Reston Town Center’s wide variety of eateries grew by one last week with the opening of Corsica Wine Bar.
The brand, which operates one other location in Denver, comes from the same team behind Barcelona Wine Bar, boasts three locations in the D.C. area.
General manager Lauren Brown, who previously ran Reston’s Barcelona location, and company creative director Drew McConnell are among those steering the ship, hoping to provide not just quality bites but humble hospitality in the new spot.
“Most guests that spend a lot of time with us are not just looking to eat, they’re looking for a great time,” McConnell said. “It just so happens that while they’re hanging out they get hungry, and we’re gonna make sure we’ve got really damn good stuff for them.”
To the casual diner, some of the restaurant’s items may appear unknown. What is barbajuan? Isn’t ratatouille a movie?
It’s all part of the menu‘s guiding star: allowing diners to live a little bit while keeping the cuisine approachable.
“Sometimes people think that adventure has to be uncomfortable when it doesn’t,” McConnell said. “Adventure can feel like you want to try things and do new things, but also just have it be delicious.”
McConnell is quick to note that though Corsican food is uniquely its own, much of the island’s cuisine is influenced by its French and Italian neighbors. And that’s apparent in the restaurant’s small plates, like the mushroom arancini and the aforementioned barbajuan — akin to a crisp ravioli filled with ricotta cheese and greens.
A diverse slate of offerings — 23 in all — also includes four different seafood dishes and a smattering of veggie options, plus four different large plates that are served family style.
More than 200 different wines are available, with the restaurant running the gamut of whites, reds, rosés and more. That selection is accompanied by nine different house cocktails, four spritzes and even three non-alcoholic options.
The Raspberry Beret, for example, isn’t just a collection of juices. The virgin cocktail is propped up by lapsang souchoung — a black tea that features smoky elements, providing a unique taste not far off from its alcoholic counterparts.
“That’s where this type of thing delivers,” McConnell said. “I’m so proud because this is genuinely a cocktail for someone who wants one.”
McConnell said his hope is positive customer service also encourages patrons to return.
“Sure it’s the building, and sure it’s the art, and sure it’s the music and the food, but it’s not really,” McConnell said. “If you get a room full of people that are all really feeling their best, they’re feeling taken care of, that is the value add. That’s why somebody wants to come back.”
The restaurant is open daily, starting at 4 p.m. on weekdays and 2 p.m. on weekends. It also boasts late night hours — midnight most nights and 1 a.m. on weekends.
“We’ll stay open as long as legally allowed,” Brown said.
