It will take a little longer than expected for two “exploration-inspired” businesses to open their doors in Crystal City.
As renovations continue at 2011 Crystal Drive, Altitude Wine Bar and Constellation cafe and gourmet market have pushed back their expected openings to early this spring, a spokesperson for developer Episcope Hospitality told ARLnow.
Both spots were originally expected to arrive last month. The building is currently undergoing a $40 million renovation in anticipation of a planned pedestrian bridge connecting Crystal City to nearby Reagan National Airport.
The businesses’ designs are “inspired by the elegance of the golden age of travel and exploration,” Episcope announced last year.
Altitude will be designed to “resemble an airplane wing cross section,” with furnishings that “create an atmosphere of sophisticated comfort akin to the in-flight lounges on intercontinental flights of the 1950s and 60s,” according to a press release.
The wine bar will employ an on-site wine expert to “guide guests through selections ranging from cult classics to cellar-worthy vintages, offering stories behind every pour,” along with an “audiophile listening room” featuring a wide selection of vinyl records.
Constellation will focus more on food, offering made-to-order meals and coffee. Though a specific menu hasn’t been released, the cafe has said it plans to focus on “heartier plates” like pan-seared salmon and rigatoni bolognese.
“A thoughtful retail section will include prepared foods, specialty ingredients, elevated snacks, and everyday conveniences, perfect for workdays, travel times, and everything in between,” Episcope said in November.
