Cherry Blossom-Inspired Dishes & Drinks

Enjoy Cherry Picks, dishes and drinks from local restaurants

After you explore the Tidal Basin’s cherry blossoms, enjoy themed dishes and drinks all over the city.

Cherry blossom season is arguably the best season in the District, and local eateries all over DC get in on the fun every year. Official festival organizers have once again teamed up with the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington to run the 13th annual Cherry Picks program.

What does this mean? Throughout the National Cherry Blossom Festival (March 20-April 17), you can taste cherry blossom-themed creations from many of the city’s top mixologists and chefs. While the festival itself focuses much attention on Japanese culture, Cherry Picks are the result of not only cultural inspiration, but also the freshest finds of the season.

From umami flavors to fresh cherries to candied blossoms, local restaurants show off their creativity with beverages and bites that take on the flavor of DC’s signature springtime celebration.

Farmers Fishers Bakers in Georgetown gets in the spring spirit with blossom-inspired creations and a beautiful outdoor patio. (Photo: facebook.com/FarmersFishersBakers)

The participant list is already filling up with all-stars, including 1789 Restaurant, Boqueria, Carmine’s, Founding Farmers and its sister restaurant, Farmers Fishers Bakers, as well as The Hamilton, The Grill Room, iCi Urban Bistro, Indigo Landing, McCormick & Schmick’s, Occidental Grill, Rocklands Barbeque and Grilling Company, Sequoia and Texas de Brazil, with more on the way.

Take in spring weather and seasonal menu items at Occidental Grill & Seafood. (Photo: @occidentalgrilldc via Instagram)

Keep your eye on the full list of Cherry Picks restaurants as the month progresses, and come festival time, book a reservation to enjoy the season’s best creations!

Barracks Row

Capitol Hill has totally transformed. It’s not all politics on this side of the hill – you’ll find Barracks Row is one of the hot spots in town for great drinks, dining and debauchery. The young and the young at heart love walking through the historic market hall on Seventh Street SE to grab lunch at Market Lunch or sip a cocktail and read. With the area on an upswing, a number of renowned chefs and restaurants have started to flock to the area – making their mark on this bustling and vibrant new neighborhood that’s enjoying revival. With the promise of some of the best restaurants in Washington DC right in Barracks Row, it’s hard to pass up the opportunity to try some. Acqua al 2 is one of the favorites offering classic Italian with modern flare. The original San Diego restaurant started blossoming ten years ago, and since then chef Martin Gonzalez has been able to expand. Begla Café is a local favorite – don’t be surprised if you have to wait a while to get a seat, but know that it’s worth the wait. The sidewalk café brings a certain European flare to Barracks Row that’s always a hit. If you want to go with something a little nostalgic, order up a thick milkshake from Ted’s Bulletin, an Americana favorite complete with Buddy Holly tunes, Studebakers and $5.99 dishes. Of course, Barracks Row has just as cultured of an entertainment offering as it does it’s dining – check out Capitol Hill Books, the art gallery The Fridge, or Homebody for some unique finds.

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