3 places to find cherry blossom-inspired eats around Vancouver

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      Some of the city’s cherry blossom trees may already be losing its pretty pink petals, but a few food spots are still celebrating its fleeting beauty.

      Vancouver eateries have created impressive sakura-inspired dishes in the past, including doughnuts, sushi, and frozen treats. This year’s line-up of cherry-blossom bites are just as creative, and we’re sure the tasty treats will look just as good on camera.

      Here are three places to find cherry-blossom bites around town.

      Jennifer Chin

      1. Grounds for Coffee (2565 Alma Street)

      You may be familiar with this coffee shop’s handmade cinnamon buns, which are known for its fluffy texture and perfect amount of sweetness. It will be rolling out (pun intended) limited edition cherry-blossom buns ($3.95 each, $13.80 for four, and $17.70 for six), inspired by the blooming season. Each bun is created with its original recipe and popular cream cheese frosting, with the addition of a cherry topping made in-house. The seasonal treats are available for pre-order and in-store tomorrow through Sunday (April 20 to 22).

       

      Leila Kwok

      2. Market by Jean-Georges (1115 Alberni Street)

      Executive chef Ken Nakano of Shangri-La Hotel Vancouver’s in-house restaurant recently took a trip to Japan to reconnect with his heritage and experience Japan’s world-renowned cherry blossom festival. He brought back plenty of inspiration with him, which he is currently showcasing in his Rooted in Heritage tasting menu ($110 per person, plus taxes and fees) available through April 30. Inspired by the sakura season and his own roots, the five-course meal includes intricate dishes like salmon onigiri (Japanese rice ball) with ikura (salmon roe) and genmaicha (Japanese brown rice green tea); and matcha castella with cherry ice cream and Umeshu (Japanese liquor).

       

      TWG Tea

      3. TWG Tea Salon and Boutique (1070 West Georgia Street)

      This Singapore-based upscale tea establishment is known for its seasonal teas, and the cherry blossom viewing period is no exception. Its Always Sakura green tea is blended with notes of wild Rainier cherry and rose blossoms, which has also been infused into its ruby-pink almond shelled macarons. The fancy beverage boutique has also launched a limited edition sakura tea set ($48 per person, plus taxes and fees) that is being served through April 30, which features tasty sweet and savoury treats—think miso-maple-sablefish with Caramel Tea and yuzu-passion fruit tartlets infused with Follow Me Tea.

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