The Spread.

There's Queso In My Fromage! (Because French-Mex Is Now A Real Thing That Exists.)

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.

Although the Dallas-Fort Worth area has seen its fair share of fusion restaurants over the years, it's pretty safe to call Tex-Mex the most pervasive cuisine blend in town.

And now, thanks to the Misery Loves Co. team behind Proof + Pantry, our options in this regard are still expanding — albeit in new directions. Their newest venture, La Madrina, will serve French-influenced Mexican cuisine.

“People have a perception of French food being very heavy,” says chef Kyle McClelland of this new concept's inspiration. “I think being able to incorporate these fresh [Mexican] ingredients into these techniques is a great concept. Also, the French have had a big influence in Mexican culture, going all the way back to the Pastry War. It's something that I've done a lot of research on, so I'm excited to mix it up a little.”

The menu will include such dishes as a French take on elotes, a fondue-style queso, an okra and bell pepper ratatouille served with masa crepes, and seafood options including blue crab, mussels and gulf lobster. The drink program will also utilize the marriage of French and Mexican influences, with cocktails centered around agave, tequila, brandy and sherry. The restaurant is slated to hit Highland Park sometime this summer.

Speaking of openings: Our favorite resident ice cream punks at Carnival Barkers are now on record as saying that their second location will open in Oak Cliff next month. In addition to the same whimsical creations you can find at the current Truck Yard outpost, you'll be able to look forward to things like Pop Tart ice cream sandwiches, savory items like Frito pie and chili dogs and the return of the shop's wholesale efforts at the new spot.

Staying on the ice cream front: Old Town Creamery is also expanding with a second location set to open in Addison. The new location will feature New York-style street food alongside a cavalcade of sweets. Look for an opening towards the end of May.

In weirder, borderline food-related news, a McDonald's-themed Black Sabbath cover band called Mac Sabbath is coming to Trees this fall. The quartet masquerades as the infamous Happy Meal characters and performs food-based renditions of Ozzy and Co. songs, like their “Iron Man” take called “Frying Pan.” The show takes place on September 27, and you can get your tickets here.

In craft beer news, Martin House Brewing Co. has paired up with Fort Worth darlings Toadies for another limited edition beer called Bockslider. A launch party will be held this Sunday, April 26, with tickets on sale here. Unlike the band's last, more intimate performance at the brewery, this one is going to be a full-on outdoors rock 'n' roll set. Meaning? There are still tickets available. For $32, you can not only lock down a ticket for the performance, but you'll also get three free brews and a souvenir glass. Also: Tickets are currently on sale for the third annual Community Beer Company bus tour being held Saturday, May 2; and Texas Ale Project will be hosting its grand opening party this Saturday, April 25.

Oh, and speaking of Community Beer Company: The local brewery was awarded five medals during the Los Angeles International Beer Competition. Cheers to their success!

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