by Toria Emas

My fellow Dames and I met Sunday the 17th under the stars with Robert & Karen Levin serving as our gracious hosts! There were 7 Dames and 3 spouses.

Each year, Robert drives to Ravinia just when the gates open to reserve our spot “under the old oak tree”, while Karen serves up her perfect Margaritas with Maria Concannon’s salsa , guacamole and chips on the Levin porch.

‘Twas a convivial group from the city, western suburbs, Lake Forest and Deerfield. Food ranged from a Swedish appetizer tray in honor of the Swedish Disco group ABBA with the addition of Greek “Mama Mia” Taramasalata .

Watermelon and feta salad and burrata and tomatoes kept the calorie count down to save room for raspberry turnovers and the fantastic seasonal fruit pie served warm out of Mary McMahon’s wooden pie box.

The hit of the night was Mary Kay Gill’s hot carrot soup since the temp was in the low 60’s. In spite of the low temp and misty fog, warm conversation and friendship reigned. Of course, it wasn’t the real ABBA, but it was still a fantastic evening! Hope this entices you all to make it out next year…