Written by Staff Writer-Now Moments TIMES
Atop the Rosewood Hotel in Georgetown, the Cut Above rooftop has long been known for its striking city views and elevated dining. But on this particular evening, it’s more than the skyline drawing attention. In a celebration of flavor, identity, and intention, the rooftop transforms into a hub for connection—with proceeds benefiting the Youth Pride Alliance of D.C.
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This collaboration between Cut Above and acclaimed chef-turned-ice-cream-artisan Takeshi Nishikawa invites guests to experience a pop-up like no other: one that blends culinary storytelling with purposeful giving.
A Pop-Up That Tells a Story
From 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., guests will be treated to handcrafted ice cream from Nishikawa, the former culinary director of Rose’s Luxury, Pineapple & Pearls, and Little Pearl. Known for his refined techniques and modern approach to Japanese cuisine, he’s since launched Snow Crane, a dessert concept rooted in memory, minimalism, and detail. With past pop-ups across the city and a brick-and-mortar slated to open this year in the Hyattsville Arts District, Snow Crane is already making a name for itself in the region’s dessert scene.
Nishikawa’s approach stands out: instead of scoop-and-serve formats, he offers carefully composed cold dishes with delicate flavor profiles. For this event, he’s crafted a one-night-only flavor inspired by the season and the spirit of the night—strawberry, Japanese tea, and rose, finished with gold leaf. The dessert speaks not only to technique but to tone: elegance, softness, and celebration.
Snow Crane’s menu will debut later this year at its flagship location in the Hyattsville Arts District, but for one night, its story begins here—on the rooftop.
Rooftop Specials That Give Back
To mark the occasion, Cut Above has designed a weeklong menu of limited-time dishes and cocktails—with a portion of proceeds going to support Youth Pride Alliance of D.C., a nonprofit dedicated to empowering LGBTQ+ youth through events, advocacy, and year-round programming. It’s a thoughtful pairing: community support through cuisine.
Among the featured items is the Crispy Rainbow Trout, served with onion soubise, wild spring onion, charred leeks, and Rhode Island squid. The kitchen’s vibrant plate finds a counterpart at the bar, where cocktail specials like the Rainbow High(ball) and I’m Still Here blend bold ingredients with symbolic names. Bright, intentional, and unexpected—each drink follows the tone of the night.
As sunset softens the edges of the city, DJ Alex Love sets the tone from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Known for blending soulful rhythms with laid-back house, his curated set will underscore the rooftop’s relaxed elegance. The event is hosted by Aliya Duran of Mindbolic Studios, a creative director and storyteller known for producing events that fuse culture, community, and creative industries.
There’s a sense that each element—dessert, drinks, music, mood—has been chosen not only for experience, but for meaning. It’s not just a night out; it’s a reflection of how DC’s creative, culinary, and cultural scenes continue to overlap in powerful ways.
Suntory Spirits and the Rooftop Bar’s Creative Collaboration
Cocktails for the evening are built around a thoughtful collaboration with Suntory Spirits, whose premium selections—including Haku Vodka, Roku Gin, and El Tesoro Blanco—anchor the one-night-only drink menu. The rooftop team has crafted a lineup that matches the evening’s balance of elegance and purpose, drawing from seasonal ingredients and layered profiles.
Featured cocktails include the “Rainbow High(ball),” a bright mix of Haku Vodka, blueberry agave, lemon, and ginger beer, and “I’m Still Here,” a bolder combination of El Tesoro Blanco, habanero, lime, and hibiscus. Other standouts include “Sunrise, Sunset,” a fruit-forward blend of Maker’s Mark, passion fruit, and demerara, as well as signature spritzes like “Somewhere That’s Green” with Roku Gin and cucumber, and “Everything’s Coming Up Roses,” finished with Aperol, strawberries, and prosecco.
Full cocktail details are available through the ticket registration link.
Looking Ahead: A Glimpse of What’s to Come
Events like this one hint at how local hospitality can shift from transactional to transformative—when chefs, venues, and mission-driven partners align.
And with every scoop and sip, guests aren’t just enjoying the moment—they’re contributing to a broader movement of celebration, creativity, and community care.
