The Spread.

Easy Slider Adds A Third Truck, The Bahn Shop Offends and Bangarang Brings The Whimsy.

Welcome to The Spread, our weekly feature that aims to share all the area restaurant, food and beverage industry news that's fit to print. Except, this is the Internet, so space isn't a concern. Also: Good thing, because this is Dallas and this town always has breaking restaurant news going down like whoa.

After days of managing food costs, revamping menus and ensuring that the hungry masses are fed, even chefs need a break from the monotony of dinner services to engage in acts of whimsy.

But since a chef's office is his or her kitchen, it's not as if they can rely on a casual Friday to shake up their routines. That's why in lieu of the tedium, a group of local chefs will be hosting the Bangarang Ball on Sunday, September 28, at Garden Cafe. The family-friendly, Neverland-inspired event comes courtesy of chefs Justin Box (Cafe Momentum), Mark Wooton (Garden Cafe), Graham Dodds (Hibiscus), Nicole Gossling (Nicole's Secret Supper Club) and Scott Tobey (Origin Restaurant).

With a concept of creating a fanciful world that mimics the idea of what the chefs presume Neverland looks like, guests will be treated to a diverse menu in an elaborate setting, complete with live musicians and visual artists alongside Ringling Bros. circus clown alumni and a photo booth to capture the memories.

The event starts with a cocktail hour at 6 p.m., with tickets still available here.

Something else the kids among us might enjoy is the annual Foodiepalooza on Thursday, September 25, at Times Ten Cellars. The evening brings together chef John Tesar (Knife, Spoon Bar & Kitchen) and the East Dallas Boys & Girls Club to raise money to support club programs, events, renovations and college scholarships. The event takes places from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. with tickets running for $65 each.

In other news, Oak Cliff favorite Metro Diner is celebrating its 50th anniversary with 1964 pricing today (September 24). Get in on the action with specials like two eggs, a choice of bacon or sausage, hash browns and a biscuit for 95 cents.

Also out that way, VH Oak Cliff opens tonight in the old Outpost spot on Beckley Avenue. The casual dining menu features items such as fried calamari and duck, $15 burgers and filet mignon that goes a little bit on the casual side. Expect a bar crowd, with happy hour starting at 4 p.m. and dinner service at 5 p.m.

A little further down the road, Zoli's NY Pizza has done what every junk food lover and/or stoner has been suggesting for years by creating a pizza-and-French-fry hybrid. The dish is made of hot soppressata on a parmesan garlic French fry- and mozzarella-infused “crust.” Due to the labor-intensive nature of the (mostly) gluten-free pizza, don't expect to see it in the regular rotation. It'll really be more of a Friday and Saturday type thing.

More pizza news: The California-based quick pizza concept Project Pie is is set to open in Preston Center on September 29. The fast-casual concept follows the a la carte, make-your-own pizza model with pre-designed pizza options available for $7.50. The Luther Lane location is the first of three slated to open in the area, with others to follow in Lower Greenville and Highland Park.

Back in Oak Cliff, construction on Sylvan Thirty has revealed things to come for the Oak Cliff development. Look forward to seeing a coffee shop, a taqueria and a crepe place among the new tenants — in addition to the prospective ramen destination Ten, which has been delayed until 2015.

If the food truck scene is more your speed, you'll be happy to know that fan favorite Easy Slider Food Truck has expanded to include a third truck in its rotation. The newest in the fleet of blue burger slingers came about to help fill the demand for catering, private and public events, though Klyde Warren Park is still not one of their destinations. Instead, try your luck at Truck Yard where Easy Slider camps out three days a week.

Meanwhile, new Uptown test concept Banh Shop has already taken down its controversial logo. Officials at Yum Brands are working to find a solution less offensive than the previous red star that bared resemblance to a communist symbol — one that the Vietnamese-American community in Dallas vocally damned as offensive.

In brew news: Those familiar with Lone Star Beverages in Carrollton can look forward to the opening of Lone Star Taps & Caps in Lewisville. The 1,800-square-foot store will have a selection of more than 500 beers and 50 taps from local and national craft brewers alike. The store will also have a fill-your-own growler station in addition to build-your-own 12 and 24 packs for the indecisive types. Also? Educational classes!

Finally, to celebrate its tenth anniversary, Rahr & Sons is teaming up with Dude, Sweet Chocolate for an anniversary brew called 'Rahrzehnt. Expect the imperial chocolate milk stout to hit retail stores starting November 10.

Easy Slider cover photo by Scott Mitchell. Got a tip for The Spread? Email us!