Japanophiles, unite! Furikake-studded bread and togarashi-dusted egg salad are just a few of the items that will entice you to try the elevated Cherry Blossom Afternoon Tea at Club Lounge at The Ritz-Carlton Pentagon City. The $75 experience takes place Saturday and Sunday from March 27 to April 25.
There are three distinct options to choose when ordering at the 18th-floor tearoom. The savory menu includes the aforementioned bites as well as fresh cherry chicken salad, a Japanese take on ratatouille, and local goat-cheese tart, among other small servings. The sweet version is loaded with macarons, a matcha profiterole, and chamomile-yuzu panna cotta, to name a few.
The final option is the $35 Panda Bear Tea for kids under 12, which includes a bear to take home. Its flavors lean a bit more British, with a cherry scone with Devonshire cream and cherry butter, cherry preserve sandwich, and mini pink cupcake. Imbibables include a choice of tea and G.H. Mumm Champagne for the grown-ups.
Though locals are free to book just the tea, those wishing for a staycation can access the experience as part of the hotel’s cherry blossom-themed packages, including the “Suite Spring Stay” and “Springtime in DC.”
Looking for a way to spoil yourself this Easter instead (or as well)? What better way than with a carving table filled with roasted leg of spring lamb and citrus-and-local-honey-glazed ham? On Easter Sunday, the $99 family-style lunch ($49 for kids 5-12) includes visits to that station, but also a glut of springy fare.
It begins with a spring wedge salad and smoked-salmon deviled eggs. Sides for the meats include creamy scalloped potatoes, harissa-maple-glazed carrots, and lemon-and-tarragon-flavored roasted broccolini. And dessert? There are caramel-carrot-cake entremets, chocolate-malt verrines (small glass cups), and cake made with strawberry mousse sandwiched in layers of pistachio sponge, topped with pistachio cream and fresh strawberries. // 1250 South Hayes St., Arlington
Photo credit: Greg Powers
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