Solstice Bites & Flights at Equinox

Celebrate the bounty of summer! On Sunday, July 31, Equinox downtown will host Solstice Bites & Flights, a tasting gala in celebration of summer bites and craft sips. Acclaimed Equinox Chef Todd Gray has been a part of the DC dining scene since the late 90s, and was at the forefront of the farm-to-table dining movement. Equinox sources nearly all its ingredients from nearby farms and producers, and the chef’s fresh and thoughtful dishes continually receive rave reviews from both critics and restaurant patrons.

The mix-and-mingle event on the 31st will include a large sampling of Chef Gray’s seasonal small plates, including highlights like Maryland striped bass mini-tacos with summer melon salsa, ravioli of roasted eggplant and caramelized Vidalia onion in Virginia vodka tomato sauce, and panzanella with summer peaches, English cucumber, and basil focaccia. Those with a sweet tooth will be delighted with options like Kahlua tiramisu with shaved bittersweet chocolate and Virginia peach and blackberry cobbler with rolled oat brown sugar streusel.

Guests will also have the opportunity to enjoy a selection of craft beers, wines and cocktails from local producers, such as Denizens Brewing Co., Boxwood Winery and Cirrus Vodka. You won’t want to miss out on one of the event’s signature cocktails made with Green Hat Gin’s newest mixer, Summer Cup – a citrus, herb and spice-infused gin that’s mixed with white vermouth and softly sweetened.

Spend the evening hanging out on the patio, sipping in the atrium and mixing it up in the bar with live music from Alexandria-based band Wes Tucker & The Skillets. Today marks the final opportunity to purchase early-bird tickets and receive a discounted rate and a goody bag of Equinox small-batch summer preserves and other gourmet items.

Tickets are $58 (price includes tax and gratuity) and can be purchased online atwww.equinoxrestaurant.com/post/solstice-bites-and-flights. Don’t miss out on this event. It’s a great way to sample some of Equinox’s celebrated cuisine at an amazing price.

Equinox: 818 Connecticut Ave. NW, DC; 202-331-8118; www.equinoxrestaurant.com