On January 29 Crystal City BID Launched Crystal Flight with a Colorful Opening Party: Sponsors, artists, and other VIP guests attended the artful event receiving a sneak peek of the planes, before the artists inject their color and vibrant designs starting February 1. The artist will work through the winter in time for them landing on the streets in April.

Lowe Enterprises Real Estate Group generously provided the workshop space to store and decorate the planes, Miller and Long donated the concrete bases to have them installed on the streets, and JK Moving and Storage provided the critical technical support for the handling of the planes and will put them on the streets in April.  “50 planes, 50 artists, 50 sponsors – all symbolizing that Crystal City is truly taking off,” said a Crystal City spokesman.

Crystal Flight See the Planes, See the Progress Online or Live,  keep up with the excitement around this project by visiting the Crystal Flight Blog, which will regularly capture the activity from the sponsors, artists and the community impact. You can also view the artists in action via a studio viewing area located at 2461 S. Clark Street.

Gossip on 23rd  Everyone is still raving about the hot new store in Crystal City and recently the chic boutique was featured in the Sunday Source Section of the Post.   Gossip on 23rd is located at 566 23rd Street S., Arlington, VA, 703-920-1498.  

BEBO Trattoria Listed as Washingtonians Top 100 Best Restaurants The Washingtonian Magazines annual ranking of the metropolitan 100 best restaurants named seven Arlington restaurants among the best eateries. Crystal Citys very own BEBO Trattoria was recognized in addition to other Arlington notables such as Rays Steaks, Thai Square, Willow, Liberty Tavern, Minhs and Bangkok 54.

JALEO Offers Signature Pre-Theatre Menu JALEO is proud to announce their new pre-theatre menu, beginning February 5.   Arena Stage theater goers can experience the $25 per person pre-fixe menu available Tuesday through Sunday, from 5 pm to 6:30 pm. Click here for menu. Call JALEO Crystal City at 703-413-8181 for additional details.

Monthly Parking Available at Crystal City Marriott: Monthly parking slots have opened up at the Crystal City Marriott located on the corner of 20th St. and S. Bell St. Direct access to the underground and METRO is available throughout the 1800 block of S. Bell Street. The garage is block from the Crystal City Metro Station. For information, please contact Kristin Norcross at Crystal City Marriott at Kristin.norcross@marriott.com or 703-310-8020.

Upcoming Events
Crystal City Sports Pub 11th Annual Sports Pub Challenge
Mondays Starting January 28 –
March 3, 2008 529 23rd Street South
How competitive are you? Do you like to win prizes and show off to your friends?  Do you like to give to charity?  Well the 11th Annual Sports Pub Challenge and Charity Fundraiser is the ideal event for you.  Starting Monday, January 28 the Sports Pub will begin it’s annual challenge and fundraiser benefiting SCAN (Stop Child Abuse Now) and other local charities.

The competition will last 5 consecutive Mondays with the finals taking place on Monday, March 3rd.  For more information, visit www.sportspubchallenge.com or contact Christine Williams at 301-752-5816 or Michael Stiltz at 703-282-0285.

Arena Stage Presents – ELLA
Through February 24, 2008
1800 S. Bell Street – 202-488-3300
Ticket prices vary
This swinging new musical takes you inside the heart and soul of the First Lady of Song Ella Fitzgerald. While shes rehearsing for an important 1966 concert, Ellas producer requests that she add patter about her life to the show. For tickets visit www.arenastage.org. 

Gossip on 23rd February Sale
Through February 14, 2008
566 23rd Street South 703-920-1498
For those who love designer clothes, Gossip is offering 10% off sale items and 20% off regularly priced items through Valentines Day.
Click here for coupon.
 
Washington Shakespeare Company Presents Hedda Gabler
February 7 – March 9, 2008
601 S. Clark Street
Ticket prices vary
Join the Washington Shakespeare Company for “Hedda Gabler”, a play by Henrik Ibsen.  For additional information or tickets, visit http://www.washingtonshakespeare.org/index.html.

Klassica Studio Art ShowCaf Pizzaiolo
On Display Through February 8, 2008
507 South 23rd Street – 703-894-2250
Several talented young artists from Klassica Studio will feature their works at Caf Pizzaiolo. Kids are local Arlington/Alexandria aspiring artists 7 to 9 years old.

Schakolad Chocolate Factory Valentine Day Treats
Through February 14, 2008
2461 S. Clark Street, Century II Building – 703-418-2000
What type of chocolate romantic are you? It’s never too early to think of special treats for your loved one for Valentines Day.   Schakolad offers a variety of treats that creatively express your love.  Click here to see what Valentine treats await you.  www.schakolad.com

McCormick and Schmicks Valentines Day Special
February 14, 2008
2010 Crystal Drive – 703-413-6400
Take that special someone to McCormick and Schmicks for Valentines Day. They will be featuring great menu items such as Willapa Bay Oysters, Sweet Bay Scallops on the Half Shell, or a Steak and Seafood Combination. Prices start at $21.95. Reservations required. www.mccormicksandschmicks.com

Ruth’s Chris Steak House Valentine’s Day Special
February 14, 2008
2231 Crystal Drive – 703-979-7275
Dinner Only
Sophisticated New Orleans steakhouse, with unbeatable food and beautiful city views, is offering an exclusive Valentine’s Day special for two. Ruth’s Chris is offering a Menu for Two special for $150. Add a wine paring for an additional $25 per person. Reservations required. www.ruthschris.com. 
 
Cafe’ Italia Ristorante Love Bites Dinner Special & Giveaway
February 14, 2008
519 S. 23rd Street – 703-521-2565
Take your special someone to Cafe’ Italia Ristorante for their Valentine’s Day Love Bites Dinner Menu. Say I love you with their delightful menu, exemplary service, and lovely ambience. Make a reservation for a Romantic Valentine’s Dinner today and enter to win one night stay at the Cristal City Crown Plaza Hotel. Gift certificates available.  Reservations required. http://www.cafeitaliarestaurantva.com
 
JALEO’s Dia de San Valentin Special
February 14, 2008
2250 Crystal Drive – 703-413-8181
JALEO in Crystal City has put together a special Spanish style Valentine’s Day menu for you and your loved one to enjoy. Reservations recommended. Click here for menu details or visit www.jaleo.com.
 
Crystal Citys Sports Pub Annual Daytona 500 Party
Sunday, February 17, 2008
529 23rd Street South
If you are a NASCAR fan, the Crystal City Sports Pub has a party for you!  Join the Sports Pub on Sunday, February 17 for Todd and Gary’s 3rd Annual Dayton
a 500 Party.  You’ve not experienced the Daytona 500 until you’ve lived it with A3 and the G Love and Special Sauce.  There is a whooping and hollering like you’ve never seen because it’s all in high-def and surround sound. Visit www.ccsportspub.com for additional details.

McCormick and Schmick’s Dogfish Head Brewery Event
February 22, 2008
7:00PM 9:30PM
2010 Crystal Drive
$56.95 per person
Please join McCormick and Schmick’s in Crystal City and Dogfish Head Brewery for a 5-course beer dinner.  The dinner will feature five beers from Dogfish Head Brewery paired with a menu created by Executive Chef Marc Kennedy.  Reservations must be made in advance.  Reserve your space by calling Jennifer Schwarz at 703-413-7130.  www.mccormickandschmickscom
 
Arena Stage Presents – The Arthur Miller Festival
March 14-May 18, 2008
1800 S. Bell Street – 202-488-3300
Ticket Prices Vary
The Arthur Miller Festival: Arena Stage’s season includes a tribute to a giant of American dramatic literature – Arthur Miller. Two of his most acclaimed plays anchor the salute – A View from the Bridge and Death of a Salesman. In addition, Arena Stage will have Monday evening readings, screenings and lectures exploring his other work. Theatre audiences will see two towering classics of American theater presented in true repertory style. For ticket information & show times, visit www.arenastage.org.  
 
Did You Know?
 
Did You Know “Long Bridge Park” is Named Arlington’s Newest Park?
 
Crystal Citys newest green space has officially been named Long Bridge Park, a historical reference to the original bridge in 1808 that carried people between Alexandria and the District.
 
Informally known as North Tract, Long Bridge Park will consist of 28 acres of currently underutilized open space at the northern most edge of Crystal City. Crystal City residents, employees, and visitors will notice a vastly enhanced arrival and departure experience as they travel through Long Bridge Park along Old Jefferson Davis Highway on the way to or from the access ramps for Interstate 395.
 
The County-owned and managed facility will consist of both passive recreational spaces that include walking trails, a rain garden, a world-class public art installation, and open lawn spaces as well as programmed facilities including a state of the art aquatics, health, fitness, and indoor sports facility and outdoor athletic fields. Construction of the park is slated to occur in multiple phases and is scheduled to begin in the fall of 2008. 

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Visit us online: For more information about the Crystal City Business Improvement District and whats happening around Crystal City, visit www.crystalcity.org

About Crystal City Business Improvement District (BID)
Established in April of 2006, the Crystal City Business Improvement District (BID) is creating a soul for Crystal City. A public-private partnership, the BID is providing a higher level of service to visitors, workers and residents in Crystal City driving to become world-class destination in both Arlington and the greater DC region. For more information, visit www.crystalcity.org.