Lee Center
Lee Center, IL · Local Life
Rockford Register Star
Rockford area restaurant owner and longtime township trustee has died
ROCKFORD, IL — Former owner of Manzullo's Famous Italian Restaurant that operated in New Milford for more than four decades, Frank Manzullo, died Feb. 28 while on vacation at age 83. Older brother to former Republican U.S. Congressman Don Manzullo, Manzullo was renowned as a restauranteur and for his tireless work discouraging people from littering. A longtime Rockford Township trustee, Manzullo for years worked with Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful to coordinate the Great American Cleanup. A U.S. Army veteran, Manzullo wrote in a 2014 guest column for the Rockford Register Star that he learned to hate litter and how it made a property look from his parents. He worked in their New Milford Shady Mill Drive-In restaurant where it was his job to clean up any litter that accumulated. He credited the experience with instilling in him an anti-litter stance. "When they started the drive-in, they promised the neighbors there would be no litter, and it was my job to see that the promise was carried out," Manzullo wrote. "It was also the duty for all the car-hops — there was to be zero litter!" More: Sunil Puri, Rockford developer and philanthropist, dies at 65 Nothing made Manzullo's blood boil
enjoyaurora.com
A Geneva Classic Turns 20: Discover What’s Next for Niche Restaurant
Niche Restaurant, a longtime fixture in downtown Geneva’s dining scene, is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2026. Since opening in 2006, Niche has built a loyal following for its inventive cuisine, exceptional spirits program, and elevated dining experience. Owned by Andrea Redmond & Vince Balistreri, Niche is known for...
everafterinthewoods.com
This Illinois Jungle-Themed Restaurant Feels Like Dining Inside A Rainforest
Imagine sitting down for dinner while animatronic elephants shift nearby and the sound of tropical rain rolls through the room. A gorilla suddenly stirs or lightning flickers across the ceiling. The dining room feels alive. This is not a quiet corner café. It is a full rainforest scene built...
Yahoo!
This Cozy Italian Restaurant Is A Suburban Chicago Favorite For Comfort Food
Enzo & Lucia, a beloved Italian restaurant located in Long Grove, Illinois, has been serving authentic regional Italian cuisine for the past 23 years. Chicago is home to some truly incredible Italian restaurants. No matter what you're craving, from scratch-made spaghetti in River West to crispy calamari in Little Italy, you'll have a hard time not being able to find the Italian dish of your wildest, Barolo-driven dreams. And for those who live downtown, venturing anywhere outside the city for an Italian meal seems like an insane task — why would I leave the confines of the metropolis when everything I want is right here? And yet, outside of the hustle and bustle, is where some culinary treasures reside. That's what Enzo & Lucia is — the cozy, comforting gem beyond the city limits. City dwellers, don't be afraid. The suburbs won't bite.
rockrivercurrent.com
Here are the 2026 winners of the Rockford Area Arts Awards
ROCKFORD — The Rockford Area Arts Council on Friday celebrated a dozen artists and organizations for their contributions to the region’s arts and cultural landscape. The annual awards, held this year at Rockford University’s Maddox Theatre, recognized artists and performers as well as educators, organizations and arts supporters.
WIFR
Josh Ross to headline at Old Settlers Days
ROCKTON, Ill. (WIFR) - The Rockton’s Lions Club has announced that singer Josh Ross is set to headline Old Settlers Day 2026. Ross is known for his songs such as ‘Trouble’ and ‘Single Again.’. The Lions Club plans to release more headliners every day this week.
familydestinationsguide.com
This No-Frills Illinois Hot Dog Stand Has Had A Cult Following Since 1946
Some restaurants have customers, and some restaurants have devotees who speak in hushed, reverent tones about the food like they’re discussing a religious experience. Gene & Jude’s in River Grove, Illinois definitely falls into that second category, and once you’ve tried their hot dogs, you’ll understand why people get a little weird about this place.
WIFR
everafterinthewoods.com
A Charming Illinois Farm Known For Serving Legendary Fried Chicken
If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to step into a living piece of history (with a side of fried chicken), White Fence Farm in Illinois might just be the place. Picture this: an old-school farmhouse vibe, a dash of Route 66 nostalgia, and the kind of fried chicken that’s crispy enough to make you forget your phone’s camera exists.
familydestinationsguide.com
The Blue-Ribbon Fried Chicken At This Historic Illinois Restaurant Is Worth The Drive
There’s a glowing beacon of deliciousness on Route 66 that has been luring hungry travelers like moths to a very tasty flame. Dell Rhea’s Chicken Basket in Willowbrook isn’t just serving fried chicken, it’s serving a masterclass in how comfort food should be done, and it has been perfecting this art since the 1940s.
northernpublicradio.org
Ope! Laugh Wisconsinably with Charlie Berens this weekend in Rockford
(This is a portion of a larger conversation, which has been edited for clarity. Listen to the full conversation in the link above.) Charlie Berens is a comic, internet personality and bestselling author who is an aficionado of all things Midwestern culture. Berens recently joined me for a chat ahead...
Rockford Register Star
Looking for a fish fry? Here are a couple dozen in the Rockford area
ROCKFORD, IL — Fish fry season is here, and Rockford area restaurants, clubs and churches are busy serving up some of the best fried, baked and broiled seafood entrees in the region. If you're looking for a fish fry over the next several weeks, there are dozens of options in the Rockford area. Some offer fish fry only on Fridays during Lent. Others serve it year-round on Fridays or daily. Some, instead of a traditional fish fry, feature a variety of seafood specialties, making them another option for meatless Friday. For the most up-to-date information on hours and availability, visit websites or social media. Saint Ambrogio Society The Saint Ambrogio Society offers nine different fish dinner options served with salad, bread, a choice of spaghetti, and a baked potato or French fries. Address: 802 Montague St., Rockford The Hope and Anchor The Hope and Anchor serves fish and chips, baked cod, and roasted salmon for dine-in or carryout. Address: 5040 N. Second St., Loves Park The Olympic Tavern The Olympic Tavern offers multiple fish fry options, including beer-battered cod, fried shrimp, clam strips and catfish. Address: 2327 N. Main St., Rockford Ernie’s Midtown Pub Ernie’s serves up a fish fry
takingthekids.com
10 Buffets In Illinois Winning Over Neighborhoods One Plate At A Time
There’s nothing quite like walking into a neighborhood buffet where the aroma of sizzling dishes hits you before you even sit down. Over the years, I’ve wandered through countless spots across Illinois, from cozy local joints to sprawling family-style buffets, and these 10 stand out for one reason: every plate is packed with flavor, variety, and heart.