Around Town

ARLnow Daily Debrief for Jul 17, 2023

By ARLnow.com

Good Monday evening, Arlington. Let’s take a look back at today’s stories and a look forward to tomorrow’s event calendar.

🕗 News recap

The following articles were published earlier today — Jul 17, 2023.

📅 Upcoming events

Here is what’s going on Tuesday in Arlington, from our event calendar.

⛈️ Tuesday’s forecast

There’s a chance of showers and thunderstorms mainly after 5pm today, with widespread haze expected before noon. It’ll be mostly sunny with a high near 92, and a west wind of 3 to 8 mph. The chance of precipitation stands at 30%. As for Tuesday night, the possibility of showers and thunderstorms lingers mainly before 8pm. The night will be partly cloudy with a low around 71, and slightly windy at 6 mph, calming down in the evening. The chance of precipitation remains at 30%. See more from Weather.gov.

💡 Quote of the Day

“We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.”
– Native American Proverb

🌅 Tonight’s sunset

Thanks for reading! Feel free to discuss the day’s happenings in the comments.

Surreal restaurant hoping for fall opening in Crystal City but details remain sparse

By Matt Blitz
1/3

Surreal is aiming for a fall opening in Crystal City, but much still remains unknown about the restaurant, situated in a park-like setting.

Surreal, from the award-winning D.C.-based chef Enrique Limardo, is set to move into a newly-constructed space in the JBG Smith-owned courtyard of 2121 Crystal Drive. The restaurant is part of the developer’s “Dining in the Park” project and will utilize both indoor and outdoor areas while being “set among more than an acre of greenery.”

Photos taken by ARLnow last week show that construction is moving along and apparently nearing completion.

A JBG Smith spokesperson confirmed to ARLnow that the plan is for the restaurant to open in the fall, a slight push from an earlier late summer goal.

It was back in October 2021 when Surreal was first announced to much fanfare. However, in the two years since, few details have emerged about the exact concept, the menu, and the decor.

When asking for more information, the spokesperson wrote in an email that “there is nothing new to share at this time” despite the restaurant being only a few months away from opening.

A few blocks away, meanwhile Crystal City’s revamped Water Park is also planning its opening. It will feature nine 300-square-foot restaurant kiosks, including local favorites like Queen Mother’s, Falafel Inc, and Tiki Thai.

Along with the restaurants, there will also be a live performance stage, public art installations, a building with public restrooms and bike facilities, and a “modernized fountain water wall” that empties into an “immersion fountain.” On top of the water wall will be an open-air raw and cocktail bar called “Water Bar.” A New York-style pizza place will also be located in the park.

A JBG Smith spokesperson told ARLnow is anticipating an August “soft opening” for the Water Park, with a grand opening set for shortly after Labor Day.

After four decades in Arlington, Rick’s Tattoo is moving to Bailey’s Crossroads

By Jo DeVoe
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Rick’s Tattoo on Langston Blvd is moving at the end of the month.

The long-time Arlington tattoo parlor, self-described as the oldest in Virginia, was established in 1980 at 4818 Langston Blvd.

Manager Amy Barrow, who is overseeing the move after 16 years at the tattoo shop, says leaving Arlington — the shop is moving just over the county line to Bailey’s Crossroads — is bittersweet but there were more options, for less money, outside the county.

“Finding a place that meets our needs for as big as we need was difficult,” she said. “There was not much available.”

Rent was expensive and, anticipating plans to redevelop in a few years, some property owners are only offering shorter leases. Barrow instead wanted to find a new location for years to come.

She settled on a storefront in a shopping center in Bailey’s Crossroads at 5916 Leesburg Pike, up the road from a large shopping center where Leesburg Pike and Columbia Pike intersect. The new digs are on the ground floor and have ample parking — both steps up from the current second-floor studio with limited parking spots shared with other businesses.

“We’re just raising the bar, getting to code, and getting ready to ride out another 15 years in a new location,” she said.

Everything entailed with moving — finding contractors, getting permits and dealing with supply chain issues — has prolonged the move. Barrow began looking for a new place in April 2022.

“It’s been challenging,” she said. “I’ve learned a lot [about] how to build a business from the ground floor.”

As for Rick Cherry, the owner of the eponymous shop, he lives in Florida now, traveling the country to tattoo expos and demonstrating his handmade tattooing implements, according to the website for the business.

Over the years, his establishment has racked up recognitions, which hang on available wall space, greeting customers. That reception is a far cry from the cool treatment Cherry got from Arlington when he opened, however.

For the first five years, the county would not let him have a sign outside the door, says Barrow.

“Arlington County did not want him in town,” she said. “He kept them in court for five years. Finally he was able to put a sign on the door. And here we are.”

Hat tip to Buzz McClain

ARLnow Daily Debrief for Jul 14, 2023

By ARLnow.com

Good Friday evening, Arlington. Let’s take a look back at today’s stories and a look forward to tomorrow’s event calendar.

🕗 News recap

The following articles were published earlier today — Jul 14, 2023.

Since it’s Friday, we’ve also compiled a list of the most-read articles of the week, below.

  1. A lounging Lady Liberty to lie down in Arlington for the next year (56877 views)
  2. Owners of razed Broyhill estate seek new owner-developer for site, touting up to 36 Missing Middle units (25535 views)
  3. Arlington could buy a property within what was once a secluded Black settlement for 100 years (16712 views)
  4. Door knocking leads to fight in Crystal City apartment building (7649 views)
  5. Restaurant owner is ‘very frustrated’ with the process to transform historic Green Valley Pharmacy (6309 views)
  6. Drivers may be required to stop for longer while pedestrians cross the road (6256 views)
  7. It’s finally tee time for Columbia Pike’s Par Citi (6100 views)
  8. Live music venue The Filling Station opening soon next to Ballston’s El Rey (5511 views)
  9. A new Lebanese restaurant is coming to Clarendon (5337 views)
  10. Astro Beer Hall and its donut robot hoping to start serving next month in Shirlington (4723 views)
  11. Demolition of the RCA building in Rosslyn set to wrap up this month (4692 views)
  12. Ballston Holiday Inn redevelopment proposal reaches Arlington County Board (3931 views)
  13. NEW: Arlington police announce additional arrests in anti-fentanyl push (3809 views)

📅 Upcoming events

Here is what’s going on Saturday in Arlington, from our event calendar.

Here are the events planned for Sunday:

⛈️ Saturday’s forecast

There is a likelihood of showers and thunderstorms setting in after 2pm, despite the weather being partly sunny with a high temperature near 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The calm winds are forecasted to transition into a moderate south wind, blowing at a speed of 5 to 7 mph in the afternoon, with a 40% chance of precipitation. The same weather pattern of intermittent showers and thunderstorms is expected to continue into Saturday night, accompanied by a predominantly cloudy sky. Temperatures will lower to around 76 degrees Fahrenheit, with the south winds maintaining at around 8mph. Chances for precipitation will slightly increase to 50%. See more from Weather.gov.

💡 Quote of the Day

“The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.”
– Mark Twain

🌅 Tonight’s sunset

We hope you have a great weekend, Arlington! Feel free to discuss the most-read stories of the week, the upcoming weekend events or anything else of local interest in the comments. 👋

ARLnow Daily Debrief for Jul 13, 2023

By ARLnow.com

Good Thursday evening, Arlington. Let’s take a look back at today’s stories and a look forward to tomorrow’s event calendar.

🕗 News recap

The following articles were published earlier today — Jul 13, 2023.

📅 Upcoming events

Here is what’s going on Friday in Arlington, from our event calendar.

⛈️ Friday’s forecast

A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2pm, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm later in afternoon and evening. Partly sunny, with a high near 88. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible. At night: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 8pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. See more from Weather.gov.

💡 Quote of the Day

“In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing. The worst thing you can do is nothing.”
– Theodore Roosevelt

🌅 Tonight’s sunset

Thanks for reading! Feel free to discuss the day’s happenings in the comments.

Most and least expensive homes sold in Arlington (June 2023)

By ARLnow.com

Here in Arlington, real estate is a spectator sport. Let’s take a look at some of the most and least expensive single-family homes sold last month (June 2023).

Most expensive single-family homes sold

  1. 3632 36th Rd N — Rivercrest — $3,750,000 (6 beds | 9 baths | 8,825 sq. ft.)
  2. 650 N Jackson St — Ballston/Virginia Square — $2,986,950 (5 beds | 5.5 baths | 6,231 sq. ft.)
  3. 5622 33rd St N — Rock Spring — $2,650,000 (7 beds | 7.5 baths | 6,739 sq. ft.)
  4. 414 N Monroe St — Ashton Heights — $2,300,000 (5 beds | 5.5 baths | 5,370 sq. ft.)
  5. 1834 N Kirkwood Pl — Lyon Village — $2,250,000 (5 beds | 4.5 baths | 4,904 sq. ft.)

Least expensive single-family homes sold*

  1. 5041 25th St S — Claremont — $560,000 (4 beds | 1 baths | 1,276 sq. ft.)
  2. 2145 S Monroe St — Nauck — $582,000 (4 beds | 2 baths | 1,360 sq. ft.)
  3. 5126 11th Rd S — Columbia Forest — $619,000 (2 beds | 1 baths | 1,056 sq. ft.)

*Minimum home value of $200,000 set to exclude certain land sales, retirement condos, properties with expiring ground leases, etc.

Adoptable Pet of the Week: Cheesecake

By ARLnow.com
1/3

Say hello to the wonderful Cheesecake, the newest Adoptable Pet of the Week!

This senior girl is currently in foster with the Animal Welfare League of Arlington and is ready for her forever home.

This is what her foster has to say about her:

Cheesecake is a darling senior lady looking for a sunny space to enjoy her golden years.

Meek and mild, she spends most of her days soaking in the sun with an occasional visit for head rubs and loving pets. She has the cutest little trot when she walks around the house and will lead you to her food bowl when it’s time to eat because she knows it like clockwork. She will always take you up on a treat!

Her perfect day is lots of warm naps followed by regular check-ins for head scratches and back rubs. She’ll reward you with a squeaky meow and loving purr.

Important facts about Cheesecake: while she is a senior cat she regularly demonstrates an ability to run and jump to get into cat trees and bedding perches. Cheesecake doesn’t particularly care to be held, but will sit beside you and is an ever present roommate. She would love a home where she can spend her days relaxing while you read a good book or snuggle on the couch with her.

Is Cheesecake the companion you’ve been looking for? To learn more, read her entire profile and email [email protected] to set up a meet and greet!

Want your pet to be considered for the Arlington Pet of the Week? Email [email protected] with 2-3 paragraphs about your pet and at least 3-4 horizontally-oriented photos.

ARLnow Daily Debrief for Jul 12, 2023

By ARLnow.com

Good Wednesday evening, Arlington. Let’s take a look back at today’s stories and a look forward to tomorrow’s event calendar.

🕗 News recap

The following articles were published earlier today — Jul 12, 2023.

📅 Upcoming events

Here is what’s going on Thursday in Arlington, from our event calendar.

☀️ Thursday’s forecast

Mostly sunny, with a high near 95. South wind 7 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. At night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 8pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 75. South wind 8 to 11 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. See more from Weather.gov.

💡 Quote of the Day

“Happiness often sneaks in through a door you didn’t know you left open.”
– John Barrymore

🌅 Tonight’s sunset

Thanks for reading! Feel free to discuss the day’s happenings in the comments.

Live music venue The Filling Station opening soon next to Ballston’s El Rey

By Matt Blitz
Live music venue The Filling Station is opening in Ballston (staff photo)

A new “live music and event venue” is coming to Ballston, posting up right next to El Rey.

The Filling Station is set to open soon on Wilson Blvd in Ballston, per an Instagram post last week. It aims to be a “great new spot for live music, comedy and more,” reads the post

The Filling Station will be adjacent to El Rey at 4201 Wilson Blvd and, like El Rey, owned by brothers Ian and Eric Hilton.

The brothers’ growing list of bars and restaurants include Cafe Coline on Langston Blvd, which was named one of Washingtonian’s Top 100 Restaurants earlier this year. Originally on U Street NW in the District, taco spot El Rey opened its second location in Ballston in late 2021.

The new venue is set to host a variety of events including stand-up comedy, live music, private parties, salsa brunches and podcast recordings, a spokesperson told ARLnow. A link on El Rey’s website has a sample menu that includes typical pub fare, like nachos, chicken wings, loaded fries, and 17 beers on tap.

It’s not immediately clear when The Filling Station might open, with the website noting only that it’s “coming soon.” ARLnow reached out to a restaurant spokesperson who replied that they were still “ironing out exact details” and more information be available in the future.

Signs have been up for The Filling Station since at least August 2022, but the business has faced delays related to its live entertainment permit application, ARLnow was told last year.

There’s been a bit of a shifting in Arlington’s live music scene. B Live opened last year, looking to fill the void left by Iota Club’s closing in 2017. But last month, the venue announced it was moving away from original acts to host more karaoke. The Renegade in Clarendon remains open with a full live music calendar, though.

A new Lebanese restaurant is coming to Clarendon

By Jo DeVoe
Window dressings for Zazzy, a forthcoming Lebanese restaurant (courtesy anonymous)

A new Lebanese restaurant is coming to Clarendon.

Bright yellow window coverings herald the arrival of Zeal Eatery to a vacant retail spot at the base of Zoso Apartments in Clarendon (1025 N. Fillmore Street).

“Zeal Eatery Inc.” was incorporated as a business four months ago on March 8, per the business records, but it also has an alternative name, Zazzy.

The signs, promising that Zazzy is “Revitalizing Lebanese Cuisine” and “Unveiling Urban Delights,” appear on a vacant window storefront next to Gallery Cleaners, in the same strip as Screwtop Wine Bar and Bakeshop.

The space used to be home to Revolve DC, which opened in 2011 and had the distinction of being the first indoor cycling studio in Arlington. It closed before the pandemic, someone familiar with leasing for the property told ARLnow.

He confirmed a new tenant is coming — possibly early next year.

Requests for comment to Zazzy’s Instagram account were not returned before deadline.

ARLnow Daily Debrief for Jul 11, 2023

By ARLnow.com

Good Tuesday evening, Arlington. Let’s take a look back at today’s stories and a look forward to tomorrow’s event calendar.

🕗 News recap

The following articles were published earlier today — Jul 11, 2023.

📅 Upcoming events

Here is what’s going on Wednesday in Arlington, from our event calendar.

☀️ Wednesday’s forecast

Sunny, with a high near 94. Northwest wind 5 to 7 mph becoming southwest in the afternoon. At night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. South wind around 7 mph. See more from Weather.gov.

💡 Quote of the Day

“Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.”
– Dalai Lama

🌅 Tonight’s sunset

Thanks for reading! Feel free to discuss the day’s happenings in the comments.

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