This past Saturday our family and friends joined together again for our annual trek to Ravinia Festival, for the Tony Bennett concert.Ravinia is one of the oldest outdoor music festival's located in Highland Pk. The venue is a gorgeous park like setting with old trees, a sprawling open lawn area, an open air pavilion where Tony Bennett actually performs. Scattered along the grounds there are wine bars, espresso bars, ice cream stands, food areas where you can pick up some gourmet treats and baked goods, and even a sit down restaurant.
If you live in the Chicagoland area and haven't been to Ravinia, you are missing out on one of the best times!! You just have to go! I repeat!...."Go to Ravinia!" Stealing a quote from my son, "It's just not summer unless we go to Ravinia at least once!" And it's so true!
The whole thing about Ravinia is the picnicking that takes place on the lawn. Yes, the lawn seating is the best! But there's a strategy to it, you have to claim your spot quickly,you must have all your plans thought out ahead of time. And when the gates open, send in your best runners to claim your spot, all you have to do is lay out your tarps and mats, and then the fun begins. We have our "secret ways" and it works every time! Did you check out the crowd?As far as the picnic fare, you will see a whole spectrum of things, humble eating straight from a pizza takeout box, to a turkey dinner on china with candelabras. It's fun to walk around and see the different picnic's going on, We actually saw a small wedding reception picnic there with the bride still in her wedding gown.
This is the Pavilion where the artists perform, it's open, and there is seating for 3200 people, but you will pay at least $75.oo per ticket. Lawn seats are $15.00 per person and you will hear Tony being piped out from all the speakers they have set up in the trees. We always manage to get near the stage where the sound is great and if we want too, we can walk up to the fence and take a look at Tony performing. Many times you will see couples dancing on the lawn.
By the way, can I just say that Tony Bennett still sounds amazing! You'd never know he was in his 80's! He's as sharp as a whistle, and doesn't miss a beat! He talks to his audience, and makes sure he plays all there favorite songs. Needless to say, "Chicago" was sung!
For our group of 14, we had 3 tables that we put together to make a buffet. We had a separate table that was for our beverages where homemade Sangria was made. The gates opened at 5:00 and Tony performed at 7:30, so we had 2 1/2 hours of " grazing" before the concert started. Everyone all chipped in a brought something! The only thing we ever buy is coffee at dessert time.
Main Courses:
This is the Pavilion where the artists perform, it's open, and there is seating for 3200 people, but you will pay at least $75.oo per ticket. Lawn seats are $15.00 per person and you will hear Tony being piped out from all the speakers they have set up in the trees. We always manage to get near the stage where the sound is great and if we want too, we can walk up to the fence and take a look at Tony performing. Many times you will see couples dancing on the lawn.By the way, can I just say that Tony Bennett still sounds amazing! You'd never know he was in his 80's! He's as sharp as a whistle, and doesn't miss a beat! He talks to his audience, and makes sure he plays all there favorite songs. Needless to say, "Chicago" was sung!
For our group of 14, we had 3 tables that we put together to make a buffet. We had a separate table that was for our beverages where homemade Sangria was made. The gates opened at 5:00 and Tony performed at 7:30, so we had 2 1/2 hours of " grazing" before the concert started. Everyone all chipped in a brought something! The only thing we ever buy is coffee at dessert time.For Appetizers we had:
Brie and fig, Goat cheese with Lavender, Spinach and Artichoke Dip, Olive Salad Dip, Salsa and Chips, Feta Dip, Baba Ganoush, Hummus, and Pita Chips.
Main Courses:Chicken Kabobs, Falafel, Spinach and Artichoke Quiche, Mini Prosciutto and fresh Mozzarella sandwiches, Breaded Chicken Fingers, Tortellini Pasta Salad skewer's, Spicy Capicola and Mozzerella skewer's, Mini Pizza's of Caprese, and a Gorgonzola and Artichoke one, Stuffed Tomatoes, Roasted Veggies, Cucumber Salad, and, an assortment of Olives.
This is my son Tony, going in for the desserts which consisted of:
This is something I made which is great for a party, sort of a deconstructed pasta salad. In this case it is pre-cooked Tortellini that was marinaded with lemon and olive oil for 30 min's, then skewered with fresh basil, sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, and fresh mozzarella. Grate some fresh cheese over top. Mmmm!!
This is my son Tony, going in for the desserts which consisted of:Chocolate Dipped Strawberries, Oreo Truffles, Mini Cheesecakes, 2 kinds of Brownies, Banana Bread, Lemon bars, and 2 different Fruit Kabobs!
It truly was a great evening had by all! Thanks everyone!
This is something I made which is great for a party, sort of a deconstructed pasta salad. In this case it is pre-cooked Tortellini that was marinaded with lemon and olive oil for 30 min's, then skewered with fresh basil, sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, and fresh mozzarella. Grate some fresh cheese over top. Mmmm!!And finally, I just want to mention that this post makes it my 100th post!! Woo Hoo, I finally did it!
Buon Appetito Everyone!!
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