Author: Kalina Newman

An Electric Vehicle Shuttle Service For Columbia Pike Residents In The Works

By Kalina Newman

A new, eco-friendly form of transportation is in the works for some residents along Columbia Pike.

Electric shuttle company FLARE Technology and Services is in the process of securing contracts with several apartment buildings in south Arlington. Once finalized, residents those buildings will be able to use the free service — offered as an amenity — to shuttle anywhere they might not have immediate access to, such as a Metro station or grocery store.

The service will be exclusive to the apartment residents, meaning those who stumble upon the cars along Columbia Pike will not be able to hop in, clarified FLARE CEO Andres Delgado.

Delgado said he hopes to have FLARE ready by the start of next year. In the meantime, the business will host a ribbon cutting ceremony at the Arlington Economic Development office in Ballston today (Tuesday).

“There are many desirable places to live within Arlington County, but everyone is not able to live in locations with easy access to transit,” said Delgado in a statement. “We created FLARE as a solution to solve the connectivity problem within Arlington and in the greater D.C. metro area.”

The company’s white vehicles, which look a bit like stretched-out golf carts with doors, have spent the last several weeks testing rides in the Shirlington area.

“We were able to drive people in Shirlington from a farmers market, to their apartments, to the grocery store,” said Delgado, “and it was awesome.”

Delgado emphasized that he is working with his co-founder, Chris Yeazel, to eventually have an app-based subscription service available for public use.

“Then anyone in the neighborhood will be able to jump on,” he said.

Another free ride service, Sprynt, hit the streets in Arlington in 2017. A “100% electric on-demand” ride, the service was paid for by advertisers, but the company stopped operating a year later.

Photo courtesy FLARE

Arlington Agenda: November 11-17

By Kalina Newman

Arlington Agenda is a listing of interesting events for the week ahead in Arlington County. If you’d like to see your event featured, fill out the event submission form.

Also, be sure to check out our event calendar.

Monday, November 11

HyperFast Agent Sales Summit With Ryan Serhant*
Crystal Gateway Marriott (1700 Richmond Highway)
Time: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

This all-day real estate summit, in partnership with the Keri Shull Team and Orange Line Living, will feature talks on million-dollar listings, how to use webinars, online automation, and more. The event will also be held Tuesday.

Tuesday, November 12

The Dillon Rule: What Is It Anyway?
Ireland’s Four Courts (2051 Wilson Blvd)
Time: 7-9 p.m.

Hosted by the League of Women Voters of Arlington and the Arlington branch of the American Association of University Women, this discussion talks about the 1868 Dillon Rule and how it affects local governments.

Wednesday, November 13

Schar School Master’s Open House*
GMU Schar School (3351 Fairfax Drive)
Time: 6:30-8 p.m. 

Learn more about George Mason University’s Schar School of Policy and Government and its master’s degree programs at this open house. Student services and admissions members will be available to chat.

Learn From This Place: Bringing Arlington To Halls Hill
John T. Hazel Conference Center (1701 N. George Mason Drive)
Time: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

The John M. Langston Citizens Association presents two events to honor Halls Hill, a formerly segregated Arlington neighborhood. A walking tour will be on Saturday, with a panel presented Wednesday on the history of Halls Hill.

Thursday, November 14

The Bottom: An African-American Enclave Uncovered
Marymount University Reinsch Library Auditorium (2807 N. Glebe Road) 
Time: 7-9 p.m.

Hear from community member Jessica Kaplan as she discusses “The Bottom,” one of the oldest African American enclaves in Arlington established before the Civil War, whose residents were slowly displaced throughout the 20th century.

Friday, November 15

A Zombie Extravaganza at Yorktown High School
Yorktown High School (5200 Yorktown Blvd)
Time: 7-9 p.m.

Yorktown Performing Arts will present “A Zombie Extravaganza,” a short comedic drama presented as a series of vignettes. Performances will be from all sorts of YHS programs, including band, cheer, improv, and color guard. Tickets are $5 for students, $10 for adults, and $35 for a donor ticket.

O’Connell Players Present Guys and Dolls
Bishop O’Connell High School (6106 22nd Street N.)
Time: 7-9 p.m. 

Bishop O’Connell High School theatre is performing the musical Guys and Dolls at three separate shows throughout the weekend, with tickets starting at $10 for students and $15 for adults.

Saturday, November 16

Safe At Home Kickball Tournament
Long Bridge Park (475 Long Bridge Drive)
Time: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Bridges to Independence, an area homeless shelter and rehousing service, has partnered with DC Fray for a day of kickball, with all proceeds going towards funding the organization. All players will receive a team t-shirt and a chance to win a trophy.

Rise Against Hunger Event
Clarendon UMC (606 N. Irving Street)
Time: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Clarendon Methodist Church is hosting its annual all-day meal packing event in partnership with Rise Against Hunger. Meals prepped will be sent to those in need all over the world, with two different shifts available for sign-up.

1960s Dance Party to Benefit Culpepper Garden
Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington (4444 Arlington Blvd)
Time: 7-10 p.m.

This “Rock Around the Block” dance party will benefit Culpepper Garden, a nonprofit providing affordable housing for Arlington seniors. There will be music, dancing, refreshments, and a silent auction. Tickets start at $10 for teens and $20 for adults.

*Denotes featured (sponsored) event

Lubber Run Community Center Construction Prompts Lane Closure

By Kalina Newman
1/3

Construction is progressing at the new Lubber Run Community Center & Park (300 N. Park Drive), with crews currently working to widen the sidewalk in front of the property.

As a result, a lane closure will start next week along S. George Mason Drive. One lane along N. George Mason Drive between the Carlin Springs Road bridge and Park Drive will close starting Monday, November 11, per the project website.

The lane will reopen in mid-December, depending on construction progress. Barriers will be installed in the meantime to allow for safe pedestrian travel.

The approximately $48 million project will result in a new gymnasium, walking track, fitness center, and multi-purpose rooms, according to project manager Peter Lusk.

“It is still on-schedule for a late 2020 opening,” Lusk said.

The original community center was built in 1956. When the county closed the old building last year, they gave people a change to decorate its walls with art ahead of the demolition.

Cheesetique Opens “Bigger, Cheesier” Location in Shirlington

By Kalina Newman

Wine and cheese store and restaurant Cheesetique has opened its new, expanded Shirlington location.

Situated at 4024 Campbell Avenue, just down the block from its now-former space, signs describe the new Cheesetique location as “bigger, better, cheesier.” New features include two bars, ample seating, and a large outdoor patio.

“Our brand-new space embodies fifteen years of knowledge gained by daily interaction with customers, artisans, and small, gourmet purveyors,” said Cheesetique owner Jill Erber, in a press release.

The new location also includes a large private dining and event space, as well as a small private dining room for meetings and family gatherings.

“[Our] retail cheese and wine shop has been upgraded and expanded as well: more wine, a wider selection of dry goods, and of course, more space for cheese and charcuterie,” said Erber.

Cheesetique first opened its Village of Shirlington location in 2011 nearby at 4056 Campbell Avenue — which remained open until Sunday.

The store and restaurant features dishes such as “grown up” grilled cheese sandwiches, along with ample charcuterie and wine served by the glass. It also has locations in Del Ray and Merrifield.

The new Cheesetique takes over the space of the former Luna Grill and Diner, which closed in 2016.

‘Cranksgiving’ Bike Ride And Clothing Drive Coming to Arlington

By Kalina Newman

An Arlington bicycling group will host its first annual “Cranksgiving” charity ride to help the homeless.

Cosponsored by the Friends of the Mount Vernon Trail, the choose-your-own-adventure scavenger hunt ride will take place on Saturday, November 23 at 10 a.m. and will benefit the Arlington Street People’s Assistance Network (A-SPAN).

The ride starts and ends at Ireland’s Four Courts at 2051 Wilson Blvd. in Courthouse The event is free with advanced registration required, with teams of 4-5 members are encouraged.

Once the ride begins, cyclists will design their own route based on a map of participating stores. During their stops, they’ll purchase a food, clothing, or hygiene item to donate to A-SPAN, to benefit those in need during the winter season.

Everything purchased must be hauled by bicycle, in a bag, pannier, rack, or trailer.

At the end of the event, cyclists will gather back at Ireland’s Four Courts to tally who gathered the most items, with prizes awarded to the winners.

“Cranksgiving is a way to have a lot of fun while also helping others during the holiday season,” said event organizer Judd Isbell in a press release. “We are thrilled with the number businesses and organizations who are enthusiastically supporting this event.”

Cranksgiving is held annual across over fifty cities throughout the United States around Thanksgiving. This year is the first time the free event has come to Arlington.

Participating organizations include:

  • Casual Adventure
  • Phoenix Bikes
  • Bike Arlington
  • Trader Joe’s
  • Los Tios Crystal City
  • Ireland’s Four Courts
  • Crystal City BID

Photo courtesy Chris Rief

Ten New Historic Markers To Debut In Clarendon Central Park

By Kalina Newman

The Arlington County War Memorial in Clarendon is getting a significant addition this Veterans Day.

The memorial, which overlooks the intersection of Washington, Wilson, and Clarendon boulevards in Clarendon Central Park, will receive 10 new markers on Monday, November 11.

An unveiling ceremony will take place at 11 a.m. on Veterans Day, hosted by the Arlington chapters of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars.

One of the new markers will delve on the history of the memorial itself, while the others will highlight five armed conflicts over the last two centuries in which Arlington residents lost their lives.

Over two years of work and study has gone into the project, said program coordinator Cynthia Torres.

“Historic research undertaken for the project revealed the names of five additional World War I soldiers whose sacrifice had previously been unrecognized,” said Torres.

Last year, to commemorate the centennial of the World War I, the county’s Historic Preservation staff received partial funding from the U.S. World War I Centennial Committee to develop the historical markers.

“The overall goal of the interpretive project is to enhance visitor engagement with the Clarendon War Memorial by explaining its history and community significance,” said Torres.

The memorial was built in 1931 and has been moved around Arlington several times, but all with the original plaque intact. In May the World War I plaque on the memorial was removed to correct an 88-year-old typo.

The plaque has been the subject of some controversy for its separation of two “colored” soldiers killed in WWI — listed as Arthur Morgan and Ralph Lowe — from the other 11 soldiers.

Arlington Credit Union Closing Its Ballston Branch

By Kalina Newman

Arlington Community Federal Credit Union (ACFCU) is closing its Ballston branch, 6.5 years after it opened.

The branch is closing on Dec. 31, ACFCU announced this week. The credit union plans to open a new branch in Arlington by late 2020.

“We are still in the process of searching for the perfect branch location to serve our members, so we’re not able to confirm a neighborhood yet,” said an ACFCU spokeswoman.

In the meantime, the Ballston staff will relocate to ACFCU’s other branches, at 2130 N. Glebe Road and 5666 Columbia Pike.

“Our team will miss serving members in Ballston, where we have been proud of this neighborhood’s exciting growth,” the credit union’s CEO, Karen L. Rosales, said in a press release. “We look forward to opening a new, innovative branch to continue our mission to empower the financial lives of our members in Arlington and beyond.”

In addition to its branches, ACFCU operates three stand-alone ATM machines in Arlington, including two in Courthouse and one in the Virginia Hospital Center food court.

Smokecraft Modern Barbecue Opening in Clarendon This Spring

By Kalina Newman
1/2

Award-winning BBQ pitmasters are planning to bring their first restaurant in Clarendon this spring.

Smokecraft Modern Barbecue is expected to open in the former Citizen Burger Bar space (1051 N. Highland Street) either in “late March or early April,” according to a spokeswoman from the restaurant.

Restaurant owners Marc “Red” Leone and Andrew Darneille are the team behind “Smokecraft Championship Barbecue.” The duo have won a plethora of BBQ competitions across the Mid-Atlantic, and will be at MetroCooking DC’s BBQ Bash next weekend.

Their upcoming restaurant plans to use a Southern Pride commercial smoker to prepare over 2,000 pounds of barbecue at any given time.

Anticipated menu offerings include “barbecue favorites,” plus unique dishes such as “smoked duck, chipotle maple cedar plank salmon, and smoked spaghetti squash.”

In addition to food, the 3,460-square-foot space will feature a full bar and late-night specials. Citizen Burger Bar closed in June after five years in business.

Asiatique in Clarendon Closes for Renovations and Rebranding

By Kalina Newman
1/3

Just a little over a year after opening, Clarendon’s “Cajun Seafood and Sushi Lounge” has closed for renovations and a rebranding.

When complete, Asiatique — located at 3225 Washington Blvd, on the ground floor of the Beacon at Clarendon apartment building — will be renamed “Utahime.” The newly rebranded restaurant will serve Japanese cuisine.

“Yes, we are closed for remodeling the new restaurant to Utahime,” a representative from Asiatique said. “The reason we’re changing is that we only want to do sushi and hibachi.”

The restaurant hopes to reopen by Friday, November 15, “depending on the construction and printing new menus.” The former Asiatique signage has largely been taken down, and work has begun inside the restaurant.

A contractor said they were installing individual grills on the tabletops, so “people can grill all kinds of meats.”

Nearby in Clarendon, Japanese BBQ restaurant Gyu-Kaku features a similar cook-your-own meat dining experience at 1119 N. Hudson Street.

Taco Rock Now Open in Rosslyn

By Kalina Newman
1/4

(Updated at 11:20 a.m.) A fast-casual rock-and-roll themed taco restaurant is now open in Rosslyn.

“Taco Rock,” from chef Mike Cordero of Don Tito and The G.O.A.T. fame, opened last week at 1501 Wilson Blvd in the former Spinfire Pizza space.

The approximately 2,500-square-foot establishment serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Menu highlights include a $4 speciality tacos such as the “Piggy Mac” featuring eight-hour slow roasted pork brisket, topped with mac and cheese and bacon sour cream. The “We Jammin” taco is made with jerk grilled chicken, cabbage, and mango pico de gallo.

All items on the extensive taco menu can be served on house-made “Blue Rock” corn tortillas.

At the bar, Taco Rock offers a variety of tequila-based cocktails and imported Mexican beers. Its michelada, an traditional beer cocktail made with beer, lime juice, and chili, features a serving of shrimp ceviche.

Yvette Irene Design, the same interior firm behind nearby Barley Mac — another Cordero restaurant — and Detour Coffee, designed the Taco Rock space. Special design touches to the restaurant to play into the rock and roll theme, such as a giant guitar hanging from the ceiling and faux-snake skin banquets at the bar.

“We know the Rosslyn community will welcome our new concept as a neighborhood spot for a quick bite or to socialize around our tequila bar,” said Cordero in a press release. The full press release is below, after the jump.

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El Fuego Celebrates One Year Anniversary of Arlington Restaurant

By Kalina Newman

(Updated at 11:50 a.m.) After one year in Arlington, Peruvian restaurant El Fuego (2300 N. Pershing Drive) is still going strong.

On the heels of its one-year anniversary in the county, El Fuego owner Manny Alfaro says new things are on the way, including a new drink menu with beer, wine, and Pisco cocktails — as soon as the restaurant obtains its Virginia ABC permit.

“Plus, something big is coming on Food Network for Father’s Day that I can’t say much about,” Aflaro said. “Stay tuned!”

The Lyon Park space is the brick-and-mortar location to El Fuego’s successful D.C. area food truck. Settling down after being mobile for years wasn’t easy, said Alfaro, but it’s been worth the effort.

El Fuego offers traditional Peruvian cuisine with staples such as ceviche, plantains and “lomo saltado,” a beer stir-fry served with white rice and french fries.

But Alfaro, who likes to draw influences from other cultures, opened his business in order to have the freedom to cook outside the box. For example, Alfaro’s “aji de gallina” dish, made from pulled chicken, is wrapped in an egg roll with mozzarella cheese.

“We have the blessing of Peruvian cuisine’s incredible diversity and variety will always allow us to bring something fresh to the table,” he said.

The food truck still roams around D.C. and Arlington, serving area lunch crowds, but having a fixed restaurant location has allowed Alfaro to make new friends and establish new regular customers.

“Neighbors, followers, old friends, all in all Arlington has been the most welcoming,” said Alfaro. “Exactly that, welcoming, and it’s been great.”

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