Society Fair’s Spirit (and Chocolate Cake) Lives on at This New Crystal City Wine Bar | Eater DC

"I found a new neighborhood wine bar and market in Crystal City where neighbors can drop by for bubbly by the glass or bottle, gluten-free pasta, and a slice of “Big Ass Chocolate Cake.” Located a minute’s drive from Amazon’s headquarters in a Victorian-style house on Fern and 23rd Street, the shop is a partnership between Meshelle Armstrong (Eat Good Food Group; co‑owner of Kaliwa and past projects like Restaurant Eve and Society Fair) and Zena Polin (founder of The Dish & Dram and The Daily Dish). The market pairs a wine shop that groups bottles by price and prioritizes local and women‑owned wines with a Wine Room for bubbles and champagne, a “Cocktail Kingdom” of mixers, and a planned Belleza Wine Club for tastings and classes, while a 12‑seat restaurant serves simple savories like flatbread, dips, cheese and charcuterie, soups, salads, and sandwiches. The pastry case carries Society Fair favorites and Polin’s contributions — coconut cake, Rice Krispies treats, brown butter and sea salt chocolate chip cookies, seven layer bars, the “Knock You Naked” bars, and the decadent “The Guilty Pleasure” — alongside pantry items (pasta and pastry mixes), curated gummies and chocolates, and products from women‑owned brands such as Southeastern Roastery and Blissburg Candles. Small touches from Armstrong’s past venues (including a glitzy fixture from Restaurant Eve) give it charm, and the overall vibe is daytime‑friendly—“come in before dinner, while the kids are at school, or after dinner”—with hours Tue–Fri 11:30 a.m.–9 p.m. and Sat–Sun 10 a.m.–9 p.m." - Adele Chapin