Ravinia is the kind of experience that can’t be efficiently experienced without the gourmet dining experience. Whether you bring your own picnic or dine at one of eight restaurant and snack choices, what you eat can really determine the outcome of the Ravinia experience. Judging by what has been experienced through friends of mine, bringing your own picnic is always a good option. There have been reports of Ravinia-goers bringing their own gourmet picnics, exquisite snacking, and so on. But what they did not seem to have experience with was the very restaurants Ravinia offers to provide the gourmet dining experience. Starting with the fanciest of all is Mirabelle. They feature seasonal specialties including Salmon with Wild Mushrooms, and the House Smoked Pork Chop. They also feature authentic cuisine from Asia to Italy as well as the U.S. Next is Le Cafe. THey are a gourmet All-American cafe featuring Wolfgang Puck and wood-oven pizzas. The Gatehouse offers frozen drinks, panini’s and asian wraps. For the sweet-tooth lovers, Carousel has a variety of dessert options. Fanfare carts are located throughout the park, Box Beats are ready-made gourmet meals and there is Alfresco dining called Lounge in the Lawn as well as Picnic in the Park packages with fresh sandwiches and salads along with gourmet chips. Be sure to stop by one of these delicious stops and make your Ravinia experience complete.

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