In 1912, 3,000 cherry trees found their way into Washington, D.C., by way of Mayor Yukio Ozaki of Tokyo. These trees, still lining the nation's capital Tidal Basin, have not only remained symbolic of Japanese-American friendship, but also serve as an esthetic marker indicative of winter yielding to spring. See why the deep-rooted Japanese tradition of celebrating the cherry blossom has not only influenced American culture, but has also become a growing inspiration for spring entertaining.
SAKURA SIGNALS SPRING
Long before the cherry blossoms bloomed in D.C., the Japanese culture practiced Sakura, a tradition in which the end of winter is celebrated in the midst of flowering cherry trees. "Sakura began as 'Hanami,'" said Neyah White, an enthusiast of Japanese-inspired entertaining and the West Coast Brand Ambassador for Suntory whisky ( http://www.suntory.com/whisky/ ). "Sakura began as a tradition reserved for nobility, where some meals were moved out under flowering plum trees," White said.
White explains that over time this custom expanded to encompass the general public and ornamental cherry trees or "Sakura," were planted in public and private areas specifically to foster the tradition. Now, in Japanese society, Sakura not only celebrates the blooming trees, but also signals the arrival of spring, and a time to enjoy the company of family and friends outdoors.
"A big part of the reason Sakura is so important to the Japanese is because of their inherent respect for the seasons," White said. "Japan recognizes 24 seasons, each flowing into one another with very specific markers," White said. "One Japanese whisky, 'Hibiki,' is named for this flow; the name means 'harmony' in reference to nature."
CHANNEL CHERRY BLOSSOM CUSTOMS
Since Sakura happens to be one of the few Japanese traditions to focus on nature and outdoor entertaining, the process is both thoughtful and purposeful. "There is something very special about selecting your spot and menu (complete with drinks) and then spending some time planning the perfect day to enjoy the blooms," White explained.
A Sakura-inspired event doesn't require cherry blossom terrain. If your environment is sans cherry trees, divert your attention to Japanese food. Try incorporating Japanese faire like sushi or food blogger Marc Matsumoto's seaweed salad into a spring-themed picnic menu.
Or, take the lead of D.C. restaurants honoring the annual National Cherry Blossom Festival by offering cherry-flavored and cherry-infused menu items. For example, in honor of the 100th anniversary of the festival last spring, the Sofitel Washington DC hotel featured menu options like Pickled Cherry Glazed Branzino, Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Cherry Jus, and Grilled Scallops Pistachio with dry Cherry Gremolata.
HIGH STYLE IN HIGH BALL FASHION
When it comes to sharing spirits Sakura style, White suggests taking a leisurely approach. "Japanese culture embraces low-alcohol drinks. Many meals can last for quite awhile so lower proof drinks keep things going in a smart way," White said. "The Japanese whisky highball and Midori and ginger ale are perfect for keeping your guests lifted but not legless."
Another current Japanese entertaining trend: ice. "Large, perfectly clear pieces of ice are all the rage in the most serious cocktail programs," White said. "Often in Japan, whisky will be served over a giant ice-ball, hand shaped from perfectly clear ice."
Although White admitted this practice can be cumbersome to do at home, it's not impossible. "Melting and refreezing ice chases out much of the gases that are caught up in most common tap water. Doing this with large silicon ice cube molds takes a few days but makes for a very cool whisky service," he said.
PRIME PICKINGS FOR YOUR SPRING FLING
To have the ambiance of live cherry trees is optimal, but if you don't have that luxury, White suggests doing the next best thing: "If you're able to gain access to fresh-cut cherry blossoms, take them out of water one-to-two hours before your party is set to start. They will start to drop petals during the party providing a very Sakura-like effect," White says. "Especially if they are the centerpieces of a table."
SEASONAL SPLENDOR
Whether hosting a cherry-blossom bash or a low-key Japanese-inspired picnic, White offers three concepts for entertaining of which he abides: "subtlety, refinement and complexity."
"Seasonality in eating, drinking and activities is not exactly the sole province of Japanese culture, but I can say that there is no culture that embraces it more. Adjusting elements of your life to take advantage of the turns of nature is a lesson that cannot be taught too many times," White said.
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� 2013, McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.
