Cherry Blossoms

Photo by Lauren DeSantis

The cherry blossoms are finally blooming.  Take a look before they're gone.  Also, enjoy some of the specials around town.

CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL-THEMED CRUISES WITH A CULINARY TWIST: ODYSSEY & SPIRIT OF WASHINGTON

ODYSSEY CRUISES: BRUNCH, LUNCH, DINNER & FIREWORKS CRUISES

One of the most stunning vessels on the Potomac boasting a glass enclosed experience with stunning 360 degree views of Washington DC’s monuments and blooming cherry blossom trees, Odyssey accommodates up to 400 seated passengers and is celebrating the arrival of the cherry blossoms with a buffet-style brunch, and seasonal three-course prix fixe lunch and dinner cruise options. Guests will enjoy an informative narration highlighting the history of thecherry blossom trees, as well as have the opportunity to view celebrated landmarks located throughout Washington D.C. Ending cruisers experiences on a sweet note, guests are invited to enjoy a cherry blossom festival-themed dessert including Odyssey’s beautiful Cherry Blossom Cheesecake of which comes topped with Chocolate Cherry Compote. Brunch (prices beginning at $68.90), Lunch (prices beginning at $54.90), and dinner cruises aboard the Odyssey are available March 20th through April 13th and include live music from a four-piece band, warm friendly service, and views of the cherry blossom petal-lined Potomac without having to battle the crowds. In addition, on April 5th, guests aboard the Odyssey can enjoy fireworks above from the comfort of their own tables as they dine during the Southwest Waterfront Firework’s Festival. The cruise boards at 5:30pm and cruises from 6:30pm – 9:30pm. For additional information on Odyssey Cruises’ lunch, brunch, and dinner cruise options or for reservations, please call (866) 306-2469 or visit online

SPIRIT OF WASHINGTON: LUNCH, DINNER, & FIREWORKS CRUISES

Celebrating the ‘Spirit of Washington’ in true fashion, with Entertainment Cruises’ Spirit of Washington which is welcoming cherry blossom connoisseur cruisers with a lively lunch cruise including a special narration showcasing the cherryblossom trees and historic landmarks in Washington D.C., tunes from a DJ on deck, warm and friendly service, and spectacular views of the cherry blossom trees. For a signature taste of the National Cherry Blossom Festival, dessert lovers are invited to indulge in a signature cherry blossom dessert duo. Prices starting at $44.90 for lunch and $84.90 for dinner cruises aboard the Spirit of Washington are available March 20th through April 13th. On April 5th, Spirit hosts its fireworks dinner cruise for guests looking to end their night with a colorful show from the sky. This three-hour cruise gives guests the opportunity to enjoy the show from the Southwest Fireworks Festival from the comfort of their dinner table or the Spirit’s rooftop lounge. The cruise boards at 6:00pm and cruises from 6:30pm – 9:30pm. For additional information on Spirit of Washington’s lunch and dinner cruise options or for reservations, please call (866) 306-2469 or visit online

SHAKE SHACK: CHERRY PIE OH MY CONCRETE COLLABORATION

Washington, DC’s Shake Shack locations are bringing back an exciting partnership with Dangerously Delicious Pies. For a limited time, cherry blossom fans can indulge in a Cherry Pie, Oh My concrete. Available for two weeks between March 31 and April 14, the concrete blends fresh, creamy vanilla frozen custard with a whole slice of cherry pie from DC’s own Dangerously Delicious Pies. The concrete is available at Dupont and F Street Shacks in two sizes: $4.25 for a half size, and $6.50 for a regular size.  Shake Shack is located at 800 F Street NW (202-800-9930) and 1216 18th Street NW (202-683-9922).

VINOTECA: SUCCULENT SMOKEDSOUR CHERRY & CHICKEN

Just in time for the cherry blossoms, guests can enjoy a dish that incorporates cherries in a unique way at U Street’s favorite neighborhood bar, Vinoteca. Vinoteca’s fiercely innovative Executive Chef Lonnie Zoeller has dreamed up a savory, sweet, sour and smoky Chicken with yellow lentil, quinoa, smoked sour cherry and cashews ($16). Chef Zoeller has proven himself a master of sweet and savory dishes, and this dish is no exception. The smoked cherry dish is available at Vinoteca until mid-April.  Vinoteca is located at 1940 11th Street NW. For reservations, please call 202-332-9463.

PINSTRIPES: BAKED CHERRY TART & CHERRY ROSSO GRAND MARTINI

Georgetown’s new bowling, bocce and dining concept Pinstripes is honoring the blooming cherry blossoms in a delicious way. The fun family-friendly venue is serving up a buttery Baked CherryTart with cherries, maple syrup and tart cherry juice served warm in a sweet crust with housemade caramel sauce and vanilla gelato ($7) that evokes the season in a lip-smackingly tart way. It is available at Pinstripes until September as part of the restaurant’s spring and summer menu. In addition, Pinstripes is introducing a DC-exclusive Cherry Rosso Grand Martini ($10), which mixes up vodka, Pama pomegranate liqueur, housemade cherry juice and sour mix. The cocktail is topped with froth and has a sugar rim with an Italian cherry to garnish. The cocktail is available for a limited time until April 20.  Pinstripes is located at 1064 Wisconsin Avenue NW. For reservations, please call 202-625-6500.

Any other cherry blossom specials? Please leave them in the comments.