(Georgetown Business Improvement District via DC City Blog) – The National Cherry Blossom Festival is an annual two-week event that celebrates the 1912 gift of the cherry blossom trees and the enduring friendship between the people of the United States and Japan. The cherry blossoms are the ultimate sign of springtime in Washington, DC and throughout the vibrant neighborhood of Georgetown, creative cocktails and cherry-themed dishes enliven the cultural celebration.

Once the Cherry Blossom trees start blooming, the waterfront view at Farmers & Fishers is unbeatable. The restaurant, known for bringing the best from the farm and the sea, is featuring two specialties including Farmhouse Crispy-Skin Duck Breast with Cherry Demi-glace ($16) and Sour Blossom Mousse Cocktail ($13). Farmers & Fishers is located at 3000 K Street, NW, on the fountain level of the Washington Harbour complex. Convenient parking provides direct access to the restaurant. For reservations or more information please call 202.298.0003 or visit farmersandfishers.com

Saloon-style restaurant J. Pauls will feature special additions to their menu like Brie en Croute with Cherry Marmalade and Fig Jam ($12) and Double Chocolate Profiterole Stuffed with House-Made French Vanilla Cherry ($7). J.Pauls is located at 3218 M Street, NW. Information and reservations can be obtained by calling 202.333.3450 or visiting j-pauls.capitalrestaurants.com

Mixologist Chris Kelley is going full force with spring spirits at Mie N Yu. The restaurant’s signature Cherry Blossom Cocktail ($9) is infused with Emperor Vodka, Hiram Walker Cherry Brandy and Red Bull all-natural cola. Mie N Yu, located at 3125 M Street, NW, combines contemporary American cuisine with flavors from the Silk Road. For more information please call 202.333.6122 or visit mienyu.com

Neyla, DC’s authority on authentic Mediterranean cuisine, is serving Arabic Cherry Lemonade, a mixture of limeade with mint and Bing cherries ($6), along with your choice of vodka ($9). Neyla is located at 3206 N Street, NW. For more information or reservations please call 202.333.6353 or visit neyla.com

Georgetown’s bona fide BBQ joint, Old Glory, is adding Cherry-Wheat Beer Battered Onion Rings served with a sweet and sour kiln-dried cherry pepper dip ($8) that pair perfectly with an order of their famous ribs. Old Glory is located at 3139 M Street NW. For more information please call 202.337.3406 or visit oldglorybbq.com

Paolo’s Ristorante adds sweet libations like a Cherry Campari “Crush” and Cherry Mimosa to the menu. The Cherry Campari “Crush” is a blend of Campari, cherry brandy, Cinzano sweet vermouth, ginger ale sours, Bing cherries and mint ($10). Paolo’s Ristorante merges traditional Italian with fresh Californian cuisine in a lively atmosphere in the heart of Georgetown. Paolo’s Ristorante is located at 1303 Wisconsin Ave NW. For more information or reservations please call 202.333.7353 or visit paolosristorante.com

Known for its seafood and outstanding waterfront views, Tony & Joe’s beckons those excited for spring in DC. The restaurant is offering Balsamic Cherry Glazed Salmon with Dried Cherry Saffron Rice ($26) throughout the cherry blossom festivities. Tony & Joe’s Seafood Place, 3000 K Street NW, is located at Washington Harbour. For more information or reservations please call 202.944.4545 or visit dcseafood.com

The 2010 National Cherry Blossom Festival runs from March 27 to April 11, 2010.

About the Georgetown Business Improvement District

The Georgetown Business Improvement District (BID) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting and enhancing the accessibility, attractiveness and overall appeal of Georgetown. Established in 1999 by its property owners and merchants, the Georgetown BID has more than 1,000 members. The organization is located in the heart of Georgetown in Washington, D.C and sets a standard of excellence in preserving historic charm while meeting contemporary needs. From marketing and special events, to transportation and streetscape, the Georgetown BID contributes to the vitality and quality of life in Georgetown. For more information please visit georgetowndc.com.

admin