2019 Audi Q8: Tech-forward offering from Audi is a tight fit for the city (but really cool)Jill Ciminilloon May 6, 2020 at 11:07 pm

Drive, She Said

2019 Audi Q8: Tech-forward offering from Audi is a tight fit for the city (but really cool)

From afar, I first thought the Audi Q8 was a Q3. I know there’s a huge size disparity between the two vehicles, but the steeply raked rear window, thick C-Pillar and higher beltline make this largest SUV in the Audi lineup resemble the smallest more closely than those in the middle.

However, though it looks much smaller than it is, it doesn’t drive that way.

I really liked the Audi Q8, which is all-new for the 2019 model year, and if you’re a suburban driver with minimal urban commuting, I’d say this is a very nice luxury car that is fully worth the expense.

The Hits

I’m a sucker for gimmicks, thus it should be no surprise I’m completely enamored with the Virtual Cockpit, which is standard on the Audi Q8. This is the configurable display that contains the behind-the-wheel gauges. I love the beautiful digital display with the ability to make the four-color map span the entire swath of screen.

It’s high-tech and, in my opinion, visually appealing.

The new Multi Media Interface (MMI), which is another visual delight, is also a huge win in the Q8. Audi finally ditched the fractious rotary dial in favor of an attractive dual-screen environment that not only physically works but also blends with the overall interior design.

The new Multi Media Interface on the 2019 Audi Q8 ditches the rotary dial in favor of a dual-screen system. (Photo by Jill Ciminillo)

This is one of two dual screen environments I’ve seen in new vehicles that actually looks good. The other is in Jaguar Land Rover vehicles.

Audi is also only one of a few automakers currently offering wireless Apple CarPlay, which I’ve come to fully appreciate.

Another pleasant point is the engine power in the Q8. It’s equipped with a 3.0-liter V-6 engine , which provides smooth and seamless power. I never worried about merging with traffic or passing, though I do have to admit I could definitely feel the 5,004-pound weight when trying to make more aggressive driving maneuvers.

Ride and handling on the Q8 is more luxurious than sporty, which I found somewhat surprising since I tend to expect more sport than luxury from Audi. But, I will say the fact that the suspension wasn’t super stiff made traversing Chicago potholes a much more pleasant experience.

The Misses

While I appreciated the comfortable ride, this is also a bit of a miss because even when I switched into the “Dynamic” driving mode, it didn’t make the Audi Q8 feel much sportier.

And in terms of handling, the size is very deceiving. In addition to the heft you feel when accelerating, the Q8 is really long, and that makes it difficult for some tight city spaces. The turning radius isn’t tight, and I found driving maneuvers that usually only take a couple turns of the wheel — like backing into my garage — had me using a little more effort and a lot more turns.

2019 Audi Q8 (Photo by Jill Ciminillo)

Also, just as wireless Apple CarPlay is a hit, it’s a bit of a miss as well. The system works great and looks great, but if you use navigation through Waze or Apple Maps, that beautiful Virtual Cockpit map disappears and is replaced by an ugly image of a compass.

Oh, and at this time, if you’re an Android user, wireless Auto isn’t available.

The Trims

While the starting price for the Audi Q8 kisses $70K, there’s a lot of good stuff included in that price, and as you level up, you get more goodies. The fact that the top trim is only $9K more than the base trim is also a win in my book.

Premium ($69,195): includes 20-inch wheels, navigation, Audi’s new MMI, Virtual Cockpit, panoramic roof, and front-and-rear parking sensors.

Premium Plus ($73,195): adds 21-inch wheels, Bang & Olufsen 3D Premium Surround Sound, Convenience Package, ambient lighting and a top-view camera with a 360-degree view.

Prestige ($78,695): adds HD Matrix-design LED headlights, LED taillights, head-up display, Driver Assistance Package, leather dashboard with contrast stitching and aluminum-optic touch-sensitive buttons.

2019 Audi Q8 interior (Photo by Jill Ciminillo)

The Chicago Factor

As an SUV on the large side of the spectrum, I really like the Audi Q8. It has nice available rear-seat amenities, plenty of cargo volume and a handsome, tech-forward interior design. The finishing touches are attractive and well-done, and the ride and handling is comfortable if not exactly sporty.

It’s a great suburban vehicle with the occasional jaunt to the city. But if you live in the city and drive in the city a lot, you’ll definitely want to do an extended test drive to see how it fits into your personal spaces.

I was lucky enough that I didn’t have anyone parking in the garage space next to me during the test week, so I had space for my trial and error parking. Plus the front-and-rear parking sensors made sure I didn’t do anything stupid.

2019 Audi Q8 (Photo by Jill Ciminillo)

The Specs
Engine: 3.0L TFSI, 6-cyl Horsepower: 335 Torque: 369 lb-ft Fuel economy (combined): 18 mpg Drivetrain: AWD Height: 67.2 inches Width: 86.2 inches Length: 196.6 inches Wheelbase: 117.9 inches Seating capacity: 5 Cargo capacity (behind rear seats): 30.5 cu-ft Base price: $69,195 Price as tested: $79,340

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2019 Audi Q8: Tech-forward offering from Audi is a tight fit for the city (but really cool)Jill Ciminilloon May 6, 2020 at 11:07 pm Read More »

Chicago Craft Beer Mother’s Day Weekend, May 8-10Mark McDermotton May 7, 2020 at 3:53 am

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Celebrate Go Skateboarding Day on the (fantasy) gig poster of the weekSalem Collo-Julinon May 6, 2020 at 5:30 pm

click to enlarge

We’re excited to bring you another fantasy gig poster this week, honoring musician and professional skateboarder Tommy Guerrero. Skateboarding is conducive to social distancing, as sports go, and it reminds us that summer can still offer good times even if live music is on hold.

Local artist Erik Sanchez made a poster advertising a Guerrero solo show at the Empty Bottle (fast becoming a popular venue for fantasy gigs) on June 21, 2020, which is in real life Go Skateboarding Day, an annual holiday christened by the International Association of Skateboard Companies in 2004. Guerrero is a legendary street skater from San Francisco who got famous in the 80s riding with the Powell Peralta company’s professional team, the Bones Brigade. In the 90s he shifted his energy toward making music, and after stints in the bands Free Beer and Jet Black Crayon he started releasing indie rock under his own name.

“I had the pleasure of meeting him this year in Sacramento while playing a show. His tours have mainly been in Europe and Asia, so I asked him if he ever considered playing in Chicago, more specifically the Empty Bottle,” Sanchez says. “I am such a fan of Tommy’s music–I can listen to any of his albums on repeat.” Guerrero doesn’t seem to have played a solo show here (please correct me if I’m wrong), but he’ll definitely have to wait until Illinois is able to open to the public again. Perhaps like-minded skaters can listen to his music on June 21 while they celebrate the sport. Sanchez also encourages everyone to donate to the Greater Chicago Food Depository, an essential nonprofit organization in these precarious times.

The Reader continues to accept submissions of fantasy gig posters to be featured in this column. To participate, please e-mail [email protected] with your name, contact information, and your original design or drawing (you can attach a JPG or PNG file or provide a download link). We won’t be able to publish every submission, but we’ll feature as many as possible while the pandemic continues. Your submission can also include a nonprofit, fundraiser, or action campaign that you’d like to bring to the attention of our readers.

Not everybody can make a fantasy gig poster, of course, but it’s simple and free to take action through the website of the National Independent Venue Association–click here to tell your representatives to save our homegrown music ecosystems. And anybody with a few bucks to spare can support the out-of-work staffers at Chicago’s venues–here’s our list of fundraisers. Lastly, don’t forget record stores! The Reader has published a list of local stores that will let you shop remotely.

ARTIST: Erik Sanchez
FANTASY GIG: Tommy Guerrero at the Empty Bottle on Sun 6/21
ARTIST INFO: etsy.com/shop/ErikBSanchez
NPO TO KNOW: Greater Chicago Food Depository

Celebrate Go Skateboarding Day on the (fantasy) gig poster of the weekSalem Collo-Julinon May 6, 2020 at 5:30 pm Read More »

Top Chicago Chefs Are Cooking from Home On Goose Island’s Ingrain Instagram LiveNicole Hamzelooon May 6, 2020 at 4:10 pm

Some of Chicago’s top chefs are now going to be cooking on Instagram Live via the Goose Island project, Ingrain Magazine. Chefs include Stephanie Izard of Girl and the Goat, Abe Conlon of Fat Rice, Joe Flamm formerly of Spiaggia, Cameron Grant of Osteria Langhe, Beverly Kim of Parachute and more.

We may not be able to eat delicious food at their restaurants right now due to stay-at-home orders, but we can still get find joy in watching some of our favorite Chicago chefs cooking from home. What can be better than learning some amazing recipes from the best of the best?

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Right now! Right now! Stephanie Izard is doing Ingrain Live on @gooseisland – She’s making Mu Shu to benefit her restaurant workers. Go to @bokarestaurantgroup to donate to their employee relief fund!

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The new series started on April 17th, hosted by Goose Island Beer Co. and featuring at-home cooking demonstrations. It is a nine-part series that celebrates top Chicago talent, so you can join in and follow along with the cooking on Instagram Live.

Each chef will not only show off a favorite recipe but they will all select a charity of their choice to which Goose Island will donate $1,000. The first chef in the series, Jonathan Zaragoza of Birrieria Zaragoza made coctel de camarones (Mexican Shrimp Cocktail), but there is still plenty of time to catch the remaining chefs. All demonstrations are happening on the Ingrain Instagram account. Check out the schedule below and mark your calendars, you won’t want to miss this amazing experience.

May 8 at 4pm: Joe Flamm, formerly of Spiaggia
May 11 at 4pm: Abe Conlon, Fat Rice
May 19 at 4pm: Paul Kahan, One Off Hospitality
May 25 at 4pm: Cameron Grant, Osteria Langhe
June 3 at 3pm: Beverly Kim, Parachute

Featured Image Credit: Ingrain Instagram

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Top Chicago Chefs Are Cooking from Home On Goose Island’s Ingrain Instagram LiveNicole Hamzelooon May 6, 2020 at 4:10 pm Read More »

Chicago Bulls: 3 impacts of hiring Marc EversleyPatrick Sheldonon May 6, 2020 at 11:00 am

Chicago Bulls (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

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With the Chicago Bulls’ new general manager officially on board, what are some potential impacts?

Late last week, the Chicago Bulls made official what had previously been announced days earlier, and that was the hiring of Marc Eversley as the franchise’s new general manager. It feels like this moment was a long-time coming for Bulls fans who have been clamoring for years for an end to the John Paxson and Gar Forman era. So now, the attention turns towards Eversley and what he will do in the coming days and months now that he is in charge.

To understand what that might look like, it would be helpful to understand a little more about him and how he has gotten to this point in his career.

Eversley most recently served as the Vice President of Basketball Operations for the Philadelphia 76ers, who has had some experience with rebuilding a roster. However, Eversley began his NBA front-office career with the Toronto Raptors working under the successful Bryan Colangelo. Eversley went on to work in the Washington Wizard’s front office before reuniting with Colangelo in Philadelphia where he was hired by the Bulls.

But what is most interesting about Eversley’s background is what he did just prior to joining the NBA. Before doing so, he worked as an executive in their retail and marketing departments. Although Eversley has taken a bit of an unconventional route to Chicago, his unique perspective will certainly have some impacts on the team, and we take a look at what some of them might be below.

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Chicago Bulls: 3 impacts of hiring Marc EversleyPatrick Sheldonon May 6, 2020 at 11:00 am Read More »

Chicago Blackhawks: Three forwards to trade for defenseVincent Pariseon May 6, 2020 at 12:00 pm

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – OCTOBER 10: Andrew Shaw #65 of the Chicago Blackhawks celebrates a goal against the San Jose Sharks during the second period of the opening home game at United Center on October 10, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

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The Chicago Blackhawks have a lot of good forwards but their defense is awful. They might be willing to move one to help their defense.

The Chicago Blackhawks have some skill at the forward positions. There are elite players like Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane. These are legendary players that might go down as the best to ever play for the team. Some people have them at that status already. There are young players there like Kirby Dach, Alex DeBrincat, and Dominik Kubalik that could provide tremendous depth and eventually take over for the legends when they move on.

On defense, things are different. They traded away Niklas Hjalmarsson so their other mainstays in Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook are all that are left from the glory days. Keith is still a good top-four guy but he is already 36 and will be 37 by the start of the next season. Brent Seabrook just turned 35 a couple of weeks ago but he is much more worn than Keith. It is clear that Seabrook is a 5th defender at best right now.

With that all in mind, it is clear that they need some help. They made the bonehead decision to trade Henri Jokiharju to the Buffalo Sabres for Alexander Nylander. They have Adam Boqvist and Ian Mitchell ready to have a decent amount of ice time going forward but they need more.

The idea of the team trading away some forwards for defense is something they should really consider. There are some premium defenders that are going to be available via free-agency like Torey Krug and Alex Pietrangelo but they will be pricey. These are three forwards that might be able to land them a top-four defenseman via a trade:

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Chicago Bears: 3 free agent running backs to address weaknessRyan Heckmanon May 6, 2020 at 1:00 pm

Chicago Bears (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

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The Chicago Bears have a weakness at running back, believe it or not. Ryan Pace has to do something about it.

A weakness at running back, you say? The Chicago Bears? Why, yes, they do have a weakness at running back. It isn’t something you would typically have thought going into the offseason, but it’s the absolute truth.

First off, I am a believer in David Montgomery. He was actually very good in his rookie campaign, considering how poor the Bears run blocked. He still forced dozens upon dozens of missed tackles and I think his sophomore season will show he’s more comfortable. Montgomery should be locked and loaded as the starter, and he’s going to be a good one. Count on it.

But, behind Montgomery is a bit of a mystery. In 2019, we all saw a Tarik Cohen who was much less deliberate in running the football. Sure, the blocking was bad. But, Cohen was also not much better. In fact, he didn’t look anything like his 2018 self.

Cohen was everything but decisive in how he ran the football. Was he used improperly? Was he over-thinking things? It could be a bit of both. But, he didn’t look like the compliment and backup needed for Montgomery.

Behind Cohen is, well, a couple of guys who are fighting for jobs. Ryan Nall, along with undrafted rookie Artavis Pierce, are going to battle it out for a spot behind Cohen, or so we think.

Cordarrelle Patterson will be used more out of the back field, per Matt Nagy — and for good reason. Patterson is dynamic when he takes handoffs. But, he can’t be counted on to take too many. His best comes on special teams.

It just so happens that the Bears could solidify their back field with a veteran. A few are still unsigned, and they would make for strong additions to a roster looking to make a Super Bowl run. The fact of the matter is, if Montgomery went down, the Bears would be completely screwed — that’s simple honesty.

So, if I were Ryan Pace, I’d be giving one of these three a serious look in the near future.

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Chicago Bears: 3 free agent running backs to address weaknessRyan Heckmanon May 6, 2020 at 1:00 pm Read More »

Notre Dame Football: Game vs. Navy in Ireland is still on for 2020Ryan Fedrauon May 6, 2020 at 2:00 pm

Ian Book, Notre Dame Fighting Irish (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish are still scheduled to play Navy in Ireland in this season, even after cancellation rumors due to the Coronavirus possibly affecting the season.

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish were scheduled to start their season on August 29th, 2020 in Dublin, Ireland against Navy, but due to the Coronavirus, the game has been in doubt by many. There has been rumors of the game being canceled all the way to it still being a possibility.

As of right now, the game against Navy in Dublin is still happening. The issue becomes how Ireland handles things, as they’ve extended their ban on gatherings of more than 5,000 people to September. The game will take place just days before the ban would expire.

A few days doesn’t make a huge difference, right? Let’s hope not because postponing the game doesn’t help either team, as they’re booked for other games all year. Instead of postponing the game, they’d end up just playing in the United States.

The NFL has already pulled out of their games in Mexico and London that were scheduled for the 2020 NFL season. Look, I’m not complaining. The NFL games in Mexico and London are annoying for the players and fans.

A college football game in Ireland though is different in my eyes. It seems like an experience that the kids will only get to experience once. It’s an experience that will last a lifetime for the teammates on both teams.

Notre Dame athletic director Jack Swarbrick said on Tuesday “At this point, it’s still on the schedule.” This is good news, for many reasons. First off, this is a game I’ve been looking forward to since it was announced.

If the game happens, this will be their third time meeting in Ireland, with the first two going in favor of the Fighting Irish.

It was expected that over 35,000 fans will travel from the US and Europe to “take part” in the experience of this game. That could be the only thing that ends up holding Ireland back and possibly canceling the game in Ireland completely. I mean, 35,000 is way over the 5,000 people limit.

My bet is that the game will be canceled and moved to the United States. I am making a prediction that Ireland will host the two teams in 2021, instead of the expected August of 2020 matchup.

Notre Dame Football: Chase Claypool is officially in NFL

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We will know more as time passes. I expect to have a full answer sooner, rather than later.

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Notre Dame Football: Game vs. Navy in Ireland is still on for 2020Ryan Fedrauon May 6, 2020 at 2:00 pm Read More »

Beer Review: Odd Side Ales Rye Hipster Brunch StoutMark McDermotton May 6, 2020 at 4:14 am

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Beer Review: Odd Side Ales Rye Hipster Brunch StoutMark McDermotton May 6, 2020 at 4:14 am Read More »

Hothouse Flowers Sound Like The Longpigsradstarron May 6, 2020 at 12:18 pm

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Hothouse Flowers Sound Like The Longpigs

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Hothouse Flowers Sound Like The Longpigsradstarron May 6, 2020 at 12:18 pm Read More »

2019 Audi Q8: Tech-forward offering from Audi is a tight fit for the city (but really cool)Jill Ciminilloon May 6, 2020 at 11:07 pm

Drive, She Said

2019 Audi Q8: Tech-forward offering from Audi is a tight fit for the city (but really cool)

Chicago Craft Beer Mother’s Day Weekend, May 8-10Mark McDermotton May 7, 2020 at 3:53 am

The Beeronaut

Chicago Craft Beer Mother’s Day Weekend, May 8-10

Celebrate Go Skateboarding Day on the (fantasy) gig poster of the weekSalem Collo-Julinon May 6, 2020 at 5:30 pm

Top Chicago Chefs Are Cooking from Home On Goose Island’s Ingrain Instagram LiveNicole Hamzelooon May 6, 2020 at 4:10 pm

Chicago Bulls: 3 impacts of hiring Marc EversleyPatrick Sheldonon May 6, 2020 at 11:00 am

With the Chicago Bulls’ new general manager officially on board, what are some potential impacts?

Chicago Blackhawks: Three forwards to trade for defenseVincent Pariseon May 6, 2020 at 12:00 pm

The Chicago Blackhawks have a lot of good forwards but their defense is awful. They might be willing to move one to help their defense.

Chicago Bears: 3 free agent running backs to address weaknessRyan Heckmanon May 6, 2020 at 1:00 pm

The Chicago Bears have a weakness at running back, believe it or not. Ryan Pace has to do something about it.

Notre Dame Football: Game vs. Navy in Ireland is still on for 2020Ryan Fedrauon May 6, 2020 at 2:00 pm

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish are still scheduled to play Navy in Ireland in this season, even after cancellation rumors due to the Coronavirus possibly affecting the season.

Notre Dame Football: Chase Claypool is officially in NFL

Beer Review: Odd Side Ales Rye Hipster Brunch StoutMark McDermotton May 6, 2020 at 4:14 am

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Beer Review: Odd Side Ales Rye Hipster Brunch Stout

Hothouse Flowers Sound Like The Longpigsradstarron May 6, 2020 at 12:18 pm

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2019 Audi Q8: Tech-forward offering from Audi is a tight fit for the city (but really cool)

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With the Chicago Bulls’ new general manager officially on board, what are some potential impacts?

The Chicago Blackhawks have a lot of good forwards but their defense is awful. They might be willing to move one to help their defense.

The Chicago Bears have a weakness at running back, believe it or not. Ryan Pace has to do something about it.

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The Notre Dame Fighting Irish are still scheduled to play Navy in Ireland in this season, even after cancellation rumors due to the Coronavirus possibly affecting the season.

Notre Dame Football: Chase Claypool is officially in NFL

Beer Review: Odd Side Ales Rye Hipster Brunch Stout

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