Looking to enjoy this year’s cherry blossoms in a new mode? Hornblower Cruises will resume water taxi service from Alexandria beginning this Friday, March 19. But if you’re anything like us, it might be worth driving a little longer to Pier 4 in DC to view the flowers while supping on short ribs.
On Saturday, March 27, Hornblower will kick off cruises of the Potomac that include multi-course dining experiences. The Cherry Blossom Premier Dinner Cruise, which starts at $141.90, includes a relaxed service of three courses while diners take in not only the blooms, but also the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial from their tables. Appetizers include creamy seafood chowder and arugula salad topped with feta and either watermelon or beets. The aforementioned short rib entrée is served in a Fresno chile demi-glace over garlic mashed potatoes, broccoli, and baby carrots. Other main dishes include broiled salmon with roasted tomato vinaigrette, chicken breast with rosemary and thyme in mushroom sauce, and roasted vegetable fricassee in cauliflower-coconut cream sauce. And dessert? There’s chocolate cake and cheesecake with blueberry compote.
Many of us have been missing brunch buffets. Hornblower is back, beginning at $81.90 for adults. The two-hour brunch will naturally include social distancing and sanitizing stations, but will allow diners to enjoy a bit of normalcy as they choose their own food, from scrambled eggs, breakfast meats, and French toast to hand-carved strip loin and a selection of homemade cakes and brownies.
The events are an excuse to dress up, dine, and see one of our region’s unique features in a setting that’s almost like the before times. // Pier 4, 580 Water St. SW, Washington, DC
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