Ravinia Festival, Chicagoland’s favorite summer alfresco music venue, has expanded its dining offerings this summer with the recent opening of the tony new BMO Club. The swanky rooftop is now open to the public and available for private parties. Under the watchful eye of its general manager, Antoine Pierre Whitfield, BMO Club is yet another way to enjoy the Ravinia experience.
Open since the summer on 1905, Ravinia Festival offers a variety of music performances nightly, rain or shine, cold or hot, from June to September. From Daniela O’Leary-Gill, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, BMO U.S. and Ravinia Festival Board of Trustees member: “BMO has been a long and proud partner of Ravinia, as well as an advocate of the festival’s inspiring education programs, providing funding and support for many years.”
Part of the festival’s charm is its lawn seating. The concert goers are welcome to being blankets and chairs, along with wine and picnic foods. But what if one isn’t up for schlepping all of the necessary supplies? This is where BMO Club fits in nicely. While still an alfresco rooftop experience (albeit under a canopy, an all-weather facility) the club offers creative cocktails, a solid wine list and collection of beers, as well as shareable plates. Said Antoine Pierre Whitefield: “We focus on a shared experience. Bring your friends, come on in and enjoy the picnic without all the work. We offer cheese plates, charcuterie boards, shareable dips and crudites, as well as chilled items like shrimp cocktail skewers. We try to source the products locally as much as possible. And when I say shareable, I mean these are good size portions, enough for a group!”
BMO Club opens at the same time as Ravinia Park. It stays open until concert time on classical nights. During non-classical performances the rooftop stays open until an hour before the end of the concert. So, folks are welcome to enjoy the evening from the balcony perch if they prefer.
The Local Tourist attended the opening party for BMO Club on June 21st. Invitation for two courtesy of Page One Public Relations.
Ravinia Festival and BMO Club are located at 418 Sheridan Road in beautiful Highland Park, in Chicagoland’s North Shore.
Click here for more information about shows, tickets and dining options.
Photos: Ravinia Festival website.
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