This time of year, restaurants and bars don't really need an excuse to host parties; but when two important events fall on the same day, it's almost a given that celebration is needed to be had. To commemorate the earliest inhabitants of Canada along with the longest day of the year, Avling is hosting a Summer Solstice Party on its rooftop farm.
Starting at 6 p.m. on Wednesday and going till sundown, patrons can sip on solstice-inspired beers and strawberry cocktails as they observe the sheer vastness of our sky under the setting sun. One can also make and take home Pollinator Seed Bombs to transform any piece of land into an oasis for birds, butterflies and bees.
Avling, named after the Norwegian word for crop or harvest, focuses on local flavours, seasonal beers and growing the circular food economy. At the summer solstice party, patrons can explore and frolic about in the 4,000-square-foot farm on the restaurant's rooftop and understand the philosophy behind Avling's existence.
In honour of National Indigenous Peoples Day, a day to recognize and celebrate the heritage, diverse cultures and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis people, Avling is raising funds and awareness for The Indigenous Support Project. Partial proceeds from the $10 drop-in fee will go to the Toronto-based charitable community organization focusing on providing resources and cultural education to Indigenous peoples across the globe.
Beyond the rooftop sundowner event, one can also indulge in a special strawberry-themed Summer Solstice menu and cocktails in the dining room, for which reservations are encouraged.
At Avling, they strive to connect all of their doings to Canada's regenerative food system. It's all about the brewery, kitchen, farm and suppliers working as one to achieve their goals.
"We take pride in fostering relationships directly with suppliers who prioritize regenerative production methods and sustainable approaches," the restaurant's website states. "Our flavours are an expression of the Canadian landscape, the local community, and the vision of our brewers, farmers, and chefs.
From a kitchen menu designed to be shared amongst peers; sourcing ethically and responsibly farmed Canadian ingredients for the brewery; and a rooftop farm growing all the crops using ecological farming methods, it's clear that Avling is a restaurant like none other when it comes to championing sustainability. Add to that the recognition of Indigenous Peoples, and we have a place that truly cares about Canada in every which way.
And, obviously, it serves delicious food and exceptional beer that is constantly pushing the envelope. Combine all that and you've got a place that has built a solid foundation for itself in the discourse about Toronto's culinary landscape.
To see and experience Avling for yourself, there's no time better than the Summer Solstice Party from 6 p.m. to sundown on Wednesday at 1042 Queen St. E.
