Cherry Blossom Menus: Where To Eat And Drink During The National Cherry Blossom Festival

Cherries aren't just for pies and Shirley Temple garnishes anymore.

As Washington waits for its most beautiful time of the year -- cherry blossom season -- nearly 100 area restaurants are getting into the spirit with Cherry Picks, a city-wide collaboration bringing cherry blossom-inspired food and drinks to tourists and locals alike. The promotion runs concurrently with the National Cherry Blossom Festival festival, March 20 to April 14.

You'll find cherries in every food and drink combination you can imagine, from a Cherry Blossom Bento Box at KAZ Sushi Bistro to foie gras with preserved cherries, cocoa brioche and whipped Moscato at Charlie Palmer Steak. There's also an extensive selection of creative cocktail combinations like Jaleo's Sakura DC (gin, cherry blossom syrup and triple sec), Washington's Cherry Temple Cocktail (vodka, tart cherry juice, maraschino liqueur and vanilla simple syrup) at The Hamilton and the Sparkling Geisha (sake, St. Germain Elderflower liqueur and sparkling wine) at Tonic Foggy Bottom.

Here are 10 places to try cherry blossom-inspired menus during the National Cherry Blossom Festival.