LCBO Food and Drink Early Summer 2016

AT TWILIGHT

BY LUCY WAVERMAN  •  PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAMES TSE

IN CELEBRATION OF THE SUMMER SOLSTICE, SAVOUR OUR DELICIOUS MENU AL FRESCO WHILE DUSK FADES INTO A STARRY SKY.

THE WORD SOLSTICE translates from Latin as “sun stands still” because it is the longest day of the year. To ancient civilizations this was something to celebrate, and many early societies turned the event into a major festi- val. It was important in agrarian crop man- agement as it divided the dark from the light, marking the beginning of the growing season after the long winter. For many cultures it also had symbolic and spiritual characteris- tics. The Chinese viewed the solstice as the

feminine time of the year, yin to winter’s more masculine yang. Weddings and revelries were held around this time, too. Today, June is still known as the wedding month.    Bright colours and fresh flavours are abun- dant in our festive dinner for two. From Yellow Beet Borscht with its sunny hue, to the green of the Three-Pea Salad, and the Cherry Crisp’s dark shades hinting at nightfall, every dish mirrors an early summer’s day fading into evening.

Dark Sky Island , Enya, 2015, Warner Summer Solstice is steeped in origin and ancient customs and is celebrated the world over. Music, dancing and bonfires herald the occasion. A twilight dinner beckons a mysti- cal music, and who better than Enya to answer the call. Dark Sky Island enchants as Enya weaves her lush, magical soundscape, making a perfect backdrop for your celestial evening. SET THE MOOD BY ANN LOUGH

FOOD & DRI NK EARLY SUMMER 2016 79