A Cherry Blossom Menu In D.C.

'Tis the season for strolling beneath the cherry blossoms... and, apparently, indulging in all things cherry at the National Gallery of Art's Garden Café Italia. The annual National Cherry Blossom Festival draws thousands of visitors to D.C. to see the romantic pink and white hues of the cherry blossom trees that line the city's memorial heavy streets. This year marks the centennial of Japan's gift to the U.S. of 3,000 cherry trees and to celebrate, chef Fabio Trabocchi decided to create a menu inspired by the season at the Garden Café Italia.

His menu will include buffet and à la carte options like grilled pork chops with cherry relish, arugula

Also going on at the National Gallery of Art during cherry blossom season this year is an honorary exhibition of Japanese bird and flower paintings by Ito Jakuchu, opening March 30. (Photo courtesy of Rob Shelley © National Gallery of Art, Washington)