Chicago Bulls: Pax’s comments further complicate messy situationon April 9, 2020 at 12:00 pm

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Chicago Bulls Rumors: 3 coaching candidates with ties to Karnisovason April 9, 2020 at 1:02 pm

Chicago Bulls (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

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With the new Executive Vice President on board for the Chicago Bulls, who are some potential coaching candidates?

Well, it finally happened. The Chicago Bulls have a new head executive in charge of basketball operations. John Paxson‘s 17-year reign as either the general manager or more recently, the vice president of basketball operations, is over. Overnight, news broke that the team had agreed to terms with Arturas Karnisovas to run their basketball operations.

If you’re still reading, you’ve noticed I’ve used a few different monikers for the position which Karnisovas is filling. His official title will be vice president of basketball operations like his predecessor. But what level of autonomy he will have to make decisions — particularly about current personnel — remains to be seen.

With word that Paxson is likely to stay on in an advisory role, how much influence he will maintain also remains to be seen. However, it’s human nature to expect him to pull for keeping his guys. After all, he had a vision (albeit a flawed one) and likely still believes it can succeed. One of those guys he might be lobbying to keep is head coach Jim Boylen, who has had a tumultuous start to his Bulls career.

However, there is a very high chance (if not a foregone conclusion) that Karnisovas will replace Boylen, especially since it has been made abundantly clear this season that the payers have not bought in.

So if, as expected, Boylen is replaced, who are some candidates with potential ties to Karnisovas that could get consideration?

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Chicago Bears: How fans should approach QB competitionon April 9, 2020 at 1:30 pm

The Chicago Bears have a quarterback controversy. There are a few ways that fans can handle it but there one obvious proper way.

The Chicago Bears officially have a quarterback controversy. They have Mitchell Trubisky who has not really been awesome since being drafted with the second overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. He has a playoff season under his belt but was pretty awful in 2019. They brought in Nick Foles who was the Super Bowl MVP after defeating Tom Brady and the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LII.

Nick Foles has never succeeded, however, when he was deemed the starter from day one for a franchise. He was given the keys to the Jacksonville Jaguars and St. Louis Rams after a couple of one-off years with the Eagles and didn’t succeed. Even in the year that he won the Super Bowl, he came in relief for an injured Carson Wentz who might have gone on to be the MVP of the regular season if he didn’t get hurt.

So two guys with major warts on their careers are competing for the starting quarterback job of the Chicago Bears. That seems to line up perfectly with history because they should once again have an elite defense in 2020. They have some superstars on that side of the ball so the middle of the pack competent offense should be able to get the job done. The problem is, having an offense that is in the middle of the pack. They were straight-up bad in 2019 and they still managed to come to an 8-8 record. If the offense is slightly improved in 2020, this team has a chance to be extremely dangerous.

So what should fans be rooting for? Well, it is easy to see both sides. A lot of folks are already fed up with the ineptitude of the offense which has made them turn on Mitchell Trubisky. It is justified because the Bears have settled for bad quarterback play for pretty much the entire existence of the franchise. They want someone who is going to lead them to some sustained success. It doesn’t help when you look back at which quarterbacks were taken after Mitch in the 2017 Draft but it is what it is.

A lot of people automatically want Foles to win the job. That is fair based on the circumstances but it might not be the right thing to just want right away. People should be rooting for Trubisky to be awesome. If it all were to click for him it would be amazing for the Chicago Bears. That would mean that they can let Foles go after this year and have Mitch be the starter. It is always preferred that the kid wins any battle when it comes to the long term health of a team.

With all of that said, the most important thing fans should root for beyond that is the success of the Chicago Bears. Whoever plays better should be the guy fans want to see under center. If Mitch is bad again, root for Foles. If Foles is bad, root for Mitch. It is easy to want the kid to win going into it but root for the best man to win the job.

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Chicago Bulls: Approaching a potential culture changeon April 9, 2020 at 2:00 pm

Chicago Bulls (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

It came out that the Chicago Bulls were making a major front-office chance on Wednesday night which should spark a major culture change for this team.

The Chicago Bulls have turned into a mess over the last handful of years. Obviously, we remember the great days of the Michael Jordan era followed by the Derrick Rose era a little bit later. Since those fun times, they have become one of the worst running teams in the NBA. Gar Forman and John Paxson have done a terrible job of running the team but it appears they are finally taking a step back.

Adrian Wojnarowski reported on Twitter Wednesday night, that the Bulls have come to a deal with Denver Nuggets GM Arturas Karnisovas. He is going to become the new Executive VP of Basketball operations. It is, according to Wojnarowski, his job to reshape the front office which includes hiring a new general manager.

The Nuggets have become a really good contender in the NBA’s Western Conference under Karnisovas. He did a great job there which is why the Bulls went after him. According to Woj on Twitter, the Bulls offered him the job early in the evening and then he worked on the deal with them through the night to leave Denver and come to Chicago.

All of this could mean one major thing for Chicago. A big culture change is on the way. The Bulls put GarPax on the backburner to deal with other things while giving Karnisovas the keys to the basketball operations. He is a big name that has had success in another place where it should be much less easy to have success in. This team could go from the stink that it has been laying in for the past two years to some very good times ahead.

You would think that the first thing on his mind beyond hiring a general manager would be to get a new coach. Jim Boylen has been pretty awful in his short tenure with the team but it probably wasn’t short enough. This team needs a lot of great changes before it becomes a contender but this is a great step in the right direction.

If the culture truly does change, you never know how it changes everything. Everyone seems to want Anthony Davis to come home to Chicago with the Bulls and bring them back to relevancy. Well, you never know how things work out for him with the Los Angeles Lakers but anything is possible. There is no doubt that a move like that would definitely feed into this potential culture change.

The Bulls saw things get bad. When the NBA suspended their season they were 22-43. That is good for 11th place in the Eastern Conference and eight games behind the Orlando Magic for the final playoff position. The United Center was half empty on most nights and people were starting to get disinterested. This is a move that could lure some people back into rooting for this team. A winning Chicago Bulls team would be great for the city.

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Chicago Restaurants Offering Pick-up and Delivery During Coronavirus COVID-19 Pandemicon April 1, 2020 at 4:04 pm

In light of coronavirus COVID-19, bars and restaurants across Illinois are closed for two weeks. These Chicago restaurants are stepping up and offering delivery and pickup at their establishments to minimize the chaos:

Mariano’s offers $10 delivery through their app where you can get all of your grocery needs without leaving the house. Get everything you need to be delivered right to your door in as little as two hours. Plus, get free delivery on your first order!
Home Chef is one of the leading meal kit delivery companies with 3.5 million meals delivered every month. Their online menu features 19 different recipes that rotate weekly and are created for all skill levels and dietary preferences. Home cooks can choose from carb-conscious, calorie-conscious, and vegetarian meals with slow cooker, entree salad, and oven-ready options available as well. Home Chef is delivered right to your door with meal prices starting at $9.95.
- Home Chef also has meal kits available at Mariano’s stores as an easy dinner option to add to your next grocery delivery!
Marigold to Go Virtual Restaurant is recently available in Chicago through Enolo Wine Cafe. Enjoy the finest Indian cuisine from Northern and Southern India in the comfort of your home including Chicken Tikki Masala, Gulab Jamun, Saag Paneer, and more. Take-out is provided through Postmates and Uber Eats. First-time diners receive a $20 takeout credit through March 15th when they place their order by calling (312) 477-7657.
Marchesa offers delivery through GrubHub! Enjoy traditional French cuisine from Chef Didier Durand including Duck Breast, Diver Scallops, Moules Frites, Caviar, European Cheese & Charcuterie, and more.
River Roast offers delivery through DoorDash! Enjoy your River Roast favorites at home this winter season. Get free delivery with River Roast on your first DoorDash order. River Roast also offers carry-out specials including:
- Winter Chicken Dinner: whole roast chicken with River Roast potatoes, choice of chopped salad or roasted seasonal veggies ($49)
- Pork Shank Dinner: 24oz. pork shank with River Roast potatoes, choice of chopped salad or roasted seasonal veggies ($59)
- Roast Beef Dinner: 16oz. roast beef with River Roast potatoes, choice of chopped salad or roasted seasonal veggies ($75)
Jake Melnick’s Corner Tap is offering Curbside Pickup Available Daily from 12PM to 9PM. For Pickup: Pull Your Vehicle in Front of Jake Melnick’s Located at 41 E. Superior Street with Your Hazard Lights On. Please Call the Restaurant at 312.266.0400 And Let Them Know You Have Arrived. A Team Member Will Meet You at Your Car with Your Order. Delivery Available Via DoorDash and ChowNow.
Roka Akor offers delivery through Caviar. Enjoy Roka’s contemporary, chef-driven menu at home from the Chicken Yakitori Skewers to Wagyu Beef and Kimchi Dumplings. Whether you have a taste for seafood, steak, Maki, or comforting options like Miso Soup, Roka has it available to deliver.
Fry the Coop locations are open for carryout and delivery. Ordering is available online or via phone and employees take down car information for curbside pick-up to maximize social distancing.
Wells Street Market is currently open for takeout from 11am – 3pm. Most of the vendors will offer takeout through the end of the day and future availability will be shared towards the end of today (3/16) regarding plans for the remainder of the week and beyond.
Gemini is offering curbside pickup from 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM daily, call (773) 525-2522.
Coda Di Volpe is offering curbside pickup from 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM, call (773) 687-8568.
Walton Street Kitchen + Bar is offering curbside pickup or delivery available from 4:30-8:30 PM daily. Call (773) 570-3525. Delivery on Caviar.
Old Pueblo Cantina is offering curbside pickup or delivery available from 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM daily. Call (773) 697-3727. Delivery on Caviar.
MAD Social is offering Modern American cuisine for delivery through Grubhub.
Brew Brew Coffee & Tea is offering Mexican cuisine for pickup and delivery for Pilsen and Avondale locations. You can also support them by buying a gift card you will use later!
Molly’s Cupcakes South Loop is offering delivery through Grubhub, Caviar, UberEats, and DoorDash.
Urbanbelly is offering delivery and take-out from 11am to 9pm daily on Caviar, Ritual, and over the phone: 773-904-8606. There is a 20% off neighborhood discount for Wicker Park applicable for all phone orders.
Harbor: In an effort to take at least one thing off your plate, so you can take care of yourself and your loved ones, Harbor is making it easy and introducing family style packages. Enjoy a meal for two ($26) or four ($50), such as Split Roasted Chicken, Pizza, or Bolognese, all served with a variety of sides, and the restaurant team will bring it directly to your car door, deliver it to your home for free, or have the meal available for takeout. Harbor is the South Loop’s newest dining destination located at 1312 S. Wabash and offers a locally inspired and sourced menu from Chef Anthony Bernal. To see what’s on the menu today or to order, please call (312) 736-1570.
KINTON RAMEN: The popular Japanese restaurant concept that has taken Canada and now the United States by storm, Kinton Ramen is offering delivery via DoorDash from its two Chicago locations in West Loop (163 N. Sangamon St.) and Wicker Park (1426 N. Milwaukee Ave.). To order, click here and receive free delivery for your first order ($15 minimum). Delivery is also available via Uber Eats and Caviar. Delivery couriers will not enter premises and will be “curb-side” only with extra sanitation processes in place.
Geja’s Cafe: Geja’s Café, located at 340 W. Armitage, is offering a robust Geja’s To Go Monday through Sunday from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., allowing guests the opportunity to have Geja’s signature items delivered straight to their doors. Menu items include Swiss Gruyere Cheese Fondue with breads, apples, grapes and vegetables for dipping; Belgian Chocolate Fondue with pound cake, Rice Krispie treats, and assorted fruits for dipping; as well as their Gourmet Meat and Cheeseboards. For the full To-Go menu or to make an order, please visit their website or call 773-281-9101. Physical and digital gift cards are also available for purchase here. Through the end of March 2020, for every $100 gift card purchased through their website, the Geja’s team will add an additional $19 to the gift card for you to use when it is safe for the restaurant re-open for normal business.
Turkitch: With three locations in Chicago, Turkitch Turkish Kitchen is offering delivery via GrubHub (with free delivery and 10% cashback) and Uber Eats and pick-up service at each of its locations. Additionally, as a close neighbor to St. Joseph Hospital, Turkitch encourages guests who are able to sponsor meals to those working the hardest to ensure our community stays safe and healthy. When orders are made for St. Joseph’s, guests will receive 10% off the order and the Turkitch team will deliver the meal safely free of delivery charge. To learn more or to order, please call (773) 453-3323 or visit their website.
Allgauer’s on the Riverfront: Allgauer’s on the Riverfront, the beloved North Shore restaurant and family-owned business for more than 40 years, located at 2855 N. Milwaukee Ave., will offer curbside pickup for those looking to enjoy selections from their menu at home. For more information, please visit their website.
Columbus Tap: Columbus Tap, the quintessential gastropub located at the Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Tap, 200 N. Columbus Dr., is offering its full menu for takeout. Orders can be placed on Grubhub or by calling (312) 444-9494. For more information or to view their menu, please visit their website.
the Albert: An art and science-inspired restaurant located in Streeterville at 228 E. Ontario, the Albert offers carryout service with orders placed within the restaurant. To view the restaurant’s full menu, click here.
ROOH Chicago: ROOH Chicago, one of the top Indian restaurants in Chicago situated in the West Loop at 736 W. Randolph St., is offering dishes available for delivery via Grubhub. To see the full menu, please click here.
Jet’s Pizza: Jet’s Pizza, known for its Detroit-style deep dish, eight-corner pizza, has 20 Chicago stores that are open for delivery orders. For the full menu or to order a meal for delivery, please visit their website.
Stan’s Donuts & Coffee has 12 locations across Chicago and the suburbs. Online ordering can be done through our Loyalty app, on our website, via UberEats, GrubHub, DoorDash, and their website. They are also offering a special on gift cards: if you purchase a $50 gift card, you get an extra $10 free!
Graystone Tavern: Delivery from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. through multiple platforms (Grubhub, Uber Eats, Postmates, DoorDash) as well as curbside pickup (place order via calling the restaurant).
- MENU includes shareables like wings and fried cauliflower as well as an extensive taco menu, lettuce wraps, salads, DYI Mac ‘n Cheese and more.
The Rambler: Delivery and curbside pickup available via Postmates, Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub. Diners can also call the restaurant directly to place an order as current staff will also be used to deliver orders as an effort to keep their staff working. Adding lunch delivery as well starting at 11 a.m.
- MENU features creative bar fare and comfort food like gnocchi mac, stuffed potato skins, Chef JC’s chili, a soup flight, giant pork tenderloin sandwich and more.
Weber Grill Restaurants is offering Family Grill Packs To-Go. With the whole family currently at home, Weber Grill Restaurants has put together two new family-style grill packages that serve 4 to 5 people, available for delivery via DoorDash and curbside pickup. This is a great option for a family to enjoy – or to have on hand to enjoy over a few days. These fully cooked and ready to serve meals are at a significant discount to purchasing individual entrees with sides. Link to full menu HERE.
- Classic Dinner Family Pack, $49: Includes pretzel rolls with cheddar and whipped butter, a choice of Black Angus bbq meatloaf, beer can chicken or a combo, and choice of 2 sides from garlic mashed potatoes, steamed broccoli or mixed green salad.
- Summit Dinner Package, $79: Includes pretzel rolls with cheddar and whipped butter, a choice of grilled marinated strip steak, plank grill salmon or a combo, and choice of 2 sides from garlic mashed potatoes, steamed broccoli or mixed green salad.
Timothy O’Toole’s Pub (all four locations) is donating 100% of today’s revenue, including gift card sales, to their hourly staff. They will offer carry-out and delivery, they are starting make-at-home meal kits, and are looking to add delivered items people may need, such as fresh bread and bathroom tissue. Order via 312-642-0700; credit cards only please. Also available on UberEats, DoorDash, GrubHub, Ritual.
Artango Bar & Steakhouse is offering pick-up and delivery, plus a 20% discount for those picking up (may use credit card over the phone). Call 872-208-7441.
III Forks Prime Steakhouse is offering pick-up. Call (312) 938-4303.
Bonus Round Game Cafe in Lakeview will no longer offer dining, but they are selling games online. They will deliver them curbside. They’ve added a “tip” option at check-out which will be donated to staff.
Bar Roma is offering pickup and 20% off the original price from every curbside order directly to the Bar Roma staff. This is in addition to 100% of tips from every order.
Porkchop, a Chicago bar-b-que brand, today announced that both its newly-opened pop-up fast-casual venue at 1625 N Halsted in Lincoln Park and its mainstay at 5121 Food Hall in Hyde Park will be open for carry-out and delivery during the current pandemic and will be offering pulled pork and pulled chicken sandwiches at a 20% discount.
Avli Taverna (1335 W. Wrightwood Ave.), Avli River North (702 N. Wells St.) and Avli Winnetka (866 Chestnut St.) will offer a limited menu for delivery, carryout and curbside pick-up. The menu will offer customizable lunch boxes and family meals.
- Avli Taverna orders can be placed during business hours by calling 773-857-5577 or e-mailing events@avli.us. Avli Taverna offers delivery on GrubHub and Caviar.
- Avli River North orders can be placed during business hours by calling 312-643-5656 or e-mailing [email protected]. Avli River North offers delivery on Caviar.
- Avli Winnetka orders can be placed by calling 847-446-9300 or on DoorDash.
La Josie (740 W. Randolph St.) will remain fully closed through Monday, March 30. Chef/Owner Pepe Barajas has kept on his management staff. The team is using the closure to plan summer fundraising events to benefit industry professionals affected by the shutdown.
Pizano’s Pizza & Pasta, the iconic pizza restaurant from Rudy Malnati, Jr., will offer free delivery for lunch and dinner at all locations during the remainder of March. Curbside pick-up will also be available. Guests who order or pick-up will also receive a $5 coupon for their next order. Credit cards only. They will also offer one free pizza with every four-pack purchased as a part of their acclaimed Coast-to-Coast national shipping program. National shipping orders can be placed here. Information on locations and delivery can be found here.
Chiya Chai (2770 N. Milwaukee Ave.), Logan Square’s popular chai cafe, will offer a “Lunch Break” special of 25 percent off delivery orders between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. for local customers that are working from home. Delivery orders can be placed on GrubHub. Chiya Chai is also offering $25 off first-time catering orders. Chiya Chai catering is available for both Chicago and Chicago suburb residents. To view the full catering menu and place an order, visit here. For additional information call the cafe at 773-360-7541.
Bistronomic (840 N. Wabash Ave.) is offering curbside pick-up at their Gold Coast bistro now through Monday, March 30.
One Of A Kind Hospitality’s Logan Square concepts including The Old Plank, The Harding Tavern, Cafe Con Leche and Saba Italian Bar + Kitchen will remain open for delivery and pick-up. Orders can be placed by calling the restaurant directly:
- Cafe Con Leche (2714 N. Milwaukee Ave.) will be open 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.; 773-289-4274
- The Harding Tavern (2732 N. Milwaukee Ave.) will be open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; 773-697-9340
- The Old Plank (2700 N. Milwaukee Ave.) will be open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; 773-661-2190
- Saba Italian Bar + Kitchen (2715 N. Milwaukee Ave.) will be open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; 773-697-9273
Cafe Spiaggia is offering curbside pickup available daily from 11 am – 8 pm. For Pickup: Pull your vehicle to the Northwest Corner of Oak & Michigan under the 1000 Lake Shore Plaza Awning.
Fisk & Co. in the Loop will be offering a To Go menu available from Monday – Sunday, 8AM – 8PM. The breakfast, lunch and dinner options will include classics like a Bacon Omelette (sautéed mushrooms, crumbled bacon, cheddar and hash browns), Fisk favorites like the Lobster Roll (warm buttered lobster, toasted new england bun, slow, frites) or quick bites like a Grilled Chicken Wrap (grilled chicken breast, bacon, romaine, parmesan, ranch dressing). Carryout can be ordered by calling 312-236-9300.
Temporis: Temporis is offering its Michelin-starred hospitality in the comfort of your own home, helping to support the independent restaurant’s staff, as well as neighbors and ingredient purveyors during this uncertain time. The menu will be more casual in nature than the regular tasting menu, but reflects what a typical family meal looks like in the Temporis kitchen— think Maine Lobster mac & cheese. Starting Wednesday, 3/18, the West Town restaurant will launch a brand new experience available for takeout or delivery, “Dinner For Two”. Each prix-fixe dinner package will include a baby kale salad, hearty entree of short ribs and cheddar grits and pastry chef Jacquelyn’s Awe-Inspiring Brownies. The meal is large enough for two people, likely with leftover for the next day, for $70. A great bottle of wine can be added for an additional $30. An a la carte menu will also be available. Guests can call the restaurant in advance or the day-of to purchase, from 4pm to 9pm Tuesday through Saturday. Delivery is also available to guests in the West Town and Wicker Park areas.
Bar Biscay will be offering a daily family-style meal for delivery and curbside pickup, called “Real Good Dinner.” Each order will serve two people and consist of an appetizer, salad, & dessert with an entree option of chicken, beef or veggie. Additionally, we will also be offering delivery of groceries with Bodega Biscay! Think of your basic, well-stocked bodega: dairy, produce/veggies, beans, rice, pasta, some proteins, some spices — and also wine, beer & sodas. Hours for both options are noon to 8pm EVERY DAY for delivery or curbside pick-up. Orders taken for next day delivery.
The Smith is offering pick up and delivery from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily through DoorDash, UberEats, and Grubhub. Pick-up orders can also be made by calling the restaurant directly at 312.312.5100. In addition to a-la-carte items, The Smith will offer a Family Meal option that feeds 2-3 people and includes a choice of salad, pasta, a main course and chocolate chip cookies for $35. Now through the end of the month, The Smith is offering a discounted Thank You gift card promotion. The following gift card amounts are available for a discounted price:
- $100 gift card for $90
- $500 gift card for $400
- $1,000 gift card for $650
- $5,000 gift card for $2,500
Filini restaurant inside of the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel, Chicago will now be offering delivery through GrubHub from 7 am – 9 pm daily. GrubHub will feature a limited menu of both breakfast and lunch/dinner options like Spaghetti Pomodoro, Margherita Pizza, and more.
Sweet Mandy B’s is open for pickup and delivery orders at their Lincoln Park shop and their new Streeterville location that opened in early March. Patrons are encouraged to call ahead to place orders at Lincoln Park at 773-244-1174 or Streeterville at 312-255-1632.
Uvae Kitchen & Wine Bar is offering pickup and FREE delivery via Toast Tab. MENU features new American cuisine with items like pan-roasted artichoke, duck fat curly frites, ginger-chili shrimp, sausage pie with a banana pepper ricotta

At UrbanMatter, U Matter. And we think this matters.

Tell us what you think matters in your neighborhood and what we should write about next in the comments below!

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These Chicago Bars Are Opening Up Their Wine Cellars and Offering Steep Discountson April 8, 2020 at 5:59 pm

Many Chicago restaurants and bars have exclusive, not to mention extensive, wine cellars on the premises, but how often do you indulge in these fine wines? Probably not enough, especially since they usually come with a high price tag. Not right now, though. In light of quarantine, these Chicago bars have opened the vaults and offered steep discounts on even their oldest wines, so you can get a taste of ancient history while you’re stuck at home.