By: Becca
I swear I had every intention of zenning at the Cherry Blossom Yoga event on the National Mall on Saturday. I RSVP’d on Facebook (big commitment). I even made it to the grounds around the National Monument! But instead of giving sun salutations decked in my Lululemon gear, I was perched nearby on a picnic blanket in a pretty sun dress giving salutes with a glass of champagne. That sort of counts. Right?
Photo credit: Becca Clara Love
It was a phenomenally beautiful weekend in DC. The sort of weather that makes you forget about the 40 inches of snow that trapped you in your building for two weeks only a few short months ago. And having the National Cherry Blossom Festival on Easter weekend means lots of friends and family rush to town to inhale the pink splendor that’s around the Tidal Basin. It also means there’s not a brunch reservation to be found in DC. I tried calling around on Wednesday. How silly of me to leave it so late.
Photo credit: Becca Clara Love
But my epic brunch fail turned out to be a blessing in disguise, as who wants to be stuck inside, far from DC’s pink blooms, on this loveliest of weekends? Ah yes, the perfect brunch was purchased at Harris Teeter, and placed in a gorgeous wooden picnic basket, and spread on a blanket to be enjoyed while stretched out underneath the pink heaven.
Photo credit: Becca Clara Love
A divine picnic? Fresh jarlsberg and brie cheeses. Nummy figs. Hummus and sundried tomato spreads. Strawberries, grapes, apples, bananas. Fresh French bread and whole-wheat crackers. Olives and almonds. Deviled eggs. Oh, and don’t forget the champagne, which we not-so-sveltely camouflaged in the bread bag.
Photo credit: Becca Clara Love
This bitch’s recommendation for brunch during the National Cherry Blossom Festival? Don’t duke it out with the crowds at brunch hot spots (who wants to be inside with this glorious weather anyway?). Grab your friends and family, a basket, some fresh food, and snag a spot under the cherry blossoms. There are some lovely spaces around the Tidal Basin, but I suggest veering a little closer to the National Monument to avoid the massive crowds.
[...] a grassy spot near the Tidal Basin, and plunk yourself directly under those gorgeous pink blooms, like we did last year. Or better yet, be served—have brunch somewhere outdoors, on a patio, or in a restaurant that can [...]