As spring arrives in our nation’s capital, more than 3,000 cherry trees are ready to burst into pink or white blossoms, said Vinciane Ngomsi and Tierney Plumb in Eater. “For Washingtonians, it’s a time of celebration,” and bars and restaurants promote the spirit by offering cherry blossom specials. Below, five of the best spots to enjoy the festivities.
Waldorf Astoria
For a most civilized experience, reserve a table at the Waldorf’s cherry blossom afternoon tea, featuring spring blends and “on-brand” beverages such as the pretty-in-pink cocktail, served in the Peacock Alley bar in the hotel’s “breathtaking” atrium. 1100 Pennsylvania Ave
Mita
This buzzy vegan spot just earned a Michelin star and is celebrating with a host of cherry blossom delights, from the Sakura Maru cocktail (pisco, Japanese whiskey, sake, Campari, raspberry syrup, and lemon juice) to a dessert combining rich cherry mousse, dark chocolate, and raspberry yuzu sorbet. 804 V St.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Bar Japonais
Sushi Nakazawa alum Masaaki Uchino’s inaugural 15-course omakase nods to the season with delicacies like cherry blossom–steamed sushi, spring sea bream, and cherry salmon. 1520 14th St.
Mercy Me
The patio of this South American restaurant “has been completely transformed for cherry blossom season,” with new shoji screens and blossom decorations hanging from the ceiling. Limited-engagement Japanese cocktails include a matcha margarita with a chile-spiced rim. 1143 New Hampshire Ave
Love, Makoto
This Japanese food hall is a cherry blossom festival in itself, from the cherry blossom doughnuts at Love on the Run to cherry blossom–infused lager at Hiya Izakaya. If you’re planning a picnic under the trees, check out Dear Sushi’s Hanami Picnic for two. 200 Massachusetts Ave
-
Political cartoons for October 26Cartoons Sunday’s editorial cartoons include Young Republicans group chat, Louvre robbery, and more
-
Why Britain is struggling to stop the ransomware cyberattacksThe Explainer New business models have greatly lowered barriers to entry for criminal hackers
-
Greene’s rebellion: a Maga hardliner turns against TrumpIn the Spotlight The Georgia congresswoman’s independent streak has ‘not gone unnoticed’ by the president
-
Roasted squash and apple soup recipeThe Week Recommends Autumnal soup is full of warming and hearty flavours
-
6 well-crafted log homesFeature Featuring a floor-to-ceiling rock fireplace in Montana and a Tulikivi stove in New York
-
Film reviews: A House of Dynamite, After the Hunt, and It Was Just an AccidentFeature A nuclear missile bears down on a U.S. city, a sexual misconduct allegation rocks an elite university campus, and a victim of government terror pursues vengeance
-
Book reviews: ‘Gertrude Stein: An Afterlife’ and ‘Make Me Commissioner: I Know What’s Wrong With Baseball and How to Fix It’Feature Gertrude Stein’s untold story and Jane Leavy’s playbook on how to save baseball
-
Rachel Ruysch: Nature Into ArtFeature Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, through Dec. 7
-
Music reviews: Olivia Dean, Madi Diaz, and Hannah FrancesFeature “The Art of Loving,” “Fatal Optimist,” and “Nested in Tangles”
-
Gilbert King’s 6 favorite books about the search for justiceFeature The journalist recommends works by Bryan Stevenson, David Grann, and more
-
Ready for the apocalypseFeature As anxiety rises about the state of the world, the ranks of preppers are growing—and changing.
