Smart Living Weekly April 18, 2018

Sm mart a r L iving mar Weekly Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • Rockford Region/Beloit/Freeport 95¢ • April 18, 2018

™

Right in Our Region

Rockford to Host Lincoln Laureates

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Evolving Mattress Technology Comfort Food for COLD Spring Nights Don’t Overlook Router Security Remove Cataracts for Better Vision Rockford’s Emily Bear

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Smart Living Weekly

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In This Issue

Right in Our Region ...................Cover & p. 16 Lincoln Laureates to be Honored in Rockford Your Home .................................................. 11 How Mattresses are Evolving Inspiration & Worship .................................12 Lying Lips Your Kitchen ................................................15 Comfort Food for COLD Spring Nights Your Technology .........................................19 How’s Your Router Security?

Your Health ............................................. .....23 Improve Your Vision with New Cataract Surgery Your Fun ................................................... ....25 Restaurant of the Week .............................. 26 Owly Oop for Dining Fun 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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You’re Invited!

I

earned my editor’s pay this week as I pared down a feature from Northwest Quarterly Magazine by Jon McGinty from about 2,000 words to 700 for this week’s Smart Living Weekly cover story. We editors take pride in our slice-and-dice abilities (just call us the “Peaky Blinders” of publishing) but this article was a real challenge to reduce. Why? Because there’s so much to say about the May 5 Lincoln Academy concert and ceremony at the Coronado Theater and the orbit of interesting people involved with it. It really is an exceptional event for multiple reasons. You can read Jon’s original full-length version online (Winter 2018 NWQ) or pick up a hard copy of that NWQ magazine.

Perhaps the most important thing for YOU to know about this event is that YOU’RE INVITED to it! For free! Not one but two world premiere original compositions will be presented – one written and performed by our beloved resident child prodigy, Emily Bear, and the other composed

by Steve Larsen, the incomparable music director of Rockford Symphony Orchestra.

This event rotates through Illinois cities each year and Rockford hasn’t hosted it since 1970. The honor of hosting it in 2018 – the 200th anniversary of Illinois and 90th anniversary of Coronado Theater – is pretty great.

The governor will be here, along with all sorts of luminaries, eight of them receiving the Order of Lincoln, the highest honor given by the State of Illinois.

You can read about this year’s eight Lincoln Laureates, two of them from Rockford, and feel proud that they all hail from the Prairie State. Emily Bear is among them and, at age 16, holds the distinction of being the youngest ever to receive this honor.

It’s important to understand that while the concert and ceremony are FREE to attend, all guests must register. It’s easy enough to do online and our story directs you to the proper website.

Have a great week & stay warm! ❚ Janine Pumilia SLW Editor

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Y H  G

Did Your Mattress Get its Start at NASA? Y

By Janine Pumilia

ou probably know that freeze-dried foods and portable computers got their start in NASA laboratories. But did you know that your memory foam mattress is a Space Age wonder, too? Memory foam was developed to cushion test pilots and soon found its way into your bed.

“It amazes me how much new technology impacts mattresses today,” says Mitchell Johnson, store manager at Gustafsons’s Furniture & Mattress, 6651 E. State St., Rockford. “And as with other new-technology products, like flat-screen TVs, the prices level off in time. We’re starting to see that.”

A mattress that cost $1,499 five years ago might be $1,350 today, he says.

“For about 80 years, not much changed with mattresses. They all had metal springs covered with some wool and Dacron,” says Johnson. “Then, about 16 years ago, Tempur-Pedic introduced

memory foam mattresses. We were the first store in Rockford to sell them.”

Johnson jokes that, in the early years, he sold three kinds – “Firm, firmer and firmest. But they were still better than anything else.”

They soon evolved to become very comfortable, but some folks complained the foam retained too much body heat.

“So about five years ago, Serta introduced gel-infused memory foam and a channel system that wicks away body heat and maintains an even temperature,” says Mitchell. “That was huge.”

Also huge was the independent pocket coil spring system first introduced

by Beauty Rest. Each coil is encased in its own pouch and moves independently from others, resulting in a suspension system more responsive to your particular shape. It also minimizes the motion transfer that can disturb your partner.

“About seven years ago, Serta combined these ideas into its hybrid iComfort series – very good pocket coils and very good foam and gel-foam technologies, all covered in Space Age fabrics,” Johnson says. “And they just keep improving it.”

Most mattresses sold at Gustafson’s can be used with adjustable bases, which are sold separately.

“Older people have always liked them but now young people want them, too, so they can sit up to watch TV or use their devices in bed more easily,” says Mitchell. “It’s a luxury that’s become affordable and very popular.” ❚

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Lying Lips

Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight. – Proverbs 12:22

R

emarkably, there’s a lot of discussion today about whether or not honesty really matters. This basic tenet of the JudeoChristian faith, so important to our forefathers, seems to be endangered.

Lying becomes a way of life when we fail to stand up to it in ourselves and in others. Still, our culture depends upon honesty to function well. Lies erode marriages, families, friendships, churches, civic life, employment contracts and democracy at all levels.

In court, we need witnesses to tell the truth and jurors to care; In war, trust in leadership is required before we can relinquish our children to the battlefield.

But most importantly, if we model dishonesty or fail to stand up for truth, we reject God. “There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers. (Proverbs 6:16-20a.)

Lucifer, the “father of lies,” was so good at lying that he convinced one-third of the angels to leave Heaven. Jesus never shrank from holding him or his followers accountable to truth.

“You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. (John 8:44, NIV).

Lying does damage and truth sets us free. But it requires courage to condemn the former and embrace the latter in ourselves, our loved ones, our society.

But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God. – (John 3:21) ❚ – Janine Pumilia 12

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Y K

Try Slow-Cooker Pork for a Savory Supper M

uch as the Smart Living staff would prefer to share some springtime recipes with you this week, cold-weather comfort food just seem more appropriate, given the weather. Here are a few of our favorites for easy weeknight cooking.

For more recipe ideas, and to see what you can do with 30 minutes, visit SmithfieldRealFlavorRealFast.com.

Cheesy Pork Enchilada Stew 1 pkg. Smithfield Boneless Pork Shoulder Seasoned Carnitas 1/2 cup corn flour 2 cans (10 oz. each) red enchilada sauce 1 can (10 oz.) diced tomatoes and green chiles 1 can (4 oz.) chopped green chiles 1 1/2 tsp. minced garlic fresh cilantro 1 can (15 oz.) black beans, rinsed and drained 1 cup no-salt-added chicken stock 1/2 large red onion, diced sour cream and hot sauce 4 oz. cream cheese 2 cups (8 z.) shredded sharp cheddar cheese

2 TB balsamic vinegar 1 tsp. minced garlic

Preparation: Place carnitas in 5-quart slow cooker.

Add corn flour and toss to coat meat. Add all ingredients except cream cheese and shredded cheddar. Cover and cook on high 4-5 hours (low 7-9 hours). Break meat apart with spoon. Add cheeses and stir until melted.

Smothered Pork Chops 6 slices Smithfield Hickory Smoked Bacon, cut into 1-inch slices 1 Smithfield Garlic & Herb Marinated Fresh Pork Sirloin Roast, cut into five 1-inch chops 2 TB butter 1 large sweet yellow onion, thinly sliced 8 oz. cremini mushrooms, sliced 1/2 tsp. salt, 1/2 tsp. pepper 1 cup no-salt-added chicken stock

Preparation: In large skillet over medium-high heat, cook bacon until browned and crisp. Carefully remove bacon and drain on paper towels.

Brown pork chops in bacon grease over medium-high heat, about 2 minutes per side; remove chops from skillet. Add butter to bacon grease in skillet; saute onions, mushrooms, salt and pepper until onions have browned and are tender. Stir in stock, vinegar and garlic; cook and stir until reduced by half. Add browned chops and cooked bacon to skillet.

Cover and simmer until internal temperature of meat reaches 150 F, turning once, about 10 minutes. ❚ Source: Family Features

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R  O R

Special Concert Honors Lincoln Laureates

By Jon McGinty

T

he public is invited to a very special concert and ceremony at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 5 at Coronado Theater.

Rockford musician Emily Bear will debut an original composition she’s written just for this event. As if that weren’t treat enough, the Rockford Symphony Orchestra and Chorus will present the world premiere of a composition by Music Director Steven Larsen. The event is free, but pre-registration is required.

It’s all part of an annual Lincoln Academy of Illinois ceremony that rotates among Illinois cities each year. That Rockford was chosen as 2018 host (it last hosted in 1970) is especially meaningful because Illinois turns 200 years old this year and the Coronado recently turned 90. And, two of the eight Lincoln Laureates who’ll be inducted into the Academy this year are Rockford residents.

The Lincoln Academy of Illinois is a

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nonprofit organization that recognizes Illinois citizens who’ve made outstanding contributions to their local, state, national and global communities. Each spring since 1964, recipients have been inducted as Laureates and awarded the Order of Lincoln, the highest honor given by the state.

Laureates from Rockford this year include musician Emily Bear and businessman David Rydell.

Retired Air Force Maj. Gen. John Borling, a Regent of the Academy, is co-chair of the Rockford Civic Committee with his wife, Myrna. They’re assisted by vice- cochairs Beth and Ed Howard.

The ceremony will consist of the convocation and concert, which are both free and open to the public. Gov. Bruce Rauner, Academy Chancellor Dr. Stephanie Pace Marshall and

April 18

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May 5 Lincoln Academy Event How to Register To attend the FREE convocation and concert, go to laoil2018.eventbrite.com.

Attendance is free with registration.

For paid reserved seating for the convocation, concert and gala (black tie suggested), go to thelincolnacademyofillinois.org. The cost is $175.

Become a sponsor by going to thelincolnacademyofillinois.org and clicking on “Join Our Community.”

Lincoln Academy trustees will formally present the recipients with the Order of Lincoln.

The RSO will perform a patriotic

R  O R

2018 Lincoln Laureates

• Emily Bear, age 16, is a composer, songwriter and pianist who recently toured Europe on a 25-concert stadium tour. She’s the youngest Lincoln Laureate in history.

“It’s amazing to be honored alongside such esteemed people,” Bear says. “I’m super proud of my Rockford roots and look forward to many more music adventures.”

David Rydell

memorial concert in memory of the late Tom Johnson, a prominent Rockford attorney and former Chancellor of the Academy who was an expert on the life of Abraham Lincoln.

“Following the concert, the Governor’s Gala Reception will be held for those whose financial support have made the event possible,” says Borling. “Besides special food and drink, there will be wine tasting tables and a spectacular cordial and dessert extravaganza on stage for sponsors and other paying guests.”

• David Rydell is chairman of Bergstrom Inc., a leading designer of climate systems for the commercial vehicle industry worldwide.

“I believe the commitment of the nonprofit sector is critical to the future of the Rock River Valley,” Rydell says. “The Bergstrom Inc. Charitable Foundation has supported such organizations in our region for more than 45 years.”

The Lincoln Laureate honor caught Rydell by surprise.

“When I look at the list of other recipients, it’s beyond incredible,” he says.

• Dick Butkus is a 1965 NFL Chicago Bears draftee who played nine seasons as linebacker and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1979. He’s supported multiple charities through the Butkus Foundation Inc.

• Steven Chen, an alumnus of the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, became the co-founder and chief technology officer of YouTube after moving to Silicone Valley in 1999.

• The Rev. Michael J. Garanzini is a Jesuit priest who was president of Loyola University in Chicago for 14 years and became its chancellor in 2015. He’s known for his work on behalf of children and families.

• Mellody Hobson is president of Ariel Investments, chairman of Ariel Investment Trust and director of Estee Lauder Companies and Starbucks Corporation. She also is chairman of After School Matters, a nonprofit which provides Chicago teens with high-quality after-school programming.

• Edward L. McMillan grew up on a family farm in McDonough County, Ill., and became a leader in state and national agribusiness as president and CEO of Purina Mills.

He has served on many industrial, civic and philanthropic boards of directors including as chairman of the U of I Board of Trustees.

• Dr. Louis H. Philipson is professor of medicine and pediatrics at the University of Chicago and a leading world authority on diabetes mellitus. ❚

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Y T

Routers Play Key Role in Data Security

By Peggy Werner

M

ost people are careful not to give out personal information over their phone, yet they work every day on computers with inadequate security, says Primetime Audio Video General Manager Dirk Dutton.

He says people pay attention to what they see and can hold in their hands, like cell phones and credit cards, but pay less attention to what they can’t see.

“Their fears are in the wrong place,” says Dutton. “Smart devices are the most vulnerable items and hackers are working every day to find new ways to phish for information.”

People spend thousands of dollars on phones, Ipads, laptops, computers and other electronics, but they rely on outdated and inexpensive routers that don’t have security updates, he says.

The router takes the signal it gets

from a modem and delivers it to Wi-Fi, so people can see information on their devices, he explains.

Especially in rental units, you don’t know the age of the equipment. It comes with a default username and password that should be changed right away to be made more secure.

“The router is the foundation of a wireless system and should be as good

as the devices connected to it. Network security has been around as long as the internet has existed and is at the forefront of people’s minds in hospitals, banks, and other businesses, but the amount of security people have at home has been largely ignored. Everyone knows what Wi-Fi is and how to use it, but they don’t know much about it,” he says, adding, “Good network security and good Wi-Fi go hand in hand. Why have great service, but have equipment that slows you down and is unprotected?”

Dutton recommends working with technology experts to upgrade equipment that will do security updates. People should expect to pay hundreds of dollars for a good router because as manufacturers learn about safety measures and implement them for the consumer, there is a cost for that technology, he adds. ❚

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A New Cataract Treatment

By Lindsey Gapen, assistant managing editor natural lens and replaces it with an artifir. Edward Yavitz has always had cial lens, called an intraocular lens (IOL). a passion for innovation. With 37 Yavitz introduced a new IOL called the patents to his name and new ones pendSymfony lens, which is the first and only ing, the ophthalmologist at Yavitz Eye lens that provides continuous, high-qualiCenter, 4105 N. Perryville Road, Loves ty vision at any distance.

Park, values inventions that lead to an “There are limitations with other increased quality of life. Recently, he lenses,” Yavitz says. “The usual implant discovered a new way to use replacement provided by Medicare and health insurlens implants for people with cataracts. ers is focused just for distance – you still “Cataracts are a big topic,” Yavitz have to wear reading glasses to see at says. “They affect 50 percent of people arms length or closer. Multi-focal IOLs over age 60.” allow for both distance and reading viInside your eye, there’s a natural lens sion, but can cost up to $6,000 out of that helps you to see. The lens starts out pocket. Plus, distance vision isn’t quite as clear, but turns into a cataract after years sharp and there can be a glare at night. So, of sun damage that causes it to become the new Symfony IOL often solves these cloudy. According to the American Acadproblems.” emy of Ophthalmology, having a cataract Yavitz is writing a paper on the use of is like looking through a foggy car windthe Symfony lens in one eye only, which shield. Things are blurry, or less colorful. saves his patients thousands of dollars in To remove a cataract, surgery is necout-of-pocket costs. essary. An ophthalmologist removes your

Y H

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Edward Yavitz M.D.

“I discovered that by putting a single-focus distance implant in the dominant eye and the Symfony implant in the non-dominant eye, the overall vision is vastly superior,” Yavitz says. “I’m always looking for a better result and a happier patient who isn’t burdened with extra expense.”

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (815) 395-8338. ❚

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YOUNG AT HEART 2018 BUTTON ARTWORK REVEAL COMING SOON!

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

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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

Curious George: Let’s Get Curious Through May 13, Mon.-Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Rockford, 61101 Rockford, 1.800.521.0849(815) gorockford.com MainIL St., 963-6769, discoverycentermuseum.org.

9/10/07 2:07:37 PM

Simply Spring Butterfly Exhibit Thru June 30, Tues.-Fri. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat.-Sun. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Experience the magical world of butterflies at Nicholas Conservatory, 1354 N. 2nd St., (815) 9878858, rockfordparkdistrict.org/ncg.

'Lincoln in Conversation' April 19, 7 p.m. In three one-act plays, Abraham Lincoln and Franklin D. Roosevelt debate; Mrs. Lincoln and Mrs. Kennedy meet; and Lincoln and Stephen Douglas revisit their debates. Winneshiek Players, 28 W. Clark St., Freeport, (815) 232-7023, winneshiekplayers.org.

'Candide' April 19-22, Thu.-Sat 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. In honor of the 100th birthday of the late Leonard Bernstein, Rockford University and the RSO present the comic tale of a young man’s journey from idealism to wisdom. Maddox Theatre, 5050 E. State St., (815) 226-4100, rockford.edu.

The Gaither Vocal Band performs April 22 in Rockford.

Playhouse, 314 Main St., Pecatonica, Ill., (815) 239-1210, pecplayhouse.org.

EARTHAPALOOZA April 20, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Celebrate our beautiful planet with an evening of demonstrations, hands-on workshops, presentations, movies & more. Free. Jacobs Center for Science & Math, Rock Valley College, 3301 N. Mulford Road, Rockford. Learn more at rockvalleycollege.edu/earthday.

'Jersey Boys' April 21, 2 p.m. Broadway musical about The Four Seasons: Frankie Vallie, Bob Gaudio, Tommy DeVito and Nick Massi.

Coronado PAC, (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org.

RAMI Awards April 20, 7 p.m. Celebrate 27 years of the Rockford Area Music Industry awards.

Tebala Event Center, 7910 Newburg Road, Rockford, ramiawards.com.

Movies on Main April 22, 4 p.m. “Coco” (PG), 6 p.m.

“Murder on the Orient Express” (PG13). Nordlof Center, 118 N. Main St., Rockford. Info: rockfordpubliclibrary.org.

'She Kills Monsters' April 20-21, 8 p.m. A dramatic comedy.

Winneshiek Players Theatre, Freeport, (815) 232-7023, winneshiekplayers.org.

The Gathering at Macktown April 28-29, 10 a.m. Experience 1840s American frontier life. Meet traders and trappers, French voyageurs and Native Americans. Enjoy food, vendors, more.

Macktown Living History Center, 2221 Freeport Road, Rockton, Ill., (815) 6244200, macktownlivinghistory.com.

'Night Watch' April 20-29, Fri.-Sat. 7 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m.

A suspenseful mystery. Janesville Little Theatre, 408 S. Main St., Janesville, (608) 758-0297, janesvillepac.org.

'Enchanted April' April 20-May 6, Fri.-Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. A romantic comedy set in Italy. Pec

Gaither Vocal Band April 22, 6 p.m. The Grammy-award winning vocal group performs gospel classics and new favorites. Coronado PAC, (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org. ❚

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WDL

Owly Oop: A Slam Dunk in Downtown Rockford

By Lindsey Gapen, managing editor

I

magine a 12-foot TV, a gigantic pretzel delivered on a baking sheet and a pint of craft beer in your hand. Then go find it at Owly Oop Sports Pub, inside the UW Health Sports Factory, 305 S. Madison St., Rockford. While you’re there, order a meal designed by Reed Sjostrom, Chris Manuel and Dustin Koch, the owners of Prairie Street Brewing Company who also run Owly Oops for Rockford Park District.

“The view of the river is the first thing people notice when they walk in,” says Sjostrom. “You can see Davis Park and the federal courthouse, which you don’t normally see from any other vantage point.”

On weeknights, the building is full of kids who participate in leagues for basketball, volleyball and other sports.

Owly Oop is perched above the courts –

a great place for parents to enjoy themselves while watching their children play below.

“It gets pretty crazy up here on weekends, especially if there’s a tournament,” Sjostrom says. “But it’s not just people who are using the facility – it’s also people who are simply coming to enjoy the space and to be a part of the atmosphere.”

Naturally, Owly Oop is a haven for sports fans. Whether you want to watch NFL football or Premiere League soccer, the pub broadcasts both common and obscure sports, and takes requests.

Having a craft brew from Prairie Street Brewing Company only enhances the experience.

“The beer here is mostly the same as it is there – we try to keep our staples on tap,” Sjostrom says.

Owly Oop serves family-friendly pub fare with items in all calorie brackets. There are salads, hummus, a quinoaand-black-bean burger and other nourishing options. There are also burgers, sandwiches and Prairie Street’s fan-favorite cheese curds. Sauces are made in-house, and ingredients are locally sourced as much as possible.

Hours for Owly Oop Sports Pub are Mon.-Thurs., 4-10:30 p.m.; Fri. 4-11 p.m.; Sat. 10:30 a.m.-11 p.m.; and Sun. 10:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m. Learn more at uwhealthsportsfactory.com/restaurant. ❚

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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To advertise call 815-316-2300

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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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April 18

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April 18

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April 18

To advertise call 815-316-2300

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Smart Living Weekly

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