Any suggestions for what food to take to a Ravinia concert ?

I'm going to see Sting at Ravinia on saturday.....any suggestions for what food to prepare and/or bring to the show ?

Fried Chicken

Thank you Steve. Fried chicken, a bucket of rib tips, and some portable vegatables like a bag of tomatoes is what I would choose to go along with the wine and beer and Tequilla. However, my friends might want more ideas.

Whatever you and your friends enjoy to eat and drink that can be transported easily. You'll see all types of food eaten at Ravinia. There's no wrong answer.

It borders on being a competition for some -- crystal, a chandelier, silver -- and as much French food as possible. That said, for most, it's just whatever the folks feel like. I've taken poached salmon with dill sauce and I've taken Thai carry out. Foodstuffs borders on being the "official" place for folks along the lake to buy their picnic food, if they aren't putting together their own baskets. Lots of take-away options offered: http://www.foodstuffs.com/menus/meals-to-go-menu.php. They might be good for inspiration.

I tried once doing the posh route -- china, crystal, etc. -- and decided after one time that I'm not remotely interested in every carrying anything that heavy again, especially since you have to carry it all out again.

Depending on the number of folks, roast chicken is always nice (doesn't get soggy like fried can). Potluck last year, for a group of a dozen, we had lots of finger food, cold salads, and hot casserole type dishes. (I made a dish of quinoa, bacon, and wild mushrooms.) Someone brought brats and someone else brought pastry. The main focus was on savory, but there were a couple of sweets -- and plenty of wine. Water is a good idea, too, because wine is nice but doesn't quench your thirst. They do sell food at Ravinia,too -- and have a nice ice cream kiosk.

So seriously, it's anything you want.

Having worked at Ravinia for 7 summers during my youth, it was always a blast to see the extravagance of some of the set-ups people would bring. But these days, as a patron, I try to keep it as simple as possible: one rolling cooler packed with several freezer packs and as much cold finger food as possible, like frittatas, sandwiches, fried chicken, pre-cut fruit, etc. I usually pack some chocolate, wrapping it closely to a freezer pack to prevent it from melting. It really just comes down to what you like and, within those parameters, what travels well. No open flame is allowed (on the lawn) at Ravinia, so you'll have to leave your grill and lump charcoal at home.

Beyond that, I suppose bringing actual tableware and glassware is more environmentally responsible than disposable but at the end of a long day/evening, gathering up a bunch of breakable or sharp objects in the dark isn't always a fun or easy task. That's why I believe Ravinia is an ideal venue to bring green disposable products. There are plenty of nearby restaurants that specialize in packing to-go dinners for Ravinia, so it's worth checking with places you know you like. It's been years since I've eaten at any of the foodservice places within the park, so I really can't comment on those at all.

=R=

ronnie_suburban wrote: There are plenty of nearby restaurants that specialize in packing to-go dinners for Ravinia, so it's worth checking with places you know you like. It's been years since I've eaten at any of the foodservice places within the park, so I really can't comment on those at all.

=R=

Maybe throw a couple of names of places out there...for those who didn't/don't live in the vicinity, this would probably be the help they're seeking

Last time I was there, I played the afternoon concert with The Northshore Concert Band and didn't have time to put anything together. We met some friends and had a potluck. Our contribution was 12" Bari Italian subs, which I cut into 3" sections and skewered. To me, they always taste better a few hours after they're made.

http://www.northshoreband.org/

boudreaulicious wrote:

ronnie_suburban wrote: There are plenty of nearby restaurants that specialize in packing to-go dinners for Ravinia, so it's worth checking with places you know you like. It's been years since I've eaten at any of the foodservice places within the park, so I really can't comment on those at all.

=R=

Maybe throw a couple of names of places out there...for those who didn't/don't live in the vicinity, this would probably be the help they're seeking

Just off the top of my head, here are few nearby places that do a good job on carry-out and/or market themselves as Ravinia-friendly . . .

Foodstuffs/Glencoe
338 Park Ave
Glencoe, IL 60022
(847) 835-5105

Mama Louise's Little Red Hen
653 Vernon Ave
Glencoe, IL 60022
(847) 835-4900

La Casa De Isaac & Moishe
2014 1st St
Highland Park, IL 60035
(847) 433-7400

Max's Deli
191 Skokie Valley Rd
Highland Park, IL 60035
(847) 831-0600

Cafe Central
455 Central Ave
Highland Park, IL 60035
(847) 266-7878

Prairie Grass Cafe*
601 Skokie Blvd
Northbrook, IL 60062
(847) 205-4433

An Apple A Day Catering & Meg's Cafe**
317 Park Ave
Glencoe, IL 60022
(847) 835-2620

=R=

* I have a miniscule financial interest in PGC
** I've not been here in years but family members endorse it. Take that for what it's worth.

Thank you sir (though the only meal I ever pick up to bring in to Ravinia is Barnaby's!!!!!!!) Otherwise, it's pack and go for me.

Add to this list:

Sunset Foods..

Just about every restaurant, deli or grocery store in the area offers some kind of Ravinia picnic.

I receive an e-mail this morning from R.V. (Italian) Deli in Lake Forest touting a Ravinia picnic basket.

Regards,

boudreaulicious wrote:Thank you sir (though the only meal I ever pick up to bring in to Ravinia is Barnaby's!!!!!!!) Otherwise, it's pack and go for me.

LOL! A brilliant choice, to be sure. I wasn't sure it held up very well, which is why I didn't list it but just in case. And hell, you can always eat it in the car on the way over to Ravinia . . .

Barnaby's of Northbrook Family Inn
960 Skokie Blvd
Northbrook, IL 60062
(847) 498-3900

=R=

ronnie_suburban wrote:

boudreaulicious wrote:Thank you sir (though the only meal I ever pick up to bring in to Ravinia is Barnaby's!!!!!!!) Otherwise, it's pack and go for me.

LOL! A brilliant choice, to be sure. I wasn't sure it held up very well, which is why I didn't list it but just in case. And hell, you can always eat it in the car on the way over to Ravinia . . .

Barnaby's of Northbrook Family Inn
960 Skokie Blvd
Northbrook, IL 60062
(847) 498-3900

=R=

What makes it into the park holds up just fine And that is dependent on how long the parking line takes!

Hi- I've brought my own food into Ravinia, and bought food there, and also brought food purchased outside in. I used to take somebody to Ravinia that lived in Winnetka, and we would either purchase food there which she paid for, or we stopped in at Boston Market in Hubbard Woods, which is on Green Bay right before you get to Glencoe. I am not sure if they are still open there.

The restaurants there are super expensive, although the food is not bad. They are operated by the Levy's. About four years ago, one of my sisters was in town, and she had never been there before, and so we saw Dave Brubeck, and she loved it. We parked in downtown Ravinia, and took the free bus over to the park. We ended up getting take out food at a Chinese restaurant in downtown Ravinia. There are some people here that would stick up their nose at the food they served, but we only paid $14 total I believe including a beverage, for our food. I remember they had small and large sizes, and we each got a small dinner, and it was plenty of food for us. The food was passable, and it was dirt cheap. I am not sure if the place is still open. I remember there were two Chinese places in downtown Ravinia then. Hope this helps, Nancy

There is one Chinese Place in Ravinia which is take-out only. The food is passable.

There are a few other take-out options in the Roger Williams district which is walkable from Ravinia Park (about 12-15 minutes). Parking gets tight for big Ravinia events.

Piero's is our go-to for pizza. We're partial to the thin crust artichoke, and the pan sausage & mushroom, but there are many other choices. Also, they do a good Italian Beef sandwich.

Also nearby Merlo's on Roger Williams has good Italian meals (large portions) and they will do take-out. Best to call ahead as they get slammed on weekends.

Piero's Pizza (take-out/delivery only)
737 Broadview (a few steps north of Roger Williams)
Highland Park, IL 60035
847-433-7795
http://pieropizza.com/

Merlo's Italian Restaurant
581 Roger Williams Ave
Highland Park, IL 60035
847-266-0600
http://merlosrestaurant.com/

Hunan Pearl
586 Roger Williams
Highland Park, IL 60035
847-432-5410
http://hunanpearlonline.com/

http://www.bobspantry.com/
55 St Johns Ave.
Highland Park, IL 60035
(847) 432-3354

Opposite the Braeside Metra station. An easy walk to Ravinia from there.

Not sure how you're getting there, but between you and Ravinia is Panozzo's in the South Loop - great sandwiches, pastas, salads and sweets.

Never considered taking pizza to Ravinia, but I'm intrigued by the idea and think I'll try once this summer.

Our go-to combo of Ravinia eats and drinks is fried chicken, wine and water, sliced fruit, and cheese and crackers. A little red wagon for the picnic basket, cooler, blanket and chairs. Picnic basket always packed in advance with plates, glasses, utensils, candles, candles and matches. The red wagon is quite convenient but does require a team approach: one person has to drop the other person and supply off at Ravinia, go park the car at one of the train stations, and take the bus back to the park. Afterwards, we sometimes take the wagon and other gear (now lightened without food) on the bus back to the train station, or if it's the Ravinia station, just walk back.

Anyone know whether trains will be stopping at Ravinia Park this summer?

Katie wrote:Anyone know whether trains will be stopping at Ravinia Park this summer?

I have no doubt the train will stop at Ravinia Park. All concerts suspend playing often for the train, too, or at least the Chicago Symphony Orchestra does.

Last year, I accidentally got off at Ravinia when I intended to get off at the Highland Park station. The train stopped at Ravinia Park, even though there was no concert, then proceeded to Ravinia downtown station. I was tired and got off. Only as the train rolled away did I recognize my mistake.

Regards,

I just received an email from Ravinia that they have decided not to open up this summer. This does not surprise me. I don't see how they could have opened up and kept social distancing. I am sure that Taste of Chicago and all of the other large festivals in Chicago are not going to take place either. I was supposed to go to jazzfest in New Orleans last week, and they decided to postpone it to the fall, and then a few weeks ago they decided to not have it at all this year.

Looks like summer is over before it started. Here in Milwaukee all festivals, fireworks, 4th of July, EAA, etc..... are all cancelled. What a devastating effect it will have on the service industries. Hotels, Restaurants, pubs, etc.... depend on those "spikes" to make it.

Puckjam wrote:Looks like summer is over before it started. Here in Milwaukee all festivals, fireworks, 4th of July, EAA, etc..... are all cancelled. What a devastating effect it will have on the service industries. Hotels, Restaurants, pubs, etc.... depend on those "spikes" to make it.

What about the Wisconsin State Fair?

There are a lot of restaurants who feed people going to Ravinia, this is a big hit to their income.

Regards,
Cathy2

Not yet, but indicators are pointing to it as IrishFest in Mid August is already kaput. Maybe a function of time now.