As the leaves change colors and the days become shorter it is hard to believe that winter is almost here.  More importantly, it’s even harder to accept that summer is definitely over and won’t be back for a long time.  This fall has been my first “off-season” at Ravinia and it has not slowed down (as I expected).  There are Rising Stars concerts and our Reach.Teach.Play. program is in full swing providing music education to over 60 public schools around Chicago.  Additionally, we have been doing a lot of planning; from booking artists to creating promotions and special events.  And although we are still waiting for the first snow, there is sunshine and beautiful music at the end of the tunnel; the 2010 Classical Grass Pass and Kraft Kids Punch Pass are on sale today! 

Things are especially busy for the Retail Manager of Ravinia Gifts.  I had the opportunity to catch Jennifer Wood for a few minutes to answer some questions.

When the Gift Shop is closed, do you still have to work?
“Ravinia Gifts is open all season long! It is surprising how many times I get asked this question. I am busy preparing for next season and helping customers – even when the park isn’t open it seems there is always someone who wants to buy something from the store.”

What makes the Gift of Summer Packages a great gift?
“The Gift of Summer Packages are value-priced, perfect for anyone who comes to the park during the summer and are truly functional and fun gifts. Plus they make awesome gifts for the person who has everything. Additionally, every purchase at Ravinia Gifts supports Reach. Teach. Play., Ravinia’s education and community outreach programs – so your gift actually helps out the Festival in more ways than one.”

Have you been able to take a vacation since the end of the season?
“WOW. Not yet. I did go on a buying trip to Orlando and counted this as a mini vacation. I will try and get away for a couple of days to refresh – but honestly we do slow down a bit at some point, so it’s not so bad and I like working :)”

What do you work on during the off-season?
“I work on a lot of different things to prepare for next season. I purchase all of our product during the off-season (this is really fun picking everything out), hire staff, design ads, work on the website, work with our communications team on promotions and events, meet with customers who want to visit the shop (we do open for private shopping trips), work on financials and lots of small projects that crop up. It seems to never end – which is great fun.”

What can Ravinia-goers look forward to in 2010 at the Gift Shop?
“Every year my staff and I try to change our product mix to introduce new designs and hot products. We are looking at reusable tote bags, new sweatshirts styles, different materials for our blankets, fun new picnic accessories and more. We will introduce new product online in the spring for a sneak preview! So be on the lookout!”

What’s an insider tip on the Ravinia shopping experience?
“I can open the store anytime of the year for private shopping! And I do! You can come and shop without the crowds and the lines and take time to pick out what you want. I can also special order product in case we are out of something you saw during the summer season. Or if you are looking for that hard to find gift – I can help source it too.”

Germaine Maschoff
Corporate Relations and Communications Coordinator

Photo by Russell Jenkins

Here are a couple of easy and delicious dip recipes to try out for your next picinic. If you have a recipe you would like to share, please send it to backstage@ravinia.org. Include a photo if you can too!

Spinach Artichoke Dip

2 packages thawed, chopped frozen spinach 

1 can artichoke hearts in water, roughly chopped

6 ounces light cream cheese 

1/4 cup light sour cream 

1/4 cup light mayonnaise 

1 cup grated Parmesan (set aside 1/4 cup for topping)  

1-2 teaspoons red pepper flakes

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1 tablespoon garlic powder

Directions

Put spinach in bowl in microwave on high for 2 ½ minutes.  Let cool, then wrap in paper towels to wring out water.  Put spinach and cropped artichokes in large pot and saute for 5 minutes.  Add cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise and saute until cream cheese melts.  Mix in red pepper flakes, parmesan, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.  Put mixture in ceramic dish and top with extra Parmesan and put under oven broiler for 10 minutes (or until brown on top).  Serve with veggies, crusty bread or pita chips.

Onion Dip

 2 tablespoons olive oil 

5-6 diced onions 

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt  

2 gloves minced garlic into a paste (directions below)

2 cups light sour cream

3/4 cup light mayonnaise

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 

1/4 teaspoon ground pepper  

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

2 tablespoons chopped chives

Directions

In a large saute pan over medium heat add oil, onions and salt (stirring regularly). Cook the onions until they are transluscent and lightly browned, about 20 minutes. To make garlic paste, mince garlic and sprinkle with a little salt, use back of knife to mash it until it becomes paste-like. Add garlic paste and cook for five minutes. Remove from heat and mix the rest of the ingredients. Refrigerate and stir again before serving.  Best if made the night before so the flavors can become friends.  Serve with potato chips or as a topping for burgers, paninis, wraps, etc.

Germaine Maschoff

Communications Intern