A Night in Bloom: My Experience at Bloomroom at The Dome at Hi-Lawn
Taylor Berry
On April 3rd, I had the chance to attend the exclusive preview of Bloomroom at Hi-Lawn, located in D.C.'s Union Market District. From the moment I stepped inside, I knew this event was going to be something special. Bloomroom isn’t just a pop-up—it’s a full sensory experience that blends stunning floral visuals, creative cocktails, and delicious seasonal food into one unforgettable evening.
Walking into the 50-foot Dome felt like stepping into a different world. There were flowers everywhere—some real, some projected—and the lights and colors made it feel like spring all around me.
A Local Artist’s Blooming Vision:
The visual story was brought to life by Chris Pyrate, a D.C.-born artist known for his signature cherry blossoms and bold, floral style. His work was the centerpiece of the experience, and it was amazing to see it animated and projected all around the Dome. His designs were bright, energetic, and full of life—just like spring itself.
As the visuals began to play across the Dome’s surface, we were taken on a journey. It started right here in Washington, D.C., with cherry blossoms in full bloom, but then we traveled far and wide. We visited flower markets around the world and places that have inspired Pyrate’s art. It felt like a beautiful global adventure, all told through color, pattern, and motion.
Every corner of the Dome came alive thanks to the work of Laura Alice, an Australian digital artist who used animation and projection-mapping to make everything feel dynamic and real. It was like watching a painting come alive, with petals fluttering and flowers opening right above your head.
A Taste of Spring:
The food and drinks were just as impressive as the visuals. Everything was clearly inspired by spring, with bright colors, fresh ingredients, and floral touches in every bite and sip.
I had a few things off the menu, but the two standouts for me were the shrimp bites and the spiked lavender lemonade.
The shrimp bites were perfectly crispy and full of flavor. They were served with a light, herb-infused sauce that added just the right touch of freshness. It was one of those dishes where you instantly want to go back for seconds.
As for the drinks, the spiked lavender lemonade stole the show for me. It was the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and floral. The lavender wasn’t too overpowering—it just gave the drink a calming, aromatic note that made it feel really special. It was refreshing and fun, and honestly, I could’ve sipped on those all night.
Other people around me were enjoying creative cocktails like the Cherry Blossom Float (a boozy cherry soda float) and grapefruit & sage gin and tonics, which also looked and smelled incredible. It was clear that a lot of thought had gone into matching the flavors and colors of the food and drinks with the art all around us.
Spring on Every Level:
One of the things that made Bloomroom so special was how it brought spring to life in so many different ways. You could see it in the artwork, taste it in the food, and feel it in the atmosphere. Everything was tied together—from the color of the cocktails to the edible flowers on the plates to the blossoms floating across the Dome’s ceiling.
Even the small plates celebrated the season. I saw dishes featuring hibiscus, rose, beets, and English peas, all prepared in ways that looked just as good as they tasted. The chefs, Nathan Beauchamp and Sam George, really leaned into the theme, and you could tell they were having fun with the menu. It was fresh, vibrant, and very spring-forward.
A Local Celebration:
Another thing I loved about the event was the connection to local D.C. talent. Partnering with Chris Pyrate, a local artist with such a strong style and voice, gave the entire experience a personal and meaningful touch. His cherry blossoms are already a familiar part of the D.C. art scene, but seeing them brought to life in this immersive way added a whole new dimension to his work.
I also appreciated how the event made space for both visual and culinary storytelling. There was no rush—it was a 90-minute experience that unfolded at the perfect pace, letting you enjoy each moment as it came. You could sip your cocktail, take in the visuals, try something new to eat, and simply enjoy being surrounded by beauty.
Don’t Miss Out:
If you’re in the D.C. area, Bloomroom is absolutely worth a visit. The pop-up runs until May 18th, and it’s open Wednesday through Sunday. Tickets start at $35, which includes entry and a reserved dining area. Trust me, it’s a one-of-a-kind experience that combines art, food, and spring in a way that’s both exciting and relaxing.
Whether you’re looking for a fun night out, a date idea, or just something a little different, Bloomroom delivers. It’s visually stunning, incredibly tasty, and deeply creative. You don’t have to be an art lover or a foodie to enjoy it—you just have to be open to a night that feels a little magical.
I’m so grateful I got to be part of Bloomroom’s preview night. It was a celebration of the season, of D.C. talent, and of the power of creativity. From the incredible floral visuals to the fresh, seasonal food and drink, everything came together in the most joyful way.
Bloomroom is more than an event—it’s an escape, a celebration, and a reminder that spring is a time for color, life, and beauty in all its forms.
So if you’re looking to step into something special this spring, don’t wait. Grab your tickets, bring a friend, and get ready to bloom.🌸🌸🌸