask for professional help isn’t wise, she says. Laying a foundation of honest communication, while all parties are still thinking clearly, is wise.

“When we’re first beginning to care for somebody, there are a lot of initial visits from our team members,” says McK-

L

ay. “This is an important time of getting to know one another and all getting on the same page about the care plan.”

A hospice team consists of physicians, nurses, aids, social workers and chaplains. The team provides pain management, symptom control, psychosocial support and spiritual care to patients and their loved ones when a cure is not possible or further treatment is unwanted.

By contrast, “Palliative care is for people who have a serious, life-limiting illness with a lot of symptoms that need to be managed for comfort,” McKay explains. “They can still receive curative treatment while our team works with their doctor to get symptoms under control.”

Hospice teams also help people to prioritize and carry out their final wishes.

“The idea is that patients accept that they’re beginning their end-of-life journey and that we can improve their quality of life during that process,” says McKay. An initial consultation doesn’t obligate a person to sign up for or stay in a

hospice program. Both hospice and palliative care are covered in full or part by Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance. As a nonprofit organization, Beloit Regional Hospice patients also benefit from financial donations to the organization. No patient will ever be turned away due to an inability to pay.

Beloit Regional Hospice was founded by a local physician in 1982 and is now part of Beloit Health System.

Learn more at BeloitRegionalHospice.com. ❚

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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 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

Attractions & Events

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

Exploring new forms of abstract painting from the 1960s.

(815) 968-2787, rockfordartRockford, IL 61101RAM, 1.800.521.0849 gorockford.com museum.org.

9/10/07 2:07:37 PM

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.

'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

Enjoy an 1800s Christmas Walk on Dec. 7.

works. MPAC, Mendelssohn Hall, Rockford, (815) 964-9713, mendelssohnpac.org.

Holiday Traditions Nov. 15-30, Tues.-Thu. 1 & 3 p.m., Fri.-Sun. 1, 2 & 3 p.m.; Dec. 6-8, Fri. 6-9 p.m., Sat.-Sun. 1-5 p.m. Tour the elegantly decorated mansion.

Ellwood House Museum & Park, DeKalb, Ill., (815) 756-4609, ellwoodhouse.org.

'Yes Virginia, There is a Santa Claus' Nov. 29-Dec. 8, Fri.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m.

Inspired by a poignant letter written over 100 years ago by an 8-year-old girl named Virginia, to the editor of the New York Sun, and its response. Byron Civic Theater, Byron Middle School, 850 N. Colfax St., Byron, Ill., (815) 3123000, bctmagic.com.

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. See our Smart Living cover story and go to Gorockford.com.

1800s Holiday Walk Dec. 7, 5-8 p.m. Stroll luminary-lit paths, listen to carolers and learn about winter on the prairie at two historic log cabins, a wigwam and a covered wagon. Visit a Civil War Santa in his field tent and enjoy live music in the one-room schoolhouse. See a blacksmith make gifts at his forge. Enjoy popcorn cooked over an open fire, hot chocolate and cookies. Shop gifts and kids make an ornament at Gustafson Nature Center. Boone Co. Conservation District, bccdil.org. ❚

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WDL

Restaurant of the Week

Tavern on Clark: Great Food, Friendly Atmosphere

By Peggy Werner

B

rothers-in-law Sam Sabani and Dan Isai decided to create an eatery and bar with top-quality food and a great atmosphere, where business partners, couples, family and friends could gather for all occasions. The result is Tavern on Clark, 755 Clark Dr..

“We were very intentional in creating what we describe as the classic American tavern, with a fresh, new, clean look, where there’s something for everyone,” says Sabani.

A full-service bar offers signature cocktails, an extensive wine list, about 40 bottled beers and eight domestic and imported drafts. Menu offerings include aged center-cut steaks and chops, fresh salads, flatbreads, appetizers, pasta and ribs. Lunch and dinner specials include a Friday fish fry and Saturday prime rib, as well as regular Ahi tuna, mahi mahi and

surf-and-turf deals.

“We spent a lot of time researching what people wanted,” says Isai.

“We offer quality you can’t find elsewhere.”

All steaks and hamburgers are made from USDA-certified Black Angus beef, and all menu items are made-to-order from fresh produce, locally grown when possible. Signature dishes include a 10-ounce certified Black Angus beef burger and craft ale beer-battered sidewinder sea-salted French fries, served with a Wisconsin Cheddar beer sauce. Desserts include carrot cake, chocolate cake, New York cheesecake and more.

The space is open and inviting, with plenty of natural light to showcase the quality décor of dark woods, stone walls, earth-toned granite countertops and por-

celain tile. Large booths seat six comfortably, and a private dining room, with a wall-mounted flat screen TV and a fireplace, seats 50 and can accommodate business meetings and presentations.

Tavern on Clark opens daily at 11 a.m. for lunch. Dinner is served until 10 p.m. on weekdays, 11 p.m. on weekends.

The bar is open later. ❚

In the Spotlight 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. 20

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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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Nov. 20

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