Calling All Cherry Blossom Fanatics!
Here’s everything you need to know about where to drink, eat, and explore to celebrate DC’s Cherry Blossom festival.
First thing’s first – PEAK BLOOM has been pushed back due to the surprising winter temps this weekend and is now expected sometime between March 19 and 22. That just gives us more time to prepare!
Cherry Blossom Pub Pop Up – Through April 15
The Pop Up is back! If you missed out on Miracle on 7th Street’s Christmas Bar, check out the Cherry Blossom Pub by Derek Brown. This time the bartender sorcerer is honoring DC’s Cherry Blossom obsession by filling Mockingbird Hill and Southern Efficiency with cherry blossom/Japanese-themed décor and drinks.
Things you should know:
- Get in line around 4:30pm on a Monday and you’ll have no problem getting in.
- Drinks to order: I Call Yoshi!; “As We Say in Brooklyn, Banzai;” Neko Colada; and It’s a Me, Amario!
- Don’t steal anything you rascals. The infamous Neko Colada is no longer served in the lucky cat cup owing to 95% of them being stolen by greedy assholes. I also witnessed a group of girls reach over the bar to take the made-by-hand Mario straws as a souvenir. They were sternly asked not to do it again – but come on people, have some class.
- They have food! Chef Evan Scarlatelli combines Japanese and Italian classics to honor the Cherry Blossom’s and Mario’s heritage. Definitely get the Pork Katsu sandwich.
- Don’t miss the Washington Monument. The Cherry Blossom Pub mimics the tidal basin with a mural of the popular viewing spot and the Washington monument directly opposite fashioned from paper maché. In between you’ll find thousands of blossoms and hand-folded paper cranes.
I Call Yoshi! 
As We Say in Brooklyn, Banzai! 
Neko Colada 
Pork Katsu Sandwich
Cherry Blossom Cupcakes
Try beautiful cre-cake-tions from Georgetown Cupcake and Baked and Wired. These DC hot spots all feature beautiful, and tasty, Cherry Blossom cupcakes!
Pink Tie Party presented by ANA – March 16
Known as the springtime affair in Washington, the Pink Tie Party stylishly marks the end of winter and the official beginning of blossom season. Attendees will be delighted and entertained by delicious food and an open bar, unique entertainment, and the friendly competition of the silent auction. The Pink Tie Party is an event not to be missed as influencers and tastemakers from DC and our region’s professional, sports, social and media communities come together to celebrate the cherry blossoms. Proceeds benefit the National Cherry Blossom Festival, Inc. a registered 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting the beauty of nature and international friendship through year-round programs, events, and education initiatives that enhance our environment, showcase arts and culture, and build community spirit. More info here.
The Lafayette – March 20 – April 16
The Hay-Adams’ contemporary American dining room directly overlooking Lafayette Square, will offer guests a Japanese-inspired three-course, pre-fixe dinner menu in addition to the featured menu, priced at $75 (not including tax and gratuity). Guests will begin their meal with first course options Glazed Shiitake and Enoki Mushroom Mizuna Salad with cherry blossom white shoyu dressing; or Grilled Octopus Salad, with spring onion and red pepper yuzu chili vinaigrette. Entrees include Seared Black Sea Bass, parsnip mousseline, royal trumpet mushrooms, coconut mint reduction; as well as Roasted Muscovy Duck Breast with Asian pears and cherry chutney, red curry sauce. For a sweet finish, guests can indulge in Sakura & Lemon Balm Tartlet with strawberry wheels, white chocolate pearls.
Before or after dinner, guests may head downstairs to visit the legendary Off The Record Bar for a refreshing springtime specialty cocktail, the Pisco Blossom made with Pisco, Luxardo, St. Germain, cherries muddled with basil, egg white, simple syrup and lemon juice.
Be sure to make reservations before the blooms disappear!
JBC Events Cherry Blossom L’Apéro at Fig and Olive – March 22
Join JBC Events’ L’Apéro with Caseo on Wednesday, March 22 at Fig & Olive D.C! L’Apéro is equal parts happy hour and weekend warm-up, a musical trip through some of the best scenes and sounds around. Network, mingle, listen to music and enjoy signature Fig & Olive cocktails. The weather will be gorgeous on the patio with the Cherry Blossoms blooming. Enjoy Mediterranean fare and cocktail specials until 8 pm.
Willard InterContinental Rosé Romp – April 1
The Willard InterContinental will host in partnership with Chateau d’Escians winery of Provence, France, an inaugural Rose Romp on April 1 (no fooling), celebrating the National Cherry Blossom Festival and the winery’s rosé wines. The event, which will take place from 1-5 p.m. on the hotel’s terrace, features all you can eat and drink, an art walk with cherry blossom-inspired works by local artists and live music by the Bachelor Boys five-piece band. All-inclusive tickets are $89 per person March 1 and increase to $99 starting March 2. To purchase a ticket, click here.
