Fusion cuisine has been ruling the dining scene for years now — and here’s the latest to join those ranks: Kindal’s, slated to open Jan. 27, will serve “Soul-Shi,” sushi with Southern soul food influences. Think black-eyed pea tuna rolls, and chicken wings in hosin sauce. That actually sounds a lot better than what I’d been imaging. And I’m a big fan of Lumi’s Vietnamese-Brazilian menu, another curious combo that actually works well.

But Kindal’s is promising to be more than just an interesting eatery. This multi-level venue will also feature entertainment every night with live jazz, R&B, and neo-soul — plus entertainment acts that range comedy to spoken word, and gospel every Sunday during brunch. And because its food is rooted so deeply in African American heritage, it will aim to explore its culture with in depth video montages on artists such as painter Jean-Michel Basquiat and photographer James Van Der Zee, an artist of the Harlem Renaissance.

The menu was developed in large part by Billy Webb, a 20 year veteran of the Dallas food scene who works over at Opio in University Park. Kindal’s executive chef Kelly Hightower, has worked at the likes of Hattie’s, The Mansion on Turtle Creek, Tei Tei Robata Bar and Kavala Mediterranean Grill. Hightower, in fact, credits Tei-Tei for a love of sushi, and Hattie’s for a love of soul food.

Indeed, my curiosity is piqued.