Cherry Blossom Festival Food Offerings

From March 20 through April 14, 2013, Washington welcomes the return of the National Cherry Blossom Festival and area restaurants are showing their support serving up creative cherry-inspired cocktails and dishes. This year marks the 101st Anniversary and there is much to celebrate at the table.  Savor the tastes of spring from your favorite restaurant!

The intimate Mediterranean oasis, Tel’Veh Café & Wine Bar, located at 401 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, is offering a prix fixe, cherry-inspired three-course menu to coincide with the Cherry Blossom Festival. Priced at $35 per person (tax and gratuity not included), the menu is crafted by Executive Chef Dimosthenis “Dimo” Kolouas and includes highlights such as Herbed Crusted Quail over lentil salad with frisée finished with a pomegranate demi; Shrimp Chowder with mussels, clams, pepper, fresh cream and croutons; Baked Cod Wrapped with Grape Leaves and served over asparagus and wild mushrooms with mavrodafni and a cherry sauce, as well as Molasses Glazed Rack of Lamb over grilled seasonal vegetables and rosemary sauce. For the perfect ending, guests can select Yogurt Parfait with Sour Cherries and Pecans, or Chocolate Glaze Cherry over Almond Semolina Pudding. For reservations, call (202) 758-2929 or visit telveh.com.

Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar, located at 9th & H Streets NW, will offer two cherry dishes in addition to their regular a la carte menu during dinner service. Guest can select the Lomito de Puerco, plancha-seared fresh bay leaf and olive confit of pork tenderloin served with bitter chocolate and chile molido, pickled cherries and Virginia sharp cheddar shavings for $26, or the Panna Cotta de Albaca, peach and sweet basil custard with Morello Cherry-Orange Liqueur salsa for $8. Reservations can be made by calling the restaurant at (202) 408-1600 or by visiting CubaLibreRestaurant.com.

Oyamel Cocina Mexicana, located at 401 7th Street, NW, is pouring a special cocktail during the Cherry Blossom Festival. Priced at $15, the La Japonesa is made from a combination of tequila, cherry liqueur, cherry blossom soda and lime. For reservations or additional information please call (202) 628-1005 or visit oyamel.com.

The newly opened Ambar, located at 523 8th Street, SE, will offer a special dessert prepared by Serbian-born Pastry Chef Danilo Bucan during this year’s Cherry Blossom Festival. Priced at $5, the Cherry and Valerona Chocolate Cake is made with cherry foam and served with micro basil. For reservations or additional information please call (202) 813-3039 or visit ambarrestaurant.com.

Located at 1825 14th Street, NW, Masa 14 will serve a colorful Cherry Blossom Festival creation for the 101st Anniversary of the Festival. Prepared by Executive Chef Adam Goldman, the Smoked Bison Carpaccio is made with arugula, cherry dijon vinaigrette and topped with Shao-Xing wine soaked chopped cherries for $13. For reservations or additional information please call (202) 328-1414 or visit masa14.com.

Located in the bustling Chinatown neighborhood at 781 7th Street, NW, Zengo will offer a special Latin-Asian dessert during this year’s Cherry Blossom Festival. Priced at $7, the Mexican Crema Mousse Cake is made with graham cracker crust, yuzu marmalade and ginger-cherry compote. For reservations or additional information please call (202) 393-2929 or visit richardsandoval.com/zengodc/index.php.

Enjoy the beautiful blooms this year!

Photo: National Cherry Blossom Festival Bloom Watch