March 8, 2017 | Lifestyle
It’s that time of year again. With the cherry blossom trees ready to bloom, here’s a rundown on what to do and where to eat in the district to celebrate the 2017 National Cherry Blossom Festival (March 15-April 16).
James Beard’s award-nominated Southern Efficiency brings the beauty of the cherry blossoms inside, transforming into Cherry Blossom PUB (Pop-Up Bar). Decked out in pink, the decor features cherry blossom “branches,” thousands of origami cranes, maneki-neko (Japan’s world-famous lucky “waving cats”), and a mural print of artist Maggie O’Neill’s classic painting “Flynn’s Jefferson Memorial.” What’s more, traditional Japanese bites, whiskeys, and sakes will also be served. 1841 7th St. NW, 202-316-9396
Taste the best of Japanese spirits with the two Japanese whiskey tasting flights being served up at this Penn Quarter spot. Sip on whiskeys like Nikka Taketsuru Pure Malt and Suntory Toki, offered only during the festival’s duration. 901 9th St. NW, 202-644-9433
If you’re ready to chow down, Chef Joe Palma will offer a duo of Japanese Wagyu beef, featuring two cuts from different regions in Japan, presented in a bento box handcrafted from cherry wood trees. It wouldn’t be complete without complementing sakes. 2800 Pennsylvania Ave., 202-944-2026
Calling all seafood lovers. Enjoy a spin on this restaurant’s signature oyster shooters. During brunch hours throughout the cherry blossom season, you can really excite your palette with a sake oyster shooter. 3701 Newark St. NW, 202-362-1719
Find respite with this indulgent cherry blossom-themed spa treatment. The 80-minute experience includes dry brushing, paraffin treatment, essential oil body massage, and Japanese antioxidant green tea. 2800 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, 202-342-0444
In need of a sweet treat? Buttercream Bakeshop has you covered with lemon cake cupcakes filled with sour cherry pie and cloaked in Japanese matcha buttercream—finger-licking good. 1250 9th St. NW, 202-735-0102
Take a break with The Willard’s famous seasonal afternoon tea sessions. Seated in the blossom-laden Peacock Alley among the soothing sounds of the Japanese Koto, you can choose from a broad selection of Ronnefeldt teas as well as pastries by Pastry Chef Jason Jimenez, including matcha green tea and cherry vanilla scones, orange jasmine tea shortbread, and Pai Mu Tan and melon mousse morsel. 1401 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, 202-628-9100
Get the complete experience with this special package that features a stay in one of the hotel’s junior suites, a welcome cocktail from Blue Duck Lounge, round-trip transportation to Dumbarton Oaks and the United States National Arboretum to enjoy the flowering gardens, a picnic with dishes from Blue Duck Tavern and cherry blossom tea, and an evening trip to the Tidal Basin to see the famed cherry blossoms in the moonlight. 1201 24th St. NW, 202-789-1234
Sip on this floral-inspired martini inspired by the song “For the Love of Ivy" by the Japandroids at this soon-to-be open bar’s pop-up takeover during two weekends of the festival (March 18-19, 25-26). Ingredients include Rujero Singani, yuzu brine, Dolin Dry Vermouth, and orange bitters. 1309 5th St. NE, 877-775-3462
Both sweet and savory, the themed, locally-sourced dishes and sips at ENO Wine Bar are sure to delight all your cravings. Highlights include duck pâté with dark cherries (from Stachowski’s Market), Cherrykriek Cider (from Millstone Cidery), and a cherry blossom chocolate flight (from Zoe’s Chocolate Co. in PA). 2810 Pennsylvania Ave., 202-295-2826
