Saturday, Aug. 25 is a day of celebration in Crystal City; not only of fitness and food, but also in welcoming two new restaurants to the growing collection of eateries in the neighborhood.
The day begins with CrystalRolls, which takes place on Crystal Drive between 12th and 23rd streets.
"We’re closing down Crystal Drive, creating a beach drive experience similar to Rock Creek Park," said Maurisa Potts of Crystal City BID. "We’re inviting people to roller blade, to bring their vintage roller skates if they want, down Crystal Drive. Nine blocks of no cars."
The roller-skating event is free to the public and runs from 8 a.m.-noon.
Following that morning of fitness, the rest of the day will be a celebration of music and community. CrystalBlock is an outdoor block party held on W. 23rd Street between Fern and S. Eads Streets from 1-6 p.m.
"We wanted to create something on the 23rd St. Restaurant Row side of Crystal City, and we decided to do a block party to build a sense of community. Just an outdoor energy over on that side of Crystal City," said Potts.
She said that the event should not be confused with a "Taste of" event, as eateries will be holding their own specials and events inside their establishments. "It’s not a ‘Taste.’ It’s outdoor bands, beer and a community ‘hang out’ event," she said.
Putting the "party" in block party will be three musical acts throughout the afternoon. "We wanted to do a trifecta — a little bit of rock, a little bit of R&B and a little bit of in-between," said Potts.
The Johnny Artis Band (www.johnnyartis.com) is a soul and blues band scheduled to hit the stage at 1:30 p.m.; soul singer Mary Ann Redmond (www.marb.com) is on at 3 p.m.; and the Niki Bar Band (www.nikibarr.com), which plays straight-ahead rock and roll, is on at 4:30 p.m.
More information about the events can be found on www.crystalcity.org.
IN ADDITION to the events, two new eateries will be opening the weekend of Aug. 25, according to Potts.
Cucina Vivace, a trattoria created by Chef Gordon Vivace, is located on 509 23rd Street. It offers distinct Italian entrees, including many with a contemporary Mediterranean influence. More information about Cucina Vivace can be found at www.cucinavivace.com.
Meanwhile, owner Brian Montgomery will open Tortoise & Hare on 567 South 23rd Street. Montgomery said the eatery will be a bar and grille that stays away from a specific theme — apart from being a "cool, fun neighborhood" hang out. He said Tortoise & Hare will offer upscale American cuisine like steaks and pastas at a reasonable price, along with some twists on traditional bar fare; instead of mozzarella sticks, there will be fried ravioli, for example.
Visit www.tortoiseandharebar.com for more information.