Categories: Entertainment and Attractions
Ravinia Festival
Author: Jody Robbins
Music and entertainment have been on tap at Ravinia, an open-air amphitheatre hosting a wide range of musical acts throughout the summer, since its opening in 1904. Though owners have come and gone, this more-than-100-year-old festival (the oldest in the country) keeps plugging away to add sweet notes to summer on Chicago's North Shore. More than 600,000 listeners attend up to 160 events through a season that features classical, jazz, music theater, and bands you might not expect, like the Steve Miller Band.
Music and entertainment have been on tap at Ravinia, an open-air amphitheatre hosting a wide range of musical acts throughout the summer, since its opening in 1904. Though owners have come and gone, this more-than-100-year-old festival (the oldest in the country) keeps plugging away to add sweet notes to summer on Chicago's North Shore. More than 600,000 listeners attend up to 160 events through a season that features classical, jazz, music theater, and bands you might not expect, like the Steve Miller Band. For a full schedule of evens, visit www.ravinia.org.
Dining at Ravinia
You can go lots of different ways when filling your need for food at Ravinia. You can fine-dine at one of their restaurants, or picnic in style. The surrounding North Shore neighborhoods are also filled with both neighborhood restaurants and world-class dining venues. It’s your choice, and there’s no wrong one to make.
Dining On The Grounds
You can do well on the dining side without ever leaving the grounds.
- The Park View Restaurant packs a punch both with its fine-dining menu and view of all the goings on out on the grounds. If you're wondering if they offer wine pairings, they do, and this is the place for you.
- Mirabelle offers another option in the form of “Chef's Tables,” which essentially constitute of very rich and ably done buffet-style dining option with different themes throughout the Ravinia Festival 2007 season.
- For relaxed and casual, stop in at Le Café and enjoy effortless-to-eat dishes like sandwiches and pizza.
Picnicking In Style
Unlike some venues, sitting on the grass, drinking wine, and eating fried chicken is considered de rigueur.
- Order your fare through Ravinia Lawn Catering, and it couldn't be easier. From simple concert fare to elaborate tables of high-end food, this is a luxurious (read: pricey) option.
- A picnic's not a picnic without a picnic box, so custom order your own and have it waiting for you upon arrival at the park. Then, enjoy gourmet sandwiches and salads. Orders must be placed before 5 p.m. the day of the event.
- Your last option outside of hitting the grocery is The Park Market, with it's to-go servings of sandwiches, salads, dips and spreads. There is also a selection of wine, beer, and soda, here.
Dining Around the North Shore
Restaurants, from four-star to burger and hot dog stands, this toney suburban has it all.
- Fight the crowd and love the food and service at Miramar, where critically acclaimed chef Gabriel Viti oversees all. A French bistro with Cuban leanings, Miramar is a scene.
Website: www.miramarbistro.com
- Enjoy the quaint patio and be surrounded by 100-year-old elm trees at South Gate Café. A great lunch spot, the food is straightforward American and ably prepared by the staff of chef John des Rosiers.
Website: www.southgatecafe.com
- Michael's Restaurant, set just off the main drag in Highland Park, is always packed, but the line moves quickly.
Website: www.michaelshotdogs.com
- A top fine-dining destination, Carlos' Restaurant is operated by Carlos and Debbie Nieto. Together with their staff, the Nieto's serve perfect, four-star contemporary French cuisine while exuding comfort and patience with their many regular customers.
Website: www.carlos-restaurant.com
Shopping at Ravinia
There are two gifts shops for you to visit, a walk-in affair in the dining pavilion that's loaded with Ravinia-themed goods, and another shop located behind the Martin Theatre . Think musical equipment and picnic gear, as well as unique Ravinia clothing and a selection of vintage Ravinia posters from past festivals. Also purchase artist CD's and DVD's.
Check out places of interest near Ravinia Festival:
Andy's Jazz Club
11 E. Hubbard St.,
Chicago, IL 60610
Bin 36
339 N. Dearborn St.,
Chicago, IL 60610
This spot has everything for the oenophile, with a retail store, tavern, restaurant and cheese bar.
Cafe Central
455 Central Ave.,
Highland Park, IL 60035
This casual European-style cafe offers a wide selection of fine-dining specialties. Diners can come for lunch or dinner to enjoy the French cuisine, a favorite of Chicago's affluent North Shore.
Carlos' Restaurant
429 Temple,
Highland Park, IL 60035
Carlos' Restaurant, a north suburban fine dining restaurant, has been a Chicago institution for 26 years.
Gabriel's Restaurant
310 Greenbay Road,
Highwood, IL 60040
French and Italian cuisine fill the menu of this fine-dining restaurant in one of Chicago's suburbs.
Jack Binion's Steakhouse
777 Casino Dr,
Hammond, IN 46320
Jack Binion's Steakhouse, located inside the Horseshoe Hammond Casino, offers gamblers and non-gamblers alike a fine dining experience feature choice cuts of prime rib, steak and veal, as well as an opulent variety of fresh seafood.
Andy's Jazz Club
11 E. Hubbard St.,
Chicago, IL 60610
B.L.U.E.S
2519 N. Halsted St.,
Chicago, IL 60614
Chicago blues house features local artists every night at 9:30 p.m. Cover varies.
Bin 36
339 N. Dearborn St.,
Chicago, IL 60610
This spot has everything for the oenophile, with a retail store, tavern, restaurant and cheese bar.
Blue Chicago
536 N. Clark St.,
Chicago, IL 60610
Sample the sounds of the sultry saxophone, the bold bass, the thundering trumpet and the daring drum beats at Blue Chicago, one of Chicago's best blues clubs. Open seven nights a week, Blue Chicago features some of the best names in blues and jazz.
The Redhead Piano Bar
16 W. Ontario St.,
Chicago, IL 60610
Top-notch piano players make The Redhead Piano Bar a sought-after venue when it comes to sophisticated live music in Chicago. Gather around the piano, or head toward the back of the room for more intimate conversation.
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
220 S. Michigan Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60604
The Chicago Symphony Orchestra is the heartbeat of Chicago. The CSO has numerous concerts and special events throughout the year. See the full list at their website. Tickets range from $10 to $200.
Jack Binion's Steakhouse
777 Casino Dr,
Hammond, IN 46320
Jack Binion's Steakhouse, located inside the Horseshoe Hammond Casino, offers gamblers and non-gamblers alike a fine dining experience feature choice cuts of prime rib, steak and veal, as well as an opulent variety of fresh seafood.
Ravinia Festival
418 Sheridan Rd.,
Highland Park, IL 60035
A lineup of pop, classical, folk, jazz and other musical performances under the stars or an open-air pavilion. Concerts March through Sept.
