The Spread.

Robin Quivers Is Coming To Talk Veganism In Town, And Shake Shack Could Be Headed This Way, Too.

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 spite of some early rumors to the contrary, it doesn't look like Greenville Avenue will be getting a new soda fountain when Remedy finally opens its doors. But. as it draws closer to its opening day, the revamped concept promises not to disappoint just the same.

Owner Elias Pope (also of HG SPLY CO) had this to say about what to expect from his newest venture in a press release: “The concept has changed significantly since I first started working on it. What I thought was a restaurant heavily weighted toward the 1900's explosion of the soda fountain has evolved into a personal lesson in early American hospitality. Thanks to our incredibly talented and dedicated team, we were able to convert my limited vision into a much more well-rounded experience.”

The menu — made by chef team Danyele McPhersonGrape) and Guillermo “GMO” Tristan (Boulevardier, FT33) — focuses on refining basics. Expect classics reminiscent of childhood, such as grilled cheese sandwiches, pork chops and pot pie, and a dessert program centered around pies, which will be baked fresh daily, and homemade ice cream.

Adds McPherson in the release: “This is food everyone has eaten before — the idea is not completely foreign — you have a memory of eating it as a child. We are taking familiar and simple ideas and executing them at what we hope is the highest level possible.”

Look for Remedy to open sometime in late November or early December.

Also, as if national attention for the biggest drama of the Dallas food scene this year wasn't enough, Proof + Pantry joins the ranks of area restaurants that refuse to be reviewed by Dallas Morning News food critic Leslie Brenner. After a heated argument on the ethics of comped meals in restaurant reviews, owners Michael Martensen and Sal Jafar II met with DMN editors to discuss their refusal to accept payment on the $450 meal, and displeasure with its rating system. In the end, the owners did end up leaving the DMN offices with $500 cash that was donated to charity and with a sour taste in their mouths towards the publication and its infamous writer.

In the meantime, hey, there's always Brenner's criticisms about proper wine service at barbecue places to enjoy!

Meanwhile, the Design District is getting a new Mexican restaurant called El Bolera from the same people that brought us Pakpao and Oak. The restaurant will focus on authentic Mexican foods not specific to any one region. There's no details on the specifics of the menu just yet, aside from the fact that it'll include handmade tortillas. The restaurant looks to open later this year.

On the Tex-Mex side of things, Herrera's is moving to West Dallas, vacating its Maple Avenue space. The new location has been spotted on the corner of Sylvan Avenue and McBroom Street, in the old Cocina Caliente building. Since the new Herrera's is taking over a previously occupied space, it's possible to look for an opening date in the coming weeks.

Downtown, CBD Provisions looks to be your new go-to for fresh pretzels and — get this — they're made with lye. Obviously, they're not hazardous to your health: The high temperatures of the oven reduce its chemical attributes to an edible carbon state, similar to the same components we find in olives, corn tortillas and authentic ramen noodles. The pretzels come with a Lakewood Till and Toil, a weisswurst sausage and housemade mustard for $12, available everyday from 4 to 6 p.m.

Over in Uptown, Mason Bar is closing, as the space is being razed to make way for a residential high rise. The private event and party space is commemorating the closing with a farewell event on Saturday, October 18, at 5 p.m.

Meanwhile, more changes are coming to the Dallas Farmers Market. After the recent opening of The Shed, the Dallas Farmer's Market is adding five new businesses to the mix. Four restaurants — ranging from seafood, soups and sandwiches to a Vietnamese fusion and ice cream place — and a coffee shop will be the latest features of The Market (formally Shed 2). Look for renovations to be finished by Spring 2015.

Sticking on the fresh veggie front, the Texas State Veggie Fairis just around the corner. Other than the abundance of fresh produce and vegetarian-friendly fare, there's plenty other reasons to check out the festivities. For instance? Howard Stern's professional shade-thrower, Robin Quivers. Newly vegan, Quivers is the latest recruit to kick of the festivities with the signing of her latest book, The Vegucation of Robin, before it hits stores in November. Learn about Quiver's journey to become vegan after a life-altering cancer diagnosis. The signing takes place on Saturday, October 18, at McKinney Avenue Contemporary from 3 to 5 p.m. The event is free with advance copies of the book available for purchase, but space is limited to those who RSVP here.

Finally, a big New York chain might be coming to town: The owners of NYC's Shake Shack are said to be currently shopping for Dallas locations. With news of an impending Austin location, there are now rumors that the billion-dollar burger venture is also considering spots near the Katy Trail, Uptown and Highland Park. Nothing has yet been confirmed by the powers that be, so for now just appreciate the fact that a three-hour drive to Austin for one of their burgers sure beats a cross-country trek.

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