The annual Washington, D.C. Cherry Blossom Festival is happening now through April 14. In addition to an annual pink tie party, blossom kite festival and celebratory Japanese street festival, there are plenty of specials at hotels and restaurants around town. Here are five ways to celebrate the annual blooms this spring.
The St. Regis’s esteemed afternoon tea will have a whimsical cherry blossom twist through this weekend. There will be a custom-blended cherry blossom tea made in-house, as well as cherry blossom inspired treats. For some extra decadence, try a champagne pairing like a perfect cherry blossom pink Ruinart rosé. 923 16th and K Sts. NW, Washington, D.C., 202-638-2626
For those interested in a cherry blossom-themed staycation, the Ritz-Carlton, Washington D.C. will be offering a “Cherish the Cherry Blossoms” overnight package. Guests will be in a deluxe room or suite and will get an in-room Sakura tea experience served on traditional Japanese china. The getaway also includes a complimentary appetizer at Quadrant Bar & Lounge, breakfast for two and a special cherry and lychee Bento Box dessert. There’s also a special cocktail menu beginning March 28th for two weeks only—cherry blossom-themed, of course. 1150 22nd St. NW, Washington, D.C., 202-835-0500
Designated “blossom boss” at The Jefferson is Chris Adcock. Adcock is the hotel’s les clefs d’or concierge and is a D.C. encyclopedia of sorts. He advises guests (perhaps Washingtonians on a weekend getaway staycation) on the best places to see the blooms. Adcock will be in the hotel’s lobby throughout cherry blossom season (and beyond). 1200 16th St. NW, Washington, D.C., 202-448-2300
The modern eatery with imaginative takes on Asian cuisine will be serving three cherry blossom-themed cocktails. They highlight Japanese inspirations and are named after fun ‘90s tunes. The “Pocket Full of Cherry” includes Mancino Sakura vermouth, sparkling sake and rhubarb shrub. There’s also the “East Coast West Coast,” with Don Ciccio & Figili cerasum and the “Hey Jealousy,” a take on a gin rickey. 1090 I St. NW, Washington, D.C., 202-602-1832
This airy Italian restaurant with patio dining options will be offering cherry blossom dishes and a featured dessert. A scallop carpaccio will include cherry dressing and a cherry risotto will be offered (with a uni butter and foie gras torchon). The decadent dessert paying homage to the blossoms is a cherry panna cotta with cherry consommé, cherry meringue and cherry soil. To complement the cherry-filled meal, a cocktail will be offered called “cherry cola,” with cherry brandy and almond cordial, which tastes like the adult version of the soda we loved when we were young. 1100 New York Avenue NW, Washington, D.C., 202-216-9550
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