The Spread.

Playboy Loves Rapscallion, And Kenichi’s Chef Is Going To Grow Weed.

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.

In this week’s news, stalwart Dallas chef Bodhi Durant of Kenichi is leaving the culinary world to grow weed in Oregon.
Eater Dallas reports that the career change takes place after Durant’s 10-year stint at the restaurant, with chef Carlos Mancera (Rapscallion, Bolsa) entering the kitchen as his replacement. The transition will include new additions to the Kenichi menu over the coming weeks.

Meanwhile, a Japanese supermarket is headed to Plano. Mitsuwa Marketplace is a California-based concept that carries a massive selection of Japanese good staples, in addition to a variety of food stall options. An opening is slated for later this year.

Also new to the neighborhood is a wine-centric concept called Sixty Vines. Courtesy of the folks behind Whiskey Cake Kitchen and Velvet Taco, the spot features a wood-fired oven for pizzas and roasted vegetables, as well as taps of craft beer and Stumptown cold brew. Hours run daily from 5-10 p.m.

In other opening news, Free Play Arcade is expanding to Arlington. Per the official press release, the second location will be in the former South Street Patio space, near the University of Texas Arlington campus. The new location will feature more than 90 retro arcade games, and what aims to be one of the largest beer menus in the Metroplex. Look for an opening on October 15.

In bar news, Rapscallion was recently named a contender for Playboy‘s best new bars in America. The Greenville Avenue venture was included among a list of 50 finalists, with the top 10 to be announced in the November issue.

Finally, in craft beer news, restrictions on Texas craft breweries have recently been declared unconstitutional. Per Eater, an Austin judge ruled that the 2013 law that required breweries to give up their distribution rights did not “serve a legitimate public purpose.” The state of Texas has 30 days to appeal the decision.

Out in Rowlett, a new brewpub called Bankhead Brewing Co. is coming soon. The venture will be located on Main Street, named for the historic Bankhead Highway. The debut selection of brews will include options like a Raspberry White, Citrus IPA and Vienna Lager. An opening is slated for late summer.

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