Chef Lorena Garcia Kicks Off 101st Cherry Blossom Festival At Annual 'Pink Tie Party'

PENN QUARTER -- Despite the still chilly weather outside, it was all springtime styles inside the Renaissance Washington, D.C. Downtown Hotel on Wednesday evening, for the 7th annual Pink Tie Party.

A now de facto Washington tradition, the pink-tinged fundraiser serves as the kick off event for the National Cherry Blossom Festival, which itself is turning 101 this year.

Hosted by Venezuelan-born chef, restaurateur, television host, and published author Lorena Garcia, last night's much looked forward to bash drew a well dressed crowd to Penn Quarter, with most eager to embrace the party's fashionable theme as demonstrated by the abundance of pink ties, shirts, shoes, skirts, etc.

Joining guests were some two dozen of the District's top restaurants, including Ambar, Art & Soul, Charlie Palmer, El Centro D.F., Founding Farmers, FUJIMAR, Georgetown Cupcake, LINCOLN, Woodward Table, and ZENGO -- each of which served up a seasonal savory or sweet small plate or cocktail.

An impressive silent auction table further contributed to the event's fundraising efforts, with a variety of prizes, including weekend getaways, concert and sporting event tickets, and unique dining experiences.

The gifting of 3,000 cherry blossom trees by the people of Tokyo to Washington, D.C. in March of 1912 has served as a perennial symbol of the enduring friendship between Japan and the United States for more than a century now.

And the National Cherry Blossom Festival has become one of the District's most beloved and high profile events, with millions of visitors descending upon the city for the three week celebration.

No doubt, there's a pink tie or two in your future as a result.