If there were an award for turning life’s plot twists into brilliant business ventures, Zena Polin would have a trophy case full of them. From globetrotting food writer to PR maven to award-winning restaurateur, she’s never been one to stick to just one lane—and that’s exactly what makes her story worth telling.
After a career spent writing about food, drink, and travel (with a stint running her own hospitality PR firm), Zena took a turn into the restaurant world, co-founding The Daily Dish and The Dish & Dram, two beloved Maryland eateries known for their locally sourced, seasonally inspired comfort food.
But in 2020, when the world paused, she saw an opportunity to rethink her path. The result? Beauty Champagne & Sugar Boutique, a wine bar, bottle shop, bistro, and boutique in National Landing that’s as eclectic as she is.
Housed in a charming Victorian lovingly called The Little Blue House, Beauty is where wine lovers sip curated bottles, indulge in Zena’s housemade desserts (like her cult-favorite Knock You Naked bars and Guilty Pleasure Cookies), and discover thoughtfully selected gifts, all while soaking in the kind of warm hospitality that has become her signature. And for those who need a little help finding the perfect bottle? Zena, aka The Champagne Concierge, is there to guide them—glass of bubbly in hand, of course.
Beyond Beauty, she’s bringing her love of wine and storytelling to new platforms, launching her YouTube channel, Sipping Beauty, and an upcoming podcast that will pair sips with sweet and savory bites. And did we mention she once went #nakedchefs to raise money for the Lee Initiative? Because, yes, she did that too.
Zena’s journey from journalist to restaurateur to boutique wine bar owner is a testament to reinvention, passion, and a love of bringing people together over good food, great wine, and a little sparkle.
Details:
Zena has traveled to more than 75 countries and is a trilingual author who has written about food and wine for local and international publications. She was the managing editor of Visitor St. Kitts & Nevis and Discover St. Kitts for six years. Her first book, The Pub, Club & Grub Guide to Washington, DC, was a reflection of her early love for food and drink.
From 1999 to 2009, she owned The Winning Ticket, a hospitality PR and Marketing firm with clients in Puerto Rico, Washington, DC and St. Kitts.
After she appeared on Planet Green with Emeril Lagasse on "Craving the Caribbean" she decided she was ready for a career change. She opened her first restaurant, The Daily Dish in 2009 serving comfort food with a twist — food that was seasonally inspired, locally sourced and farm fresh. In 2016 she opened The Dish & Dram, which reflected her love of food, drink and travel.
Zena Polin founded Beauty in May 2022, after re-thinking her life during Covid and selling the two Maryland restaurants she owned. As a hands-on operator/owner, she saw how the restaurant world was changing. In 2020, she decided she wanted to shift her focus from large restaurants to a more personalized experience in a cozy Wine Bar/Bistro, and decided to add in a lifestyle component.
She sold her shares in the Maryland restaurants and chose instead to focus on Virginia. While she searched for an intimate space she became intrigued with Crystal City/National Landing, both a familiar neighborhood (from her George Washington University days) and one that was experiencing growth and an influx of new residents.
In May 2022, Beauty Champagne and Sugar Boutique was born in a Victorian home nicknamed "The Little Blue House," at the corner of Fern and 23rd Streets.
The Wine Bar, Bottle Shop, Bistro & Boutique rapidly became a gathering spot for people looking to sip bottles of wine while nibbling on light bites in a cozy bistro and for people who love unique finds, whether it’s a bottle of wine, housemade desserts, custom baskets for any occasion or lifestyle products. When weather permits, tables are set up outside on the front lawn.
Polin also became known as the “Champagne Concierge.” Guests join her for a glass of sparkling while she curates mixed cases of wine (not just champagne!) for every occasion.
Beauty is a feast for the senses. Upon entering the main room, there's a boutique that's filled with homemade cakes, cookies, bars and treats, as well as chocolates, candy and eclectic gifts. To the right is the Bottle Shop with a wide selection of wines, from everyday sippers to elegant champagnes that are displayed in the Wine Closet.
“Bellezza Wine Club” is a popular offering for neighborhood guests. In addition to two hand-curated bottles of wine per month, members have access to special bottles, tastings, classes and discounts.
To the left is the Bistro, with additional gifts, including glasses for all occasions, signature candles and lovely gifts. The menu focuses on light bites, cheese & charcuterie and other foods that pair deliciously with the bistro's selection of wines. The desserts are housemade by Polin. Favorites include the three layer coconut cake, the decadent chocolate cake, the signature Knock You Naked bars (peanut butter and caramel in a chocolate chip brookie) and the Guilty Pleasure Cookies (potato chip, marshmallow fluff and chocolate chip), as well as savory items, such as the Pimento Cheese, the Caramelized Onion Dip, the Slow Roasted BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders and Retro Chicken Salad with cranberries.
Beauty's Wine Bar & Bistro has a thoughtfully curated wine menu that caters to diverse tastes and budgets, from affordable wines by the glass to exclusive 100 point collectible champagne bottles. The focus is on showcasing wines from unconventional winemakers and regions, allowing guests to expand their palate and uncover new favorites through wine tastings, including eclectic sparkling, fortified and dessert wines, as well as a selection of sparkling cocktails with housemade syrups. A collection of modern and antique glasses and tableware enhances the experience while the knowledgeable staff guides guests in choosing the perfect wine to complement Beauty’s menu and housemade desserts. Variety, knowledge and attention to detail along with exceptional service sets Beauty apart.
Beauty collaborates with local, woman entrepreneurs, including Blissburg candles for their signature Sexy Thyme scent and Chouquette Chocolates for their Beauty Caramel Duo.
576 South 23rd St. Arlington, VA 22202 (571) 257-5873 (Parking & entrance on Fern St)
Wed - Sat 12-9pm, Tues 4-9pm, Sun 1-7pm
zena@beautychampagneandsugar.com
Copyright© 2023 Beauty Champagne & Sugar Boutique - All Rights Reserved.
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.