The REACH at the Kennedy Center, which opened last September, has partnered with nightlife impresario Ian Hilton and his partners (American Ice, El Rey, Chez Billy Sud, etc.) to operate a seasonal outdoor cafe/wine garden. Victura Park, “soft” opening on Friday July 10th with full opening next week, will be an outdoor pop-up based out the River Pavilion (pictured above). The name comes from one of JFK’s sailboats. The space is dotted with outdoor picnic/cafe tables (shade umbrellas). People will be allowed to spread out on a blanket on the grass.

Hilton told me the concept was inspired by the casual nature of wineries. Beverages will be (at least mostly) in cans, including macro/craft beer ($7-8), cider ($8), wine (mostly $9), boozy seltzer/canned cocktail ($8-$9), and water (4); food will be casual-charcuterie/cheese boards ($29 for full, though you get smaller), olives, seasonal fruit, baguette/evoo. The spot, easily accessible by the new pedestrian/walk-your-bike bridge from the Potomac River waterfront (across Rock Creek Parkway), will be open throughout the summer Fri (3-10p), Sat (Noon-10p), Sun (Noon-8p).

The spot invites those to tag @victurapark (Twitter, Instagram) using hashtag #OasisWithinReach. 2700 F St NW is the address.

Before learning of this news, Barred in DC biked by the REACH and checked out the serene space that feels like it’s over the water, pics below; booze may only be allowed in certain areas).

[Note: This is Barred in DC’s first ever “embargoed” news scoop. Hilton reached out and told Barred in DC about this last Thursday but asked him to hold off until later to avoid crowds at opening]