One of my favorite times of the year in Washington, DC is cherry blossom season. The Cherry Blossom Festival takes place from March 20th to April 17th. The city truly comes to life as the tidal basin and its surroundings turn pink as the trees bloom. Many restaurants and bars have added a cherry blossom menu during this special season. From decadent desserts to elegantly crafted cocktails, here are my picks of some of my favorite places in Washington, DC:
The Jefferson Hotel: In my opinion, The Quill is one of the most beautiful hotel bars in the city with its classic decor and inconspicuous patio which faces 16th Street. There, the Sakura cocktail comes to life as part of their cherry blossom menu. The cocktail includes Bluecoat Gin, Yellow Chartreuse, grapefruit juice, honey syrup, dashes of rhubarb bitters, and dashes of peychauds.
The Jefferson Hotel, 1200 16TH ST NW Washington, DC
Astro Doughnuts and Fried Chicken: Want to score points at the office? Show up with a box of the cherry blossom doughnuts from Astro Doughnuts and Fried Chicken. The vanilla doughnut has a sweet cherry filling with a beautiful cherry blossom design. My favorite part was the cream cheese glaze. They are quite rich, so you can even share one!
Astro Doughnuts and Fried Chicken, 1308 G St NW, Washington, DC
Fyve at Ritz Carlton Pentagon City: A favorite lunch escape during my Pentagon days, Fyve Restaurant at The Ritz Carlton Pentagon City is a hidden gem. Their cherry blossom menu includes a beautiful Japanese inspired bento box with sashimi, sushi, tempura, and miso soup for $25 during lunch service. Not only was it beautifully prepared but also delicious.
Ritz Carlton Pentagon City, 1250 South Hayes Ave, Arlington, VA
Olivia Macaron: When in Georgetown, you must treat yourself to an Olivia Macaron. Perfectly crunchy on the outside and creamy inside, these sweet treats are a favorite among DC locals. Their seasonal menu includes a sakura macaron: with pale pink shells, filled with a white chocolate ganache and infused with cherries.
Olivia Macaron, 3222 M St NW, Washington, DC
The Melrose Georgetown: The Blossomtini at The Melrose Georgetown Hotel has to be one of the prettiest cocktails I’ve ever had. Although I shared the recipe recently on the blog, I think I will return for the real deal at their chic bar and intimate patio space. I also love the fact their recipe has Kriek, one of my favorite Belgian beers. Very inventive!
The Melrose Georgetown, 2430 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC
Sushiko Chevy Chase: It is only fitting that of my favorite Japanese restaurants, Sushiko Chevy Chase added a special cocktail to their menu: The Sakura Bitsu. The cocktail combines whiskey, beet and clove purée, orange juice, yuzu and blossom water, garnished with a cherry and and orange. While there for a cocktail, make sure to follow with their omakase menu. It’s been one of our dining highlights in Washington, DC.
Sushiko, 5455 Wisconsin Ave, Chevy Chase, MD
The Lafayette at Hay Adams: If you’re looking for a fine dining cherry blossom menu, The Lafayette at Hay Adams is one of my picks. The restaurant is offering a Japanese-inspired three-course, prix fixe dinner menu with a sweet finish, of caramelia chocolate panna cotta with cherry marmalade and griottines.
The Hay Adams Hotel, 800 16th St NW, Washington, DC
Whether you are visiting Washington, DC or live in the area, take the time to take in the cherry blossom spirit! From doughnuts to cocktails, there are many edible homages to sakura in the city! What’s your favorite DC cherry blossom menu offering?
