Globally renowned Nikkei restaurant Chotto Matte will host a three-day “Cherry Blossom” festival to mark the beginning of spring. The special activation commemorates the iconic Japanese tradition of celebrating the fleeting splendor of the cherry blossom flower, as well as Mayor Yukio Ozaki of Tokyo’s gift of 3,000 cherry trees to the city of Washington, DC in 1912 as a gesture of  friendship between the people of the United States and Japan.

From Thursday, March 24 through Sunday, March 27, the restaurant’s “Chotto Lates” entertainment will feature a dazzling line-up of sensual live shows with talented performers in flowery costumes as colorful as the restaurant’s graffitied walls, along with high-energy DJs who will keep the vibe going till the wee hours.

The evening entertainment starts at 7 p.m. each night and will be complemented by its acclaimed menu of Japanese-Peruvian specialties and a special celebratory Sakura-Dressed Sushi Selection of surprising flavors such as salmon with caramelized shallots, kingfish and cherry salsa, smoked o-toro and foie gras aburi, sea bass with ponzu jelly, and scallop and nori jam, amongst others. The special dish will be available from March 21st through March 27th.

Foodies will appreciate Chotto Matte’s “Nikkei Menus” ($60 to $155) –  gourmet, shareable dinners that showcase popular menu items including King Mushroom Oyster Tostadas, Lychee Ceviche, Black Cod Aji Miso, and Wagyu Beef Gyoza.

Chotto Matte’s comprehensive beverage program features a selection of wine, champagne, and a “Tokyo to Lima” menu of nuanced cocktails including Pisco Sours ($14) and the Nikki Negroni, a tempting potion of Bombay Dry gin, Campari, and Cocchi Vermouth di Torino infused with Genmaicha tea and aji amarillo ($16), the ideal sips to enjoy in the vibrant cocktail lounge under the eatery’s retractable roof.

Chotto Matte Miami

1666 Lenox Ave., Miami Beach

305-690-0743

www.chotto-matte.com

Open on weekdays from 3p.m. to midnight, and on Saturdays and Sundays from noon to midnight