The Spread.

The Next Generation Of Local Celebrity Chefs Is Born. So Is The Taco Cleanse Diet.

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.

The 11-year-old daughter of former food TV star Uno Immanivong (Chino Chinatown) is poised to follow in her mother's footsteps with an up-and-coming Food Network appearance. “Epicurious” Emma Immanivong's Chopped Junior debut adds to an already impressive resume that includes her own YouTube channel and modeling for national campaigns, per Eater Dallas's Amy McCarthy. To celebrate the episode's premiere on Tuesday, January 12, Chino Chinatown will be hosting a watch party featuring dishes served on the show.

And, get this, she's not the only food person with North Texas ties making an appearance on national television this week, either! Joining her are Tim M. Betts and Rod Silva, the dudes behind the national Muscle Maker Grill chain with an outpost on Lower Greenville. Theyll appear on CBS's Undercover Boss this Friday night at 7 p.m.

In other news: A few Texans recently strengthened the argument for how much the state loves its tacos with a taco cleanse diet book. The literature straddles the line between what CultureMap has called “a parody of fad diets” and actual recipes that range from brisket and chorizo dishes to a variety of vegan options.

In other taco news: Fans of Revolver Taco Lounge will be happy to know that it is keeping its Fort Worth location. The original outpost was slated to close in lieu of an impending Deep Ellum shop, but the owners opted to renew the lease — news that first broke via El Jefe de Tacos, José R. Ralat of the extremely vital The Taco Trail.

Up in Denton, The Juicy Pig brings more barbecue options and “Pam Food” to the area. Per Eater, “Pam Food” refers to the Pam Chittenden-cooked offerings regularly available at institutions like Paschall Bar or the annual Rock Lottery. The restaurant is a partnership between Chittenden and Ken Currin (GreenHouse Restaurant, Loco Cafe), where patrons will be able to order from a variety of Texas- and St. Louis-style smoked meats and seasonal fried pies. Hours run daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., or until they sell out.

Closer to Dallas, Lakewood Smokehouse will begin serving barbecue to the Lakewood area on Thursday, January 7. The venture will feature standard barbecue fare with seasonal specials and operate in the former Ali Baba Mediterranean Grill space as a full-service restaurant and bar.

Also: Now joining the lineup of food options in the vastly changing Jefferson Tower is Caribbean food courtesy of The Island Spot. The Carrollton-based concept has plans to bring Jamaican favorites such as curry goat, braised oxtails and meat pies to Oak Cliff with its second outpost. No details on an opening date as of yet, though.

Additionally new to the fray is a Downtown Dallas location of Asian fusion spot Little Katana is officially open within the new development down by the Omni Hotel.

Another restaurant has, however, pushed back its opening. La Bodega planned to bring Latin cuisine to Lowest Greenville by the end of 2015, but the Lakewood Advocate has reported that the opening date has beendelayed to mid-February. While the Advocate reports that about 75 percent of the construction is complete, the owners plan to add a fresh-squeezed juice component to the bar and are currently in the process of staffing.

On the closing front, the Black-eyed Pea chain's O.G. location along Cedar Springs Road closed on January 2, following not long behind a Preston Center location closing back in July. So much for good luck tidings in the new year, we suppose

In craft beer news, tickets are now on sale for the Big Texas Beer Fest. The event will take place on both Friday, April 1, and Saturday, April 2, with general and VIP admissions available both days.

Also, Bill Murray lovers can head to Grapevine Craft Brewery on Tuesday, January 12, for Bill Murray Trivia Tuesday. Beer prizes will be awarded to first, second and third place teams. The event takes place from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Finally, Community Beer Co. is hosting its third anniversary on Saturday, January 23. Admissions have been capped to minimize the crowds, and tickets will not be sold at the doors. To guarantee your space, you can purchase tickets here. The event will run from noon to 6:30 p.m.

Cover photo via Epicurious Emma's Facebook page. Got a tip for The Spread? Email us!