Four Seasons Washington Concierge Tweets His Secrets

Four Seasons hosted another #bestofcity Twitter chat March 22 featuring Chef Concierge Javier Loureiro from Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC. During the chat, Loureiro answered questions about the best dining, museums and sight-seeing opportunities in Washington, DC—and just in time for the landmark centennial celebration of the National Cherry Blossom Festival. Here are some of his top picks:

Javier’s favourite exhibits in town right now: The hottest exhibit in town right now is Royalists to Romantics: Women Artists from the Louvre, Versailles, and Other French National Collections at the National Museum of Women in the Arts. Highly recommended!

Javier’s favourite family-friendly museum: I recommend the International Spy Museum, which has play spy sessions. Kids can be the good guy or the bad guy!

Javier’s favourite place to take the grandkids: Where to begin! Smithsonian, monuments, the Capitol … it’s all here. Ninety percent of the attractions are free! Great for families.

Javier’s favourite places to get off the beaten path: Take a trip to Charlottesville, Virginia, just one hour outside DC, where you can visit Jefferson’s estate. For more off the beaten path, try The Kreeger Museum; the Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens; and the National Arboretum.

Javier’s favourite place to go for a hike: Along Rock Creek Park. It’s a six-mile round trip walk along the Potomac River to Hains Point.

Javier’s favourite Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC’s signature spa treatment: The Cherry Blossom Champagne Body Treatment.

Javier’s favourite shopping areas within walking distance of the Hotel: There’s great antique shopping nearby in Georgetown, and lots of designer shopping in nearby Chevy Chase.

Javier’s favourite bar to talk business and enjoy a cocktail: Proof is a wine bar in the Penn Quarter, but get there early before it’s crowded and noisy.

Javier’s favourite romantic bar: I recommend Bistrot Lepic & Wine Bar in Georgetown for romance. It’s a quaint, local and quiet place.

Javier’s favourite gay bar: Remingtons is a western gay bar on Capitol Hill—with line dancing!

Javier’s favourite independent coffee shop: Kafe Leopold. Very local, very small, very European. Great spot, and it’s within walking distance of the Hotel.

Javier’s favourite spots in nearby Old Town Alexandria: There’s a fascinating torpedo factory in Old Town Alexandria. While there, try my fave restaurant, Restaurant Eve.

Javier’s favourite meals at the Hotel: How does Bourbon Steak’s butter-poached Wagyu beef sound? My fave dessert is the Crunchy Profiteroles with salty caramel ice cream, Nutella and hazelnuts.

Javier’s favourite DC dining bloggers: I like Mango & Tomato, Tom Sietsema and Nevin Martell.

The annual National Cherry Blossom Festival is going on through April 27, with tons of exciting events perfect for the whole family. Javier offers up this tip for first-timers: “Relax and enjoy—remember that the trees are a symbol of peace and friendship!” The cherry blossoms are in bloom for only a short time, so enjoy them while you can. “Don’t miss the parade on April 14 and the fireworks and concert April 7,” says Javier. While in town, be sure to whet your whistle with a Yoshino, Four Season’s particularly festive special cherry blossom cocktail.

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