Food And Drink Events During The 2012 Subaru Cherry Blossom ...

Learn from the sushi master, Madame Saito, how to prepare sushi from scratch. (Credit: iStockPhoto)

Spring in Philadelphia means a lot of great things. One of our favorite signs of the season is the annual Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival, celebrating Japanese culture in the city.

And if you?re thinking you?ve seen cherry trees in bloom for a couple of weeks now, you?re right. They?ve been out in force along the Schuylkill, and the festival has been too, with events that began on March 23.

But there?s still plenty of time to soak up the festival?s exciting activities, like these food- and drink-related ones, which run until April 21:

? Madame Saito?s Sushi Making Classes: April 8, 2 p.m., April 12 or April 17, 6:30 p.m. $30. Learn the art of making Japanese delicacies with Madame Saito, a renowned local sushi chef with 28 years of experience. You?ll be able to eat what you make, and will even have leftovers to bring home.

? Dine Out Japan: April 15 ? 19, the festival?s Dine Out Japan promotion kicks off, offering a 20% discount at ten fabulous Japanese restaurants spanning from King of Prussia to Center City.

? Japanese Food Tasting at Maido food market: April 7, 11 a.m. Free. Visit a Japanese market to taste some of Japan?s lesser-known favorites, like curry rice, wasabi chips, and more. Free.

? Nodate Tea Ceremony: April 14, 1 p.m. or 2:30 p.m. $35. Experience a traditional Japanese tea ceremony in the Nodate style. You?ll sit on the floor, shoes removed, in the picturesque Shofuso Japanese House and Garden.

? Amateur Sushi Making Contest: April 19, 6:30 p.m. Anyone who?s ever wanted to sculpt some nigiri or roll some maki has the chance to put their skills to the test. The contest is $45 for contestants, which includes materials, and $20 for spectators.

Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival of Greater Philadelphia
When: March 23-April 21
Where: Locations throughout the city
Cost: Varies based on event, but most are free
More info: www.sakura.japanphilly.org

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