Cherry Blossom Specials Around Town

Yes, it is that time of year again... go away snow, hello Cherry Blossoms!  DC is celebrating with all kinds of fun specials around town.

The National Cherry Blossom Festival is the nation’s greatest springtime celebration. The 2015 Festival,March 20 – April 12, includes three spectacular weeks and four weekends of events featuring diverse and creative programming promoting traditional and contemporary arts and culture, natural beauty and community spirit. Visit http://www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/ or call 877.44.BLOOM for more information and find the festival on Facebook (CherryBlossomFestival),Twitter (@CherryBlossFest), andInstagram (@CherryBlossFest).

Bar Dupont is honoring the 103^rd anniversary of cherry blossom season in the nation’s capital with two specialty cocktails. The Sake Old Fashioned is a Japanese take on a classic American cocktail commemorating Japan’s enduring gift of spring blossoms. The Sparkling Blossom celebrates the beauty of the pink trees by combining cherry liquor, brandy, brandied cherries, and sparkling wine. 

Salt & Sundry

What: The hip lifestyle boutique will endow any customer who utters the words, “Cherry Blossom,” a 10% discount off all Japanese dinnerware.

Cordial Fine Wine & Sprits

What: Bubbly enthusiasts should head to Cordial Fine Wine & Spirits, which will be offering free, celebratory rosé tastings every Saturday from 12 to 3 pm, and Sunday from 1 to 4 pm.

Peregrine Espresso

What: Union Market’s favorite coffee connoisseurs will switch things up by offering patrons Sakura Black - a delicious Japanese black tea blended with sweet sakura cherry blossom leaves and flowers.  

Bazaar Spices

What: Bazaar Spices will celebrate with a pop of style! The shop’s gourmet pink-hued popcorn kernels are guaranteed to blossom into perfectly Pink Popcorn that is high in antioxidants and full of fiber & flavor.

Jaleo (DC, Crystal City and Bethesda; www.jaleo.com) will offer the Spanish Garden cocktail, made with gin, chrysanthemum syrup, orange jam, lemon juice and green chartreuse, in addition to several cherry-inspired dishes, including:

·       Queso Murcia al vino tinto- ‘The Drunken Goat’ Murcia cheese with cherry marmalade and toasted bread  

·       Salmón a la plancha con puré de coliflor y cerezas - Seared salmon with cauliflower purée and cherries

·       Panceta confitada con salsa de cereza - Pork belly confit with cherry sauce 

·       Cordero a la brasa con salsa de cerezas ‘Santa Coloma de Cervello’ - Grilled lamb T-bones with cherry sauce

·       Sopa de frutas rojas con heladode queso - Wild red berry soup with Idiazábal cheese ice cream

To celebrate the Cherry Blossom season, and staying true to her passion for history, RareSweets' chef/owner Meredith Tomason will feature a special Deviled Almond Ice Cream Sundae in honor of President William Howard Taft and First Lady Helen Taft,  who accepted the original gift of the cherry blossom trees from the Japanese  ambassador and his wife. Deviled almonds were President Taft's favorite snack, and ice cream was the Tafts' favorite dessert—so much so that they installed a special ice cream freezer into the White House kitchen, and kept a Holstein dairy cow which grazed on the White House lawn. The President Taft Deviled Almond Sundae will be available from March 20th through April 12th for $7.50, and includes deviled almond ice cream, cherry compote, and hot fudge sauce. The deviled almond ice cream will also be available by the scoop for $5.40 (small) and $6.40 (large). The ice cream base is steeped with toasted almonds, then churned and swirled with candied spice almonds flavored with maple syrup and cayenne pepper.

China Chilcano (www.chinachilcano.com) José’s newest restaurant offering contemporary Peruvian cuisine, will offer their Pisco Macerado, a cherry twist on the traditional Pisco Sour made with Macchu Pisco, lime, egg white, Amargo Chuncho bitters, and Guindas Macerados (dried sour cherries soaked in the Pisco for a dark + fruity infusion).

U Street wine destination Vinoteca continues to educate Washington on the world of wine with its new "Spring Wine Class Series" starting March 24^th. Led by Vinoteca sommelier Kate Chrisman, the series of wine classes begins just in time for Cherry Blossom season, exploring spring's best rosés, as well as some full-bodied whites and soft reds, perfect for the seasonal cold-to-warm weather transition.

America Eats Tavern (www.americaeatstavern.com), José’s take on American classics, celebrating local flavors inspired by some of the country’s most historic dishes, will offer two specials for the Cherry Blossom Festival: Planked Shad, served with celery root puree, fermented radish, pea shoot, Virginia ham air, and cured shad roe, in addition to the Clover Club cocktail, made with gin, raspberries, lemon, simple syrup, and egg white.

A native of Japan, our Executive Chef Yo Matsuzaki has fond memories of picnicking among cherry blossoms during springtime in Japan. Inspired by these memories, Chef Yo and Zentan will be offering bento boxes to-go during the festival. Options will include a variety of robata grilled skewers such as Sake, Scottish salmon and scallion or Guy, hanging tender steak with shishito peppers. The boxes will also include fun o-nigiri, rice balls and a house made cherry soda from lead bartender Matt Allred. The bento boxes ($16) are perfect for a quick pick up before heading down to view the blossoms. You can call to reserve your box in advance, 202.379.4366.

Barmini (www.minibarbyjoseandres.com), an extension of the acclaimed minibar by José Andrés’ where Beverage Director Juan Coronado offers a whimsical journey of classic cocktails and avant-garde technique, will offer several new springtime cocktails including:

·       Essential Pollen - honey vodka, lemon, chamomile, egg white, 12 **photo below

·       Aroma Therapy - gin, lemon, vermouth blanc, lavender, soda, 12

·       Juana Giallo - yellow & green chartreuse, galiano, saffron, orange, orange blossom, cream, egg, 14

·       Starkling - vodka, St. Germain, lemon, simple, star fruit, sparkling wine, 12

·       Dark Side of the Moon - Old Tom gin, crème de violette, lemon, simple, egg white, citrus and hay ash, 14

·       Nasturtium Garden - nasturtium gin, aloe liqueur, lemon, 14

·       Violette Fizz - crème de violette, cream, gin, lemon, 16

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

ODYSSEY CRUISES: BRUNCH, LUNCH, DINNER & FIREWORKS CRUISE

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; Odyssey’s beautifulCherry Blossom Cheesecake. Brunch is available on Saturdays and Sundays – boarding at 10:45am and cruising between 11:30am-1:30pm (prices beginning at $68.90), and lunch is offered daily – early, regular, and afternoon options – (prices beginning at $56.90). Dinner cruises aboard the Odyssey are available nightly March 20^th through April 12^th 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 (prices beginning at $101.90). In addition, on April 4^th, 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 6:30pm and cruises from 7:30pm – 10:30pm. For additional information on Odyssey Cruises’ lunch, brunch, and dinner cruise options or for reservations, please call (866) 404-8439 or visit online.

SPIRIT OF WASHINGTON: LUNCH, BRUNCH, DINNER, & FIREWORKS CRUISE

Celebrating the ‘Spirit of Washington’ in true fashion, aboard Entertainment Cruises’ Spirit of Washington which is welcoming cherry blossom connoisseur cruisers with lively lunch and dinner cruises daily – including a special narration showcasing the cherry blossom 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 CherryBlossom Festival, dishes will be enhances with the quintessential cherry flavor and beauty. Lunch and dinner cruises aboard the Spirit of Washington are available March 20^th through April 12^th (lunch prices start at $45.90 and dinner prices start at $94.90).   On Saturday, April 4^th, 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, dinner, and fireworks cruise options or for reservations, please call (866) 404-8439 or visit online.

Oyamel (www.oyamel.com), José’s Cocina Mexicana celebrating the country’s rich regional diversity with the modern fare of Mexico City, will offer Cayo Jarocho, plancha-seared scallops served with a plantain and roasted garlic fritter, fried plantains, blanched English peas, pea puree, and pickled local tomato. The dish is finished with pea shoots and a Worcestershire reduction.

The Hay-Adams Cherry Blossom Package

With the Annual Cherry Blossom Festival approaching, The Hay-Adams, located in the heart of Washington, DC with the best views of the White House, presents its Cherry Blossom Package, New Menu and Cocktail to celebrate this high-anticipated event. The Cherry Blossom Package is valid from March 20th through April 12th, 2015 with a minimum of a three night stay. It includes a free complimentary American Breakfast for two, a Cherry Blossom Festival information packet, and a cherry amenity.

The Hay-Adams Cherry Blossom Menu

During this same time, The Hay-Adams offers a special Cherry Blossom Menu. Tailored to the season, the menu includes Hamachi Sashimi, Crispy Berkshire Pork Belly, Caramelized Black Cod, and Nori Wrapped Wagyu Strip Steak. To finish the meal, Pastry Chef Josh Short presents Morello Cherry & Pistachio Financier with Caramelized White Chocolate Ice Cream.

 

Zaytinya (www.zaytinya.com), José’s award-winning mezze restaurant offering an innovative menu inspired by Turkish, Greek and Lebanese cuisine,will offer Spring Pea Tzatziki, made with pistachios, Greek yogurt and mint. 

Liaison Capitol Hill DC encourages guests and locals to share their Cherry Blossom shots on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram with #LiaisonBlossoms for a chance to win a two-night weekend stay in our CherryBlossom Photo Contest​.*  A winner will be selected on April 18.

Guests can also order a ready-to-go picnic lunch for two, featuring our famous fried chicken, coleslaw, potato salad, and a cherry soda from Celebrity Chef Art Smith’s Art and Soul restaurant. The picnic meal ($40) is perfect for a blanket-top lunch under the cherry trees at the Tidal Basin.

Looking more for a staycation? The Liaison's Cherry Blossom Getaway package includes Cherry-Inspired Cocktails from Art and Soul restaurant, metro passes, a liaison tote bag and a chance to win a free DC stay.  To book this offer visit affinia.com/cherry or call 1-866-246-2203 and mention promotional code CHER15.