I wandered over to the Tidal Basin after work. Most people know the cherry trees are there; what many do not know is that it smells like the sea. It’s at the point where the Potomac becomes tidal and the salinity of the water increases, and the waves lap at the shore as you look toward the horizon, where you will find more trees. The tourists, probably the most inoffensive tourists imaginable, can be seen dutifully walking around taking pictures of themselves with the monuments and the blossoms. It got cold and I made my way to a dark little place on U Street called Dickson’s Wine Bar, where I had the mushroom flatbread. The mushrooms had an ever so slightly burnt smell to them, which when combined with the mozzarella created a pleasant, gamey aroma. Then I tried the ahi tuna bánh mì, which is not a real thing and not a good idea.

(Photo: Yoshino cherry trees, Washington, D.C.)

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