The annual Cherry Blossom Festival began this week in Washington, D.C., and along with petal peeping here in Montgomery County, there are also many places where you can indulge in themed food and drinks to celebrate.
DC Fray, a social club based in Washington, D.C., is hosting a Rosé Wine Walk at Bethesda Row on March 30 from noon to 4 p.m. starting at 4827 Bethesda Ave. Tickets cost $30 and can be purchased on the event page before Monday.
“Celebrate cherry blossom season with a drink as pink as the blooms,” DC Fray said on the event page. “Get free pours of top rosés from participating locations and event exclusive discounts at local retailers along the route.”
The businesses offering discounts include Eat the Change, Veronica Beard, Kendra Scott, Chiko Bethesda, Spanish Diner and Foxtrot Market.
J. Hollinger’s, a chophouse at 8606 Colesville Road in Silver Spring, has crafted a festive menu, including cocktails titled Blossom in the Sand and Sake Bliss; a Japanese A5 Wagyu Ribeye starter with cherry blossom shoyu sauce, daikon radish and scallions; and Sour Cherry Basil ice cream for dessert.
These menu items are available until April 14 when the festival officially ends.
JINYA, a ramen bar at 910 Prose St. in Pike and Rose, is offering a Sakura Spring cocktail through April 14 that costs $15 and contains Roku gin, yuzu, cherry syrup, hibiscus tea and fee foam.
“This delightful cocktail embodies the spirit of spring with its refreshing blend of flavors, inspired by the beauty of cherry blossoms in bloom,” the restaurant said in a statement.
Levain Bakery, at 4844 Bethesda Ave. in Bethesda Row, added a Cherry Scone for $4 and Cherry Iced Tea for $5.50 to its menu in honor of the cherry blossoms.
“The brand new scone features Levain’s buttery, fluffy and moist scone, made with whole rolled oats and plump dried sour cherries – which pairs perfectly with the freshly brewed Cherry Iced Tea,” the bakery said in a statement.
Mimi’s Handmade Ice Cream, at 12274 Rockville Pike Suite E in Rockville, currently offers multiple Cherry Blossom Festival flavors, including Japanese Sakura no Hana (which means cherry blossom in Japanese), Wasabi & Green Peas, Azuki, Black Sesame and German Kirschwasser.
A “kiddie” scoop is $4.50, a single scoop costs $5.50, a double scoop is $7.50 and a triple scoop is $8.99.
Sarah’s Handmade Ice Cream, with locations at 10219 Old Georgetown Road, North Bethesda; 5241 River Road, Bethesda; and 14929 Shady Grove Road Suite I, Rockville, is offering a Cherry Blossom Festival flavor that features fresh cherries and rose water ice cream.
The Daily Dish, an American eatery at 8301 Grubb Road in Silver Spring, has Cherry Blossom Festival specials, including cherry blossom bubbly (rose petal liqueur, sparkling rosé and luxardo cherry) and matcha panna cotta (cherry blossoms sprinkle, raspberry oculus drizzle).
The cocktail and dessert are available until April 14.