Riverview Inn & Suites, Ascend Hotel Collection

06/12/2026

Congratulations to our Oak & Embers Chef Jonathon Powers for his win for "Favorite Meet Up and Most Creative Dish" in this year's Vegan Chef Challenge - Midwest Rockford edition!

His Charred Pineapple Chili-Lime Avocado Tostada was an absolute hit!🌶️🍋‍🟩🍍 Thank you to everyone who dined with us and voted!🥰 We appreciate your love and support.

You can continue to enjoy Chef's cooking when you dine at our bistro, or host a wedding, meeting or event at our hotel and events center overlooking the Rock River. ✨

Whether you prefer vegan only, or crave other options, there is always something delicious and thoughtfully created for everyone.

📍Oak & Embers is located in Riverview Inn & Suites, Ascend Hotel Collection
🕔We are open for dinner and drinks from Wed-Thurs: 5-9pm, Fri-Sat: 5-10pm
📞Call 815-282-3033 to reserve or to learn about our wedding and event packages.

🏆Congratulations to our fellow winners and thank you to the challenge organizers, sponsors and partners with special shout out to Shanasy Bratt.

05/26/2026

🔥Only 4 more nights remain to experience our chef's award-winning vegan creations and cast your vote in the Rockford Vegan Chef Challenge - Midwest 2026. Reserve your spot at Oak & Embers in Riverview Inn & Suites, Ascend Hotel Collection today!

How it works:🌿Each spring, local chefs put their creativity to the test in a month long culinary challenge.🥘Dine at participating restaurants throughout May and vote for your favorite vegan dish.🏆Winners will be announced online in June.

What we have cooking:✨Our Executive Chef Jonathon Powers has created two new vegan dishes that will tantalize your tastebuds! The Charred Pineapple and Chili-Lime Avocado Tostada features kimchi radish, pickled fresno, lime crema and fresh herbs.🌶️🥑Or, choose the Crispy Tempura ith Fried Rice featuring a blood orange glaze, charred spring vegetables and ginger/spring onion rice.🍊And be sure to leave room for his famous vegan desserts!🍰

Last chance to add your vote!

🕕Wed-Thurs: 5-9PM or Fri-Sat: 5-10PM.
📞+1 (815)282-3033 to reserve your table
🍽️Oak & Embers Bistro on the Rock River
📍700 W. Riverside Blvd in the Riverview Inn & Suites Hotel.

Oak & Embers always has something for everyone, so non-vegan options are also available.

05/23/2026

Honor and remember this Memorial Day in Downtown Rockford. Join the community for a meaningful day of remembrance as we pay tribute to those who served and sacrificed.🇺🇸

05/20/2026

From wedding days to wedding stays 💍

Whether you’re celebrating onsite or need the perfect room block for an offsite wedding, we’ve got you covered!

📸: Tyler Yomantas Photography

05/18/2026

POV: your graduation deserves a venue moment 🎓✨

Huge congratulations to the graduates of Saint Anthony College of Nursing. We were honored to host you!

Now booking graduation celebrations, ceremonies, and parties 🎉

Dates are filling quickly!

Call us at 815.282.3033 to book yours today!

05/02/2026

Happening today!

05/01/2026

Join us tomorrow, May 2, at Oak & Embers to kick off this year's Rockford Vegan Chef Challenge - Midwest!

Chef Jonathon Powers has two incredible new dishes for you to try:

🥑🌶️The Charred Pineapple and Chili-Lime Avocado Tostada features kimchi radish, pickled fresno, lime crema and fresh herbs.

🍊🍚Or, choose the Crispy Tempura Cauliflower with Fried Rice featuring a blood orange glaze, charred spring vegetables and ginger/spring onion rice.

And be sure to leave room for dessert!🍰

Join your fellow Rockford-area foodies for dinner and drink specials at Oak & Embers to kick off this year's Challenge!

🕕5:30 to 10 pm
🔹Kick-off Party is May 2, 2026
📞+1 (815)282-3033 to reserve your table
🍽️Oak & Embers Bistro on the Rock River
📍700 W. Riverside Blvd inside the Riverview Inn & Suites, Ascend Hotel Collection

Oak & Embers always has something for everyone, so non-vegan options are also available.

You can also dine and vote during our regular restaurant hours throughout May: Wed-Thurs: 5-9PM, Fri-Sat: 5-10PM. Call to reserve.

It's finally here! The Rockford Vegan Chef Challenge kicks off today and runs through the end of May. Visit these participating establishments to sample their new vegan options and cast your votes for the best!

04/29/2026

It's on!🔥🎉It's time for the Rockford Vegan Chef Challenge 2026 and we're hosting this year's kick off party at Oak & Embers, named Best New Restaurant 2025!

How it works:🌿Each spring, local chefs put their creativity to the test in a month long culinary challenge.🥘Dine at participating restaurants throughout May and vote for your favorite vegan dish.🏆Winners will be announced online in June.

What we have cooking:✨Our Executive Chef Jonathon Powers has created two new vegan dishes that will tantalize your tastebuds! The Charred Pineapple and Chili-Lime Avocado Tostada features kimchi radish, pickled fresno, lime crema and fresh herbs.🌶️🥑Or, choose the Crispy Tempura Cauliflower with Fried Rice featuring a blood orange glaze, charred spring vegetables and ginger/spring onion rice.🍊And be sure to leave room for dessert!🍰

Join your fellow Rockford-area foodies for dinner and drink specials at Oak & Embers to kick off this year's Challenge!

🕕5:30 to 10 pm
🔹Kick-off Party is May 2, 2026
📞+1 (815)282-3033 to reserve your table
🍽️Oak & Embers Bistro on the Rock River
📍700 W. Riverside Blvd in the Riverview Inn & Suites, Ascend Hotel Collection

Oak & Embers always has something for everyone, so non-vegan options are also available.

You can also dine and vote during our regular restaurant hours throughout May: Wed-Thurs: 5-9PM, Fri-Sat: 5-10PM. Call to reserve.