Heard around the DC Foodies blogosphere this week...By now, our beloved Cherry Blossoms have most likely seen their best days, but while the giant wreath that surrounds the Tidal Basin is still blushed with petals, you can fill your senses even more with Cherry Blossom  themed dishes at local restaurants.This week, Metrocurean linked to the Washington DC Convention & Tourism Corporation's website which lists Cherry Blossom Cuisine.

Coeur De Lion is offering a White House Cherry Cake, and a White Cherry Martini, while Hook has a Cherry Scented Sablefish with Arugula and Warm Cherry Vinaigrette on the menu. The cherry themed offerings get more diverse and intriguing, with dishes such as Old Glory Cherry Cola BBQ St. Louis Ribs (Old Glory), and Cherry Soup with Plum Wine and Ginger Cream (PS 7's).

This week, I discovered another talented DC food blogger, 1 TSP LOVE. Sara is a college student who finds time to make delicious meals, and sweet treats. Check out what she made this week, including Pasta Carbonara, and Perfect Party Cake.

Wednesday's Washington Post Food section included detailed articles on the new Washington National's Stadium food offerings- "Step Up to the Plate", and "Seventh- Inning Munchies". Observations from opening day consisted of more than a few gripes about the cost of the food, but overall fans were pleased with the focus on local vendors (as mentioned previously in the Weekend Blog Round Up). Ben's Chili Bowl, Hard Times Cafe, and Gifford's Ice Cream were big hits. Inside tip: if you really want a half-smoke smothered in chili, mustard and onions from Ben's Chili Bowl, and the line is long-you can get the same dish at the Nats Dog stands and Noah's Pretzels.

The food misses at the stadium included overly-salted popcorn, crab cakes, terrible hot dog and burger buns, and a lack of ethnic food which is so embraced by our region and part of our culinary identity.

Along with popular designations such as eco-friendly, sustainable, recycled, and local are the terms family-style and communal table. Communal tables inherently foster interaction and sharing between strangers, while family-style dining suggests something more than gathering around a bucket of KFC. Their popularity is on the rise in the neighborhoods of Alexandria. Nana's Sunday Dinner at Majestic has been an affordable way to get a family style meal for 4, for about $20 per person. Nearby, the newly opened Le Pain Quotidien has trademark community tables on each floor, where breaking bread is taken literally.

Now, in Del Ray, a new restaurant called La Strada is due to open this Spring. La Strada will replace Los Amigos restaurant (which closed last year) at 1905 Mount Vernon Avenue. A family-style, and seasonal a la carte menu will feature Northern Italian Cuisine served at communal tables. A large selection of wine and to-go dinners will also be available. In May, La Strada will add Nonna's Sunday Brunch, followed by cooking classes and wine dinners by summer.