Thursday, March 2, 2017

First look: Inside the Cherry Blossom Pop-Up Bar at Mockingbird Hill and Southern Efficiency

Southern Efficiency at Cherry Blossom PUB (Photo: Farrah Skeiky)

From our friends at Drink Company...

Cherry Blossom PUB (Pop-up Bar) Is Bursting with Iconic Blooms, Origami Cranes and Pop Culture Surprises

Japan lovers will get their fix this cherry blossom season with Super Mario Bros., waving cats, local artwork and more

Japan has officially landed inside James Beard Award-nominated Mockingbird Hill (1843 7th Street, NW) and Southern Efficiency (1841 7th Street, NW), which have been transformed into Cherry Blossom PUB (Pop-Up Bar), an ode to Washington, DC’s most beautiful season opening last night at 5 PM.

After the massive success of the holiday-themed Miracle on 7th Street pop-up experience, Drink Company launches Cherry Blossom PUB with all new detailed decor and exclusive cocktail and food menus, inspired by the annual cherry blossom viewing season each Spring in the nation’s capital.

Draped in pink, Southern Efficiency features handmade cherry blossom “branches,” thousands of origami cranes, maneki-neko - Japan’s world-famous lucky “waving cats” - and a stunning mural print of iconic DC artist Maggie O’Neill’s classic painting “Flynn’s Jefferson Memorial.”

At Mockingbird Hill, nostalgia reigns supreme in the form of the beloved Super Mario Bros., with the entire bar dedicated to the Mushroom Kingdom, from animatronic piranha plants peeking out of green pipes to glowing mystery boxes and a special corner reserved for super villain King Koopa. Despite their differing decor, the two bars are connected via newly opened doorways between them, opening up a flowing, festive space for even more patrons to enjoy.

Cocktails from Senior Bar Manager Paul Taylor pay homage to 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 from Chef Evan Scarlatelli are also 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.

The Cherry Blossom PUB at Mockingbird Hill and Southern Efficiency is open Wednesday, March 1 through April 15, 5 PM to 12:30 AM Sunday through Thursday and 5 PM to 1:30 AM Friday and Saturday.

Click above to enlarge

Click above to enlarge

About Derek Brown:
Derek Brown is one of the leading spirits and cocktail experts in the country and the head of Drink Company, the entity behind his four Washington DC craft cocktail bars, Eat the Rich, Southern Efficiency and the James Beard Award-nominated Mockingbird Hill and Columbia Room.

About Paul Taylor:
Paul Taylor is Drink Company’s Senior Bar Manager, overseeing the bar programs at Eat the Rich, Southern Efficiency and the James Beard Award-nominated Mockingbird Hill. He is one of the creative forces behind Drink Company’s viral pop-up sensation Miracle on 7th Street and has more than a decade of hospitality experience, having worked in nearly every position in the industry.