Cherry Blossom Pop-up Launching March 1 at Mockingbird Hill “Ode to all things Japanese will include origami, waving cats and Super Mario Bros.-inspired cocktails”

“Flower Power” (Photo by Farrah Skeiky)

From a press release:

“After the massive success of the holiday-themed Miracle on 7th Street pop-up experience, Drink Company returns this Spring with the Cherry Blossom PUB (Pop-up Bar), where James Beard Award-nominated Mockingbird Hill (1843 7th Street) and Southern Efficiency (1841 7th Street) will take on Japan with a cherry blossom-inspired transformation debuting Wednesday, March 1.

The two bars will roll out new decor and exclusive menus, inspired by Washington, D.C.’s most beautiful season. Draped in pink, Southern Efficiency will feature an origami crane chandelier and an impressive collection of maneki-neko, Japan’s world-famous lucky “waving cats” against a beautiful backdrop of cherry blossom art by iconic D.C. artist Maggie O’Neill. At Mockingbird Hill, nostalgia will reign supreme with an ode to the beloved Super Mario Bros., featuring an entire room dedicated to the Mushroom Kingdom and a special corner reserved for super villain King Koopa.

Cocktails and food from the creative direction of Senior Bar Manager Paul Taylor will follow the theme, too, including drinks like the “King Koopa Cup,” a mix of Japanese whiskey, Genmaicha “popcorn” tea and ginger syrup with a lemon “crown” and “What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Smaller,” made with vodka, mandarin orange, pomelo and apricot soda. Classic Japanese bites like gyoza, seaweed salad and a katsu sandwich will also be on the menu, alongside Japanese sake, beer and whiskey offerings. In addition to the themed food and drinks, guests can expect a Mario Kart contest and bartenders wearing red caps and overalls for the duration of the Cherry Blossom PUB, which will stick around through April 15.

“Japan has always been a source of inspiration for me and, as a native Washingtonian, cherry blossom season is something we look forward to every year,” says owner Derek Brown. “This pop-up brings together some of my favorite things under one roof, including both classic cocktails and Mario nostalgia. Just imagine our Miracle on 7th Street pop-up with a mustache and horde of hand-waving, lucky cats.”

The Cherry Blossom PUB at Mockingbird Hill and Southern Efficiency will be open March 1 through April 15, 5pm to 12:30am Sunday through Thursday and 5pm to 1:30am Friday and Saturday.”

Check out the menu after the jump.