The concept of dinner and a show has gotten a serious upgrade in Victory Park, thanks to two new high-profile restaurant openings and the Dallas debut of a fancy movie theater chain.
Kent and Tracy Rathbun recently opened Imōto, the upscale Asian restaurant and traditional sushi bar that reflects Kent's extensive travels to Thailand and Tracy's dedication to hospitality.
Its name means "little sister" in Japanese, and it is Kent's first solo venture since leaving Kent Rathbun Concepts, the company he founded and developed. The world-class sushi bar is overseen by Jimmu Duke, formerly of Nobu, while Jennifer Newbold is the head chef putting a modern spin on upscale Asian dining.
Its late-night lounge (the restaurant is open until 11 pm on Fridays and Saturdays) boasts an exciting cocktail menu to complement the extensive wine and sake options, and private dining is also available.
Another intriguing, if elusive, figure in the neighborhood is Billy Can Can. The mysterious man's silhouette adorns the restaurant's facade, while inside diners are treated to a vibrant interpretation of a high-end, late-19th century Dallas dining saloon.
Executive chef Matt Ford does a take on modern Texas cuisine that spotlights the finest Texas-raised beef, Texas game, Gulf seafood, and top-quality local produce (including some grown in Ford's own personal garden).
In addition to the usual spirits, the bar — led by Zach Smigiel — has 11 beers on draught, including eclectic brews from out-of-state, plus a house-made sarsaparilla. The wine list includes Texas and French wines, with vintages from California, Oregon, Mexico, Argentina, and Spain.
Serving as Victory Park's movie theater anchor is Cinépolis Luxury Cinemas-Victory Park. The USA arm of the Mexico-based Cinépolis, which is the fourth largest movie theater exhibitor in the world, is headquartered in Dallas.
Eight screens are filled with 750 leather, fully reclining seats, with each auditorium boasting cutting-edge sound and high-definition projection technology; an upscale, lounge-style lobby space; a gourmet concessions menu; a full bar with craft beer, specialty cocktails, and Cinépolis USA Private Label wine; and in-theater waiter service available at the push of a button.
Moviegoers at Cinépolis Luxury Cinemas-Victory Park also get to be the first to taste a new menu that will roll out nationally to all Cinépolis Luxury Cinemas in August.
