Articles & Stories | Rockford IL

Homemade Ice Cream at La Michoacana

The sun is shining! The temps are up! There is only one thing on our mind... ice cream!Stop into La Michoacana Mexican Creamery at 1714 E Riverside Blvd, Loves Park, IL 61111 for some amazing homemade flavors that you won't find anywhere else. The best part? They are whole family friendly, even the furry family members.Pick your favorite style of cone or grab a bowl and let them start scooping. My personal favorites are the Snickers and Tres Leche, but with flavors ranging from fruit inspired Guava and Mango, to unique flavors like Ferrero Rocher and Rice Pudding, and classics like Butter Pecan and Cookies N' Cream, you can't go wrong. The scoops have a consistency like a custard, and the flavors are incredibly rich!Not into ice cream? They have a full menu that boasts options from walking tacos to classic Mexican snacks.Don't forget to order pup safe ice cream in several flavors for your furry family members to enjoy! We look forward to seeing you during our next ice cream run!

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Take a Stop at The Detour

Have you ever stopped into The Detour off Riverside? Us neither, until recently! I have to say, it felt a lot like a place where everyone knows your name.The second we saw Reuben Rolls on the menu, we ordered them. It says it comes with three, and we weren’t sure how there wouldn’t be bloodshed in the attempt to share them. Thankfully, they cut them in half in anticipation. They know exactly how delicious these are and now so do we. They serve the rolls with a sweet chili sauce and 1000 Island. This is the first Reuben roll we’ve tried with sweet chili, and it was a pleasant surprise! Don’t shy away from this combination, take our word for it. These rolls were large and perfect for splitting with 2 people.Next up, the Detour Brat. Loaded with sauerkraut and beer mustard, this is a brat for brat lovers. The sauerkraut was fresh and the brat was grilled to perfection. Also, shout out to the bun! This brat needed a sturdy support system, and the brat buns at The Detour were up to the task. No flimsy soggy buns around here. The fries on the side were a real treat. They were salted and almost tasted… buttery! They were amazing.We ended on the homemade Mac & Cheese with grilled chicken and buffalo sauce. The heat was perfect and paired beautifully with the homemade cheese sauce. Nothing beats a curly pasta. It can be fun to eat like a kid again. Oddly satisfying was how small they cut the grilled chicken. I didn’t have to break out my knife for this meal, and could just dig right in with everything perfectly prepared and ready to eat. The pasta was a great al dente texture.The Detour served up a delicious dinner, and the atmosphere was classic neighborhood bar. Next time you are in the area, grab a seat and dig in. See you there, Rockford!

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Family Brunch at RBI Brunch Bar

RBI rebranded from late nights to brunch bar and we had to check them out!We grabbed the whole family for this outing, so let’s start with the kids menu. With the classic options, this is definitely going to keep the kids happy so you can enjoy your breakfast in peace 😂. Pancakes with a side of sausage caught our small’s eye, and breakfast vanished in a flash, so it must have won approval.The adult humans tried the Short Rib Skillet (8hour braised beef short rib, mushrooms, onions, green peppers, and cheddar cheese) and the Loaded Breakfast Biscuit (a buttermilk biscuit, seasoned chicken carnitas, pico de Gallo, chipotle aioli, and avocado). The Short Rib Skillet was as amazing as it sounds. If you love a savory breakfast that will absolutely fill you up, this is it. With a generous pile of hash browns and two eggs cooked your way, you can’t possibly leave hungry. The meat was tender and delicious. The vegetables were fresh and the whole skillet was delicious. It also comes with a side of toast or pancakes… of which the obvious choice is pancakes. The pancakes were cooked to golden brown perfection and served with real butter; the perfect sweet ending to a savory skillet.The Loaded Breakfast Biscuit was a southwest masterpiece. The biscuit added a hearty base to this meal, and the chipotle aioli brought the perfect level of heat and sauce. The carnitas spiced chicken was delicious and perfectly prepared. With pico de Gallo, cheese, and salsa, this is a fun twist on a classic biscuit breakfast. Served with a heaping pile of hashbrowns, you can’t go wrong.Next time you are looking for breakfast on the east end, give RBI Brunch Bar a try. See you there, Rockford!

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Jalapeno Taco Grill Now Open

New restaurant alert! Jalapeño Taco Grill opened recently and you have to give it a try, just like we did.This half-service restaurant is perfect for families in a bit of a rush. Order at the register and then grab a table. We highly recommend their fresh juices! We tried the strawberry and the cantaloupe and they were so fresh and refreshing. This will bring us back time and time again alone! And we haven’t even had the food yet.The meal is brought to your table and you can dig right in. We tried the burrito suizo, a classic burrito covered in mild sauce and cheese (what isn’t good covered in cheese?). Served with rice and beans on the side, this burrito was a crowd pleaser. Stuffed full with meat, this will fill you up! The sauce was full of flavor. Up next, Mexican style tacos. We like variety and tried the asada, carnitas, and pollo. The carnitas were out of this world! So juicy and tender and piled high. 10/10, would recommend! The chicken was marinated and had a great flavor, not just your standard grilled chicken. The steak was finely cut, for easy eating, and seasoned to perfection. You can’t go wrong with any of them. Doubled up corn tortillas keep these tacos together for a clean eating experience. You can also get the tacos American style if you prefer.Do yourself a favor and try the flavors of Jalapeño Taco Grill on your next night out. See you there, Rockford!

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We love I Luv Sushi!

We traveled to I Luv Sushi near E State Street and Bell School to sample their menu. From appetizer to dessert, follow our experience!Before we even dig into the food… we have to give a shout out to Brian, our outstanding server. From beginning to end, Brian added to our experience with amazing recommendations that did not disappoint and made us feel like coming back just to hang out with him again. Thank you, Brian, for the awesome experience!We started our meal with the gyoza. The pan fried dumplings can be either veggie or beef and are served with an amazing sauce. This is a pretty small appetizer, perfect for a light snack before the main course. Served warm and delicious! (So delicious, in fact, that we devoured them before getting a photo 😂.)Next up, a variety of nigiri. Nigiri is a type of sushi where the rice is molded by hand and the fish or other topping is pressed by hand atop the rice. We selected the yellow tail and scallop nigiri, and Brian recommended the special that week. Everything was fresh and beautifully presented. Brian’s pick was as stunning as he described, and you can add authentic Japanese wasabi for a slight upcharge.The rolls came next: Philadelphia roll, Rainbow roll, and Surf & Turf roll. The surf and turf roll was a recommendation of Brian’s, and was truly amazing. The beef was seared to tender perfection and it was filled with shrimp tempura, cream cheese, avocado, and asparagus. This was a fun and delicious roll. The rainbow roll is perfect when you can decide which topping you want. With a little bit of everything, it’s a crowd pleaser showcasing crab meat and avocado inside, and topped with salmon, tuna, white fish, albacore, and avocado. The Philadelphia roll is a classic with smoked salmon, avocado, and cream cheese. There are so many more options at I Luv Sushi, so bring your appetite and taste for adventure.We ended on a sweet note with strawberry and chocolate mochi. A perfect ending to a wonderful evening.With a fun and unique atmosphere, outstanding service, and amazing food… you cannot go wrong at I Luv Sushi! See you there, Rockford.

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Breakfast at Sunrise Family Restaurant

Looking for a great place for the whole family to enjoy breakfast? Join us on our adventure to Sunrise Family Restaurant!We first started with coffee, because well… you know. If you start your day without coffee, you are our hero 😂. No worries about your cup running cold here; they are diligent about circulating to warm it up.The whole family came along this time, so let’s start with the kids menu! There are plenty of choices for your little ones and ours had fun choosing his meal and side. One Swedish pancake and a side of fresh fruit were reported as “really really good” and the speed at which it was consumed backs up that detailed report. Kid-approved, check. 😁Next up, the adults! We started with the corned beef skillet. Coming with pancakes or toast, this is a filling meal to start any full day. The skillet was hot, and the eggs come as you ordered them. The pancakes were fluffy and cooked to perfection! Next up, the French toast with two eggs, bacon, and sausage (patties or links). The perfect sampler that allows you to swap between French toast, pancakes, or a waffle. The eggs and bacon come made to your order (we ordered crispy!). The French toast was sliced thick and delicious.For a family breakfast with something for everyone, give Sunrise Family Restaurant a try! See you there, Rockford.

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Welcome Chavez Mexican Restaurante

One thing Rockford loves is a new local restaurant, and the welcome our community has extended to Chavez Mexican Restaurante at 5494 E State St, Rockford, IL 61108 is no different! With a newly renovated interior, friendly and amazing staff, and delicious food… you can’t go wrong.Listen, before you get upset that there is no photo of the chips and salsa… let’s say they were so good we didn’t even come up for air, let alone a photo 😂. With bottomless refills, you might be full before your entree arrives. Add an appetizer of cheese dip or guacamole and you’ve got a happy table.There are, however, photos of the margaritas. Don’t miss an opportunity to check out the bar. Besides being beautiful, they sling a delicious drink.Entrees arrived and we started with the enchiladas tricolor. Sautéed spinach, roasted poblano peppers, caramelized onions, roasted corn, and meat of your choice. All of that is wrapped up in corn tortillas, smothered in velvety red, green, and white sauce, with sour cream, grated quasi fresco, and served with cilantro lime rice. First of all, the cilantro lime rice was amazing. We don’t often talk about the sides… there is a reason this one made the review. The meld of flavors in these enchiladas was amazing. So incredibly flavorful and the texture of the meat was perfect. The sauces really brought this to life.Next up was pollo chihuahua, wood-fired grilled chicken breast topped with grilled onions, mushrooms, house chorizo, and melted chihuahua cheese. Served with traditional rice, black beans, and tortillas. This came with soup, and we opted for the seafood option. It was a traditional spin on clam chowder but loaded with a variety of seafood and a slightly lighter consistency. This was an amazing addition to the meal. If you are a soup lover, you definitely need to try this one. The chicken was amazing! Stacked with house chorizo really packed on the flavor. Everything was fresh, juicy, and absolutely delicious. This was a huge meal, perfect for sharing or for tomorrow’s lunch.There are so many amazing options, we cannot wait to visit again! …and again, and again…. See you there, Rockford!

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Italian Feast at Sam’s on Harlem

Now we know if you are a fan of Sam’s Pizza… you have a particular Sam’s that you like to frequent. We decided to start making the rounds and started with Sam’s on Harlem!We kicked things off with their specialty salad. Home dressing, loaded with cheese, eggs, and Italian sausage… this is always a crowd-pleaser and worth the upgrade.We had the whole family along this time and the classic Italian dishes like angel hair pasta with their house sauce kept the kids busy with no complaints at the dinner table.Next was their Fettuccini Alfredo. You can pick your protein, and we opted for the classic chicken. The star of the show was their homemade Alfredo sauce. The consistency was spot on and the portion was perfect. Not a dry noodle on the plate. If you are an Alfredo fan… this is definitely one to try.I feel like no Italian restaurant review is complete without trying the Chicken Parmigiana. Two chicken breasts fried crispy, topped with mozzarella, and then layered with house sauce… you can’t go wrong. Served on a bed of fettuccine, this is a dish that won’t leave you hungry. The chicken was cooked perfectly. The crisp remained while leaving the meat juicy. The house sauce is savory and the fettuccini was served with a spoon for twirling perfection.Entrees come with ice cream, so don’t forget to enjoy a scoop before you leave!Stop into Sam’s on Harlem for classic Italian favorites.

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Dinner at The Olympic Tavern

The Olympic Tavern is a three-generation restaurant that has existed since shortly after WWII. They offer outdoor dining and an interior that brings cozy comfort. One hungry evening, we headed out to sample the fare.We started with spinach and artichoke dip, because why not? Life is short… eat all the cheese you can. The hot and melty concoction came out piled high with tortilla chips. You can also get veggies… but again, life is short. The cheese-to-meat ratio was excellent, and this was an appetizer so good it quieted the conversation. Next up, the Reuben with sweet potato fries. Served with honey mustard on the side… these fries are worth the trip. A slightly sweet offset to the savory Reuben. Let’s talk about this Reuben! The ratio of sauerkraut to meat was spot on, and layered with cheese and dressing… this one is hard to beat. The bread is buttered and toasted and the results are excellent.We followed that with the Prime Philly: shaved ribeye sautéed with peppers & onions on a soft hoagie with provolone or the homemade sharp cheddar sauce. This was a big sandwich, which is perfect for a big appetite! The ribeye brings a different level of flavor to this Philly, and you can taste the freshness in the veggies. Pair this with your side of choice and you are set. Whether fish, steak, sandwiches, or pizza is your jam… The Olympic Tavern has you covered. Check them out the next time you find yourself hungry. Let us know what you try!

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A Sky High View at Fozzy’s Skybox

Whether you have a family member on a sports team, or frequent the various expos that come to our area, you may have heard of Fozzy’s Skybox. We ventured out to try it for ourselves.If you’ve been to Fozzy’s on Riverside, you’ll be excited to know that they have a sister bar in the Mercyhealth Sportscore Two. Besides the awesome sports simulators that you can reserve ahead of time, enjoy an excellent selection of food while you hang out and enjoy the view from the top.We took the whole family this time and started with the Fozzy Smash Burger: 2 burger patties, American cheese, secret smash sauce, shredded lettuce, tomato, pickle, and served with fries. This classic burger is perfect for anyone in the family and customizable for even the pickiest eaters.The next burger we tried was the Rodeo Burger: cheddar cheese, applewood smoked bacon, lettuce, fried onion straws, and bbq sauce create this divine dish. I mean, any burger with bacon has my attention. You can’t go wrong. The burgers are chuck and Angus blend, bringing them some extra flavor and keeping them juicy and delicious.Next up is a dish you don’t expect from a burger joint… which is why we love Fozzy’s, there is something for everyone! The Asian Bowl comes with chicken, fried brown rice, egg, wonton strips, red & green peppers, onion, and mushrooms, with your choice of either teriyaki, Korean pepper, Sriracha honey, or sweet & sour sauce. We opted for teriyaki sauce and the dish was packed with veggies, protein, and flavor! The amount of sauce was perfect, no swamp at the bottom of the bowl making everything soggy. The veggies were fresh and the healthier option is perfect for anyone looking to keep that top of mind.Next time you visit an expo or local sporting event, check out Fozzy’s Skybox!

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A Burger at Baker Street

Sometimes you just need a classic burger and mac & cheese. So we headed to Baker Street Burgers to try the classics.The Baker Street namesake is their Baker Street Cheeseburger. Two 1/4 pound patties on a toasted brioche bun with gouda cheese, signature BSB sauce, caramelized onions, and pickles create this masterpiece. One bite into this juicy burger and you know you’ve made the right choice. The flavors blend beautifully, no ketchup needed here! The patties are cooked to perfection, just how you like them. Served with your choice of side, this will certainly fill you up and power you through the day. We decided to try the parmesan tots, because who doesn’t love a good tot? Fried to crisp, golden perfection and then dusted with deliciousness. These add that fancy flair you didn’t even know tots needed.Next up, a slight deviation from classics, Buffalo Chicken Mac. Cavatappi noodles, spicy buffalo cheese sauce, fried chicken breast, ranch drizzle, and a blue cheese crumble bring two classics together for this dish. This a generous portion of pasta! It comes in a deep bowl and did not disappoint. You can ask for extra buffalo sauce to take the spice level up a notch or enjoy the medium temp of this as is. You simply can’t go wrong with buffalo chicken and mac & cheese.Pair these dishes with one of their specialty cocktails or beers on tap, and you have yourself a delicious meal. We hope to see you there next time, Rockford!

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A Clasico Favorite at Mi Placita

In late 2022, Mi Placita opened up on Riverside. As a branch of Mexico Clasico, you know you are in for a delicious experience!We ventured into Mi Placita for a weeknight dinner and were greeted by the incredibly friendly staff. This is a great north-end option if classic Mexican dishes are your jam. We started with bottomless chips and salsa. The salsa was loaded with flavor and the chips were obviously fresh. Just like their south-end sister, if you order the guacamole, it is made fresh to your liking. I am always blown away by the freshness and flavor profile.Eventually, we moved on to our entrees. We asked what dishes were most popular and ordered those. We figured the masses of the Rockford area wouldn’t steer us wrong, and we were right! We started with Los Tres Amigos: sliced steak, chicken breast, and shrimp. Choice of garlic or diabla for the shrimp and served with black beans and avocado salad. Talk about delicious. The meats were all cooked amazingly. We opted for the diablo sauce and were delighted that it was actually spicy! This dish wakes up your senses. The grilled veggies (onions and jalapeños ) were fantastic and beautifully presented. With all the additional sides, this was easily two meals (maybe because we just indulged in bottomless chips and salsa 😜).Next up, the most popular fajita dish the Texas fajitas: sizzling grilled steak, grilled chicken & shrimp. Cooked with bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes. Served with rice, beans, lettuce, guacamole, sour cream, pico de gallo, and tortillas. The shrimp was perfectly prepared. No chewy texture here. The generous portion of this dish makes it easily shareable. The flavors of the grilled veggies really shine in this dish. This is perfect for those who like to make their own handheld and don’t want to risk a spicy meal. Want to kick it up a notch? Just ask for hot sauce and go nuts! Order your favorite margarita and you’re all set! We definitely can’t wait to go back and try a few more of their specialty dishes. See you there, Rockford!

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A Beautiful Evening at Abreo

Sometimes we ditch the jeans and t-shirt for something fancier. We headed to Abreo to celebrate the season of love. Lucky for us, we were starving by the time we got to Abreo… meaning we tried a lot of food 😂. We started with shrimp asiago with lemon, garlic, butter, and a grilled baguette. This delicious buttery appetizer is perfect for two to share (but it’s so good you may not want to!). It comes served piping hot in a tiny skillet. Dip, dunk, and soak your baguette in garlic butter and asiago cheese topped with perfectly cooked shrimp. Dinner came out and we started with the duck and figs, a seared duck breast, dried fig, honey-red wine jus, braised Tokyo turnips, and a crisp lentil croquette. The duck was prepared beautifully—the tender meat with delicious and prepared skin on, giving it a delightful crisp. The wine jus is a perfect pairing and is poured on your plate upon presentation. The crisp lentil croquette was a fun experience as a crunchy, flavor-packed side.Next up, the beef tenderloin with foie gras cream, garlic roasted maitake mushrooms, and roasted pumpkin. We requested a rare cook, and the beef absolutely melted in our mouths. The filet was seasoned beautifully, cooked perfectly, and absolutely perfectly paired with the rest of the plate. The mushrooms were delicious, the pumpkin was creamy, and everything was amazing.We couldn’t leave without dessert, and the warm chocolate cake with salted caramel was the perfect finisher. We added a scoop of house-made ice cream, which made an amazing dessert even better. This is perfect for two to share, but we recommend drawing a line in the cake… so you get your fair share 😉. Love knows no bounds, except your half of dessert.We can’t end this review without a shout-out to Jake’s favorite drink, the Hickory Stick. Whether you like a glass of wine or a signature cocktail, Abreo has you covered. The fantastic food is only one reason to visit, another is the amazing staff. From reservation to the end of our evening, the whole experience was smooth and friendly. Treat someone special in your life to a stunning evening downtown.

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Rock-Pho'd Will Rock Your World

Have you been to Rock Pho’d yet? We gave it a try for the first time, and it blew us away!We stumbled in on a cold blustery night and were immediately greeted by the phenomenal, let me repeat… phenomenal staff. We checked out the menu and instantly knew we were in good hands.We started with appetizers, because how can you not? The crab rangoon was delicious and had a generous about of meat. The sweet and sour sauce was perfect and served in ample quantity. The crispy potstickers were perfection. The filling was generous and so incredibly flavorful, and the homemade sesame soy sauce was out of this world. Seriously, I’m putting it on everything.We decided to try the Banh Xeo Vietnamese Crepe and Nam Khao for entrees. The crepe is a unique dish. It is a fried rice flour crepe stuffed with shrimp, thinly slice bbq pork, and bean sprouts. Served with lettuce, carrots, and cilantro with a side of homemade Laotian sweet chili vinegar sauce. Packed full of meat, this was a huge dish. Everything was cooked perfectly and so packed with flavor. The Nam Khao is crispy curry marinaded rice with bits of pickled pork, chopped peanuts, green onions, cilantro, lime, and dried chilis. Served with lettuce cups and cilantro. It says bits of pickled pork, but the meat serving was generous and the flavor knocked our socks off. Add extra meat or a side of Jasmine rice if you’re looking for a bit more, but this meal as a stand-alone was generously portioned. On the table, you’ll find the classic toppings, including chili oil. And no worries, they have to-go portions all ready for your leftovers.We couldn’t have possibly had a better visit, and with the outstanding food, amazing staff, and cozy atmosphere… we simply cannot wait to return.

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Lunch at Garrett's Restaurant and Bar

Did you hear?! Garrett’s Restaurant and Bar is not only open for lunch, but they are open for lunch on Sundays! We had to stop by and check it out.We are a sucker for an appetizer menu, and it was no different at Garrett’s. We had to order their Reuben Rolls! These are a big shareable appetizer, but you may want to keep them all to yourself. The wrap is flaky and thin, meaning all the flavor comes from what is packed inside: corned beef, Swiss cheese, and sauerkraut. Dipped in dressing, these will keep you coming back for more. Up next was the pulled pork. You get options here! Pick your favorite bbq sauce and dive into this stacked high sandwich perfect for the meat lover in your family. They have 5 bbq sauces, and well… we may have to go back and try them all. We started with the garlic bbq and can’t wait to try them all! Served with chips or fries, you aren’t leaving hungry.Thinking of something lighter? Try their thin breads! A lighter version of the sandwich, these feature the thin bread from Mary’s Market. The chicken bacon ranch sticks to a classic flavor with flame-grilled chicken and some fresh veggies. It’s great to have another Sunday option around town! Stop in and enjoy your Sunday Funday (or any day of the week) at Garrett’s.

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Pizza from The Firebox Restaurant & Pizzeria

Cruise through Belvidere often? Make sure you stop by Fire Box to try their pizza!Fire Box is a half-service restaurant, so grab a seat, head to the bar, and place your order! They then bring piping hot pizza straight from the fire box to your table. We love a pizza joint with creative pre-selects, and Fire Box has plenty of pre-selects for you to choose from. Need topping control? Create your own, just the way you like it.Their pizza has a cornmeal-dusted crust, adding that extra crunch with every bite. The sauce was spot on and the cheese was loaded on top.The appetizers are amazing! Some of the best breaded mushrooms we have ever had. You can tell because we dug in before taking a photo 🤣. They have a lunch special too for those busy weekdays.Stop in, grab a slice, and say hi!

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Take a trip to Discovery Town

It’s time for a road trip, and it’s an easy drive to this pint-sized city! Take the family to Discovery Town…a temporary exhibit at Discovery Center Museum where children play as they learn about the people and places that make up a community. The exhibition opens February 11 and runs through May 29. Discovery Center created this temporary exhibit several years ago and is bringing it back due to popular demand.Discovery Town is a friendly little town with a focus on fun! Each stop on the trip through this mini city provides opportunities for children to try out adult roles through role play. This cityscape created just for kids offers a collection of storefronts where our youngest citizens are the shopkeepers and customers. Children have the freedom to safely explore, discover, and learn through creative and imaginative play in a pint-sized community. While in Discovery Town, children can explore a variety of settings:Vet Clinic: Give your furry friend a checkup. Then make your pet pretty at the grooming table!Theater: Dress in costume and give a performance worthy of a Tony award.Post Office: Sort the mail, fill your bag, and deliver letters all over town!Airport: Sort and load packages, fire up the engine, and pilot your way to…anywhere!Pizza Shop: Take an order, then prepare, bake and serve up some pizza!Fire Station: Answer emergency calls, suit up in firefighter gear, drive the fire truck and then battle a blaze!Classroom: Be the teacher or the student and enjoy school-themed activities.Town Park: Enjoy outdoor games in this big green space, and take a spin on the sock skating rink.Town Zoo: Check out the giant giraffe, lion, zebra and monkey. “Children explore and learn about the world around them through role play,” explains Sarah Wolf, executive director at Discovery Center. While not all children decide so early, it’s fundamental to children’s development for them to understand their potential and their options, and to see themselves in different roles. Discovery Town is sponsored in part by Associated Bank, Smith Charitable Foundation and JL Clark. Admission to Discovery Center and the Discovery Town exhibit is $11 for the public and free to museum members.

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Thai Hut Reopened for Dine In

In case you missed it, Thai Hut is now reopened for dine-in! This Rockford staple has been on our list to try for a while, and we were thrilled to join them in person.One does not simply go to Thai Hut and not order an appetizer… or two. We started with the Pot Stickers and Crab Rangoons. The Potstickers were absolutely delicious and came with a special sauce with a thick consistency. The sauce added that bold flavor profile and being thick didn’t leave a drip trail across your plate. The Crab Rangoons are savory and served with a delicious sweet and sour sauce. These will definitely be on the regular rotation for us!On to the entrees! We ordered Thai Hut’s Special Combo, an incredible stir-fried combination of chicken, shrimp, and imitation crab with mixed vegetables and cashew nuts. Served with a side of rice, this delicious stir fry is cooked in their house sauce and deserving of the name Thai Hut Special. This mouth-watering entree is going to keep you coming back for more. The mix of proteins kept the flavors fresh and exciting. The sauce truly makes this dish! Drunken Noodle was next, your choice of meat stir-fried with rice noodles, tomatoes, onions, eggs, peppers, bean sprouts, and basil. We decided to add pork to this dish and I’m glad we did! The thick rice noodle was unique and fun, and the colors in this dish were bright and fresh. The veggies were stir-fried to maintain their crisp texture, and the heat really popped on this one. No worries, you choose your level of spice. It’s like a choose-your-own-adventure meal!The service was phenomenal, the food was delicious, and the atmosphere was great! Be sure to stop in for lunch or dinner soon!

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Rockford Symphony Orchestra Presents The Music of John Williams on Feb. 11

The Rockford Symphony Orchestra will be taking the stage on February 11 at 7:30 pm at the Coronado Performing Arts Center to present the Music of John Williams. Jaws, Star Wars, Harry Potter, Raiders of the Lost Ark…Williams has composed many of the classic movie scores of our time. As a special component of the program, a group of area high school students will be singing with the orchestra during the Saving Private Ryan piece.The concert will be conducted by Kevin Stites, who is thrilled to be returning to his “hometown” orchestra, having conducted a solo concert with Kristin Chenoweth and the RSO in 20??. He most recently made his Chicago Symphony and Ravinia Festival debuts and spent six seasons as Music Director for the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. His work on Broadway includes: South Pacific, Tale of Two Cities, The Color Purple, Titanic, Sunset Boulevard, Les Miserables (2006 revival), and Fiddler on the Roof, among others. He also has spent time touring with productions and worked in film and TV.Kevin is a proud graduate of Pecatonica High School, Pecatonica IL, and earned his Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degrees from the University of Illinois at Urbana/Champaign.Tickets are available online at rockfordsymphony.com, by phone at 815-965-0049, or by visiting the RSO offices which are open M-F 9-5.

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Beef Wellington at Franchesco's

Run, don’t walk! Franchesco’s is featuring a new special just for the month of January. On Friday and Saturday nights, you can order Beef Wellington. We had to go try it for ourselves! It’s a tough job, but someone has to do it 😂.First of all, have you tried Franchesco’s garlic bread? They bring it to the table for you to enjoy with olive oil before your meal. It’s warm, soft, and utterly delicious. Say yes to the bread.It was a cold night in January, so we opted to warm up with some Lobster Bisque soup. This creamy concoction really warms the soul and tastes amazing. Dip some of the garlic bread in it if you like!Then on to the main event, the Beef Wellington. A filet mignon with a mushroom and Boursin cheese layer, all wrapped in a puff pastry. It’s paired with asparagus and carrots, layered on top of a cauliflower puree. The cauliflower puree is smooth and layered with bacon flavors. It pairs beautifully with the meat. The filet is cooked perfectly to medium. Blend all these flavors together and you definitely have a meal you’ll tell your friends about. We made it a family outing and have it on good authority that the kids ravioli is “super good and very filling”. So don’t feel like you have to leave the kids at home for this one. Unless you want to, 😉.We ended the evening with their Creme Brûlée. A thick delicious vanilla custard with a caramelized sugar topping. Served with whipped cream and fresh berries, this was a sweet ending to a lovely meal.But hurry! The Beef Wellington is only available on Fridays and Saturdays in January, and then it’s gone. Try this exquisite meal for yourself!

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Bring Your Buddy to Buddy's Burgers

Want to build your burger, but don’t want to make it yourself? Buddy’s Burgers was made for you. Personalize your burger from bun to condiments.Just off Riverside Blvd. in Rockford, IL, Buddy’s Burgers is known for its custom burgers, but also offers Italian beef, Chicago-style hot dogs, and catering for a bigger crowd. When you walk in, head to the counter to order. They offer weekly special burgers, or you can build your own. Love a mushroom swiss burger? Build it! Love a classic pairing? Build it! Want to get wild and see what you can create? Build it! Select how many smash patties you want. The edges are crisp and the center is juicy. They offer gluten-free, pretzel, brioche, or Texas toast buns. From there, the world is your oyster. Make it a basket by adding a regular or premium side (mozzarella sticks anyone?) and a drink.Leave room for dessert! They have ice cream sundaes, milkshakes, and more!

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WSSR ANNOUNCES OFFICIAL SELECTIONS OF THE ROCKFORD NEW WORDS WRITING FESTIVAL

The West Side Show Room announces the official selections for Rockford New Words 2023. New works written for performance were chosen from 243 submissions representing writers from Rockford and around the world. Ten plays, poems, monologues, and stories will be presented in a staged reading at 7pm on January 19, 20, and 21, 2023 at The West Side Show Room in Rockford. The January 4th performance will also be broadcast on Facebook. The theme of this year’s festival is “Healing + Homage.” RNW Artistic Director Claudia Consuelos felt her upbringing had impacted her in multiple ways, whether positive or negative. “As we navigate life, we carry with us great generational traditions, but we must also break free from their curses,” Consuelos said. “This year we wanted to ask writers to consider the ways in which they honor and heal from those who came before.” This theme inspired first-time Rockford playwright Whitney Howell, who uses the name Nena Monroe in her artistic endeavors, to write the play “The Perfect Sweet Potato Pie” as a way of processing the grief she experienced from the death of her sister. “My sister was a nurse who worked on the frontlines of the pandemic and passed away from Covid,” Howell said. “Even though she’s gone physically, it’s like I’ve created a whole new memory with her that I will forever cherish.” Likewise, the poem “Spider In The Labyrinth” by Rockford writer JP Rindfleisch IX, deals with loss. Rindfliesch, whose work embodies “things dark, strange, and queer,” says “Loss is painful, and many times we lose those we love before we have time to say goodbye. We find ways to honor them and heal from the regrets of conversations we didn’t get to have.” Linda Zuba, whose work was first chosen for Rockford New Words in 2019, is back with a monologue entitled “Letter to Mamá.” After a serious case of COVID 2 years ago, Linda’s life drastically changed as she knew it and as she loved it. “My healing journey has involved repairing the physical damage as well as psychological wounds from suppressed emotions and vicarious trauma.” In its eighth year, Rockford New Words continues to provide opportunities for aspiring and established writers from the Rockford area to have their works selected, evaluated, and presented professionally to the public alongside national and international writers. Each writer receives a $200 royalty for the rights to present their new work. Rockford New Words received an Arts & Humanities Fund grant from the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois, and a Community Arts Access Grant from the Rockford Area Arts Council to support this one of a kind literary event. For more information and to reserve tickets, please visit wssr.org OFFICIAL SELECTIONS The Perfect Sweet Potato Pie | PlayNena Monroe (Rockford, IL) Photobombed | MonologueAnne Valentino (Rockville, MD) The Gettysburg Redress | PoemEileen Byrne (Wilmette, IL) Kill The Beast | PlayD.A. Mindell (New York, NY) New Year’s Purun | PlayJustin P. Lopez (San Francisco, CA) Father’s Day Of Silence: A Healing Hymn In Words | Poem/MonologueCris Eli Blak (Louisville, KY) srinivas | MonologueRajendra Ramoon Maharaj (Brooklyn, NY) Letter to Mamá | MonologueLinda Zuba (Rockford, IL) Second Act | StorytellingSavanna Mapelli (Yardley, PA) Spider in the Labyrinth | PoetryJP Rindfleisch IX (Rockford, IL)

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Rockford’s Best Ruben at Vintage 501

Vintage at 501 made a bold statement on its Facebook page a few weeks ago. They claim to have the city’s best Reuben. So naturally, we had to go try it.We’ll get to the Reuben, but one does not simply go to Vintage without ordering the Million Dollar Bacon (thick-cut bacon, cracked black peppercorn, cayenne pepper, chili flakes, brown sugar, slow-roasted to absolute perfection)! This sweet and spicy take on bacon is sure to be a table-pleaser. Next up, The 50/50 Burger: 50% Black Angus Beef and 50% Bacon mixed together and hand pattied, topped with cheddar cheese, sriracha, and a sunny side up egg, on a pretzel bun. We already know that pretzel buns are superior, but a pretzel bun with a burger that is 50% bacon…? Perfection. This well-prepared burger packs a delicious flavor that is accentuated by the sunny-side-up egg. Want lettuce, tomato, and onion? Just ask! Served with fries to make this a filling meal.The time has come to discuss the Reuben. Is it the best in Rockford? We have to agree! Slow-cooked and thick-cut corn beef, sauerkraut, swiss cheese, and 1000 Island dressing come together in a beautiful creation that brings people in daily. Marbled rye bread, toasted to perfection, brings the flavors together. The thick-cut corn beef really sets this Reuben apart. We’ll be back for this one!Stop in to try the Reuben or any other menu item at Vintage 501. See you next time, Rockford!

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Murder Mystery Fundraising Dinner to Support RSO

The Rockford Symphony Orchestra (RSO) invites the community to an evening of glamour, fun, and intrigue at an Old Hollywood Murder Mystery Dinner to benefit the RSO’s music education initiatives on January 20 in the Embassy Suites ballroom. Cocktails, appetizers, live music, and a special guest will kick off the night from 6-7 p.m. The dinner theater begins at 7 p.m. Guests are invited to a star-studded Hollywood dinner on the estate of Sir Warren Peace, where the killer crowd assembled will be kept guessing as to who the next victim will be and who the unhinged guest is that keeps whacking the invitees. Guests are encouraged to dress the part as their favorite Hollywood star or in their most glamorous finery. In attendance will be the new Music Director of the RSO! The new Maestro will be announced on January 18 and the Murder Mystery Dinner will be his/her first official engagement in the role. Tickets are available online at rockfordsymphony.com, by phone at 815-965-0049, or by visiting the RSO offices which are open M-F 9-5.

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Positive News, Stories, & Rockford Buzz Polls

Page 4 | Positive Stories & Articles | Rockford IL

Homemade Ice Cream at La Michoacana

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Homemade Ice Cream at La Michoacana

Take a Stop at The Detour

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Take a Stop at The Detour

Family Brunch at RBI Brunch Bar

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Family Brunch at RBI Brunch Bar

Jalapeno Taco Grill Now Open

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Jalapeno Taco Grill Now Open

We love I Luv Sushi!

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We love I Luv Sushi!

Breakfast at Sunrise Family Restaurant

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Breakfast at Sunrise Family Restaurant

Welcome Chavez Mexican Restaurante

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Welcome Chavez Mexican Restaurante

Italian Feast at Sam’s on Harlem

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Italian Feast at Sam’s on Harlem

Dinner at The Olympic Tavern

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Dinner at The Olympic Tavern

A Sky High View at Fozzy’s Skybox

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A Sky High View at Fozzy’s Skybox

A Burger at Baker Street

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A Burger at Baker Street

A Clasico Favorite at Mi Placita

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A Clasico Favorite at Mi Placita

A Beautiful Evening at Abreo

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A Beautiful Evening at Abreo

Rock-Pho'd Will Rock Your World

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Rock-Pho'd Will Rock Your World

Lunch at Garrett's Restaurant and Bar

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Lunch at Garrett's Restaurant and Bar

Pizza from The Firebox Restaurant & Pizzeria

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Pizza from The Firebox Restaurant & Pizzeria

Take a trip to Discovery Town

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Take a trip to Discovery Town

Thai Hut Reopened for Dine In

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Thai Hut Reopened for Dine In

Rockford Symphony Orchestra Presents The Music of John Williams on Feb. 11

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Rockford Symphony Orchestra Presents The Music of John Williams on Feb. 11

Beef Wellington at Franchesco's

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Beef Wellington at Franchesco's

Bring Your Buddy to Buddy's Burgers

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Bring Your Buddy to Buddy's Burgers

WSSR ANNOUNCES OFFICIAL SELECTIONS OF THE ROCKFORD NEW WORDS WRITING FESTIVAL

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WSSR ANNOUNCES OFFICIAL SELECTIONS OF THE ROCKFORD NEW WORDS WRITING FESTIVAL

Rockford’s Best Ruben at Vintage 501

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Rockford’s Best Ruben at Vintage 501

Murder Mystery Fundraising Dinner to Support RSO

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Murder Mystery Fundraising Dinner to Support RSO

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