Bonsai Grill on Depot Street in Davidson will close by the end of January as Davidson College prepares to renovate the building for its student book store. Meanwhile, we have news of menu changes at Kabuto Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar in Huntersville and at The Capital Grille in downtown Charlotte. Read the full story

Plus, New Year’s food and drink events at area eateries

Flatiron Kitchen + Taphouse in Davidson is changing chefs with the new year. Also, area restaurants are planning events for New Year’s Eve, ranging from an “all you can drink” night at Galway Hooker Irish Pub to Jeffrey’s Restaurant’s annual New Year’s party with drinks and dancing. We have some ideas as you plan the big night. Read the full story

The Dusek sauerkraut tastes best piled between the turkey and dressing, so you get a bit of kraut in every bite.

Reporter Julie Rose of our news partner WFAE-FM writes about her family tradition of eating sauerkraut with the holiday turkey — a nod to her Czech heritage. It’s part of National Public Radio’s ongoing series about unique holiday dishes.

By JULIE ROSE
WFAE

My great-great-grandma Mary Dusek kept alive the Czech heritage of her parents and immigrant husband through food. In the one photo I’ve seen of her, she’s wearing a crisp, white apron. Our signature holiday dish comes from Mary’s kitchen. Read the full story

Area restaurants are starting to take reservations for New Year’s Eve. Do you have a spot in mind for a dinner with friends or someone special? Flatiron Kitchen, Il Bosco and Restaurant X in Davidson have sent word about their plans. Meanwhile, we finally get around to checking in with Peninsula China Bistro in Cornelius, which is back after renovations last summer. And don’t forget about the Holiday Tea at Beaver Dam this Sunday, hosted by Armin’s Catering. Read the full story

The Melting Pot is now open on off I-77 Exit 25, moving to Huntersville from the University area. Meanwhile, Summit Coffee in Davidson has an interesting holiday gift proposition for regulars: A bottomless mug of coffee for a year. And we have a couple of new bars/eatieres in Cornelius: Drifters on Liverpool Parkway, off I-77 Exit 28, and House of Jazz on West Catawba Avenue. Read the full story

Christy Shi speaks at Tuesday's opening ceremony for 7th Street Public Market in Charlotte. (Katie Lovett/DavidsonNews.net)

By KATIE LOVETT
DavidsonNews.net

CHARLOTTE – Charlotte’s newest downtown attraction, the 7th Street Public Market, opened its doors on Tuesday morning, Dec. 6, with a ceremony that celebrated both local food and its potential as a catalyst for small businesses.

The market is the work of organizers intent on rebuilding the region’s local food system and increasing access to locally grown meats, dairy products and produce. At least two people with Davidson ties had prominent roles: Market chair Dan Murrey is a 1987 Davidson College grad and former Mecklenburg County Commissioner. Executive director Christy Shi graduated from Davidson in 1996 and co-founded Davidson-based Know Your Farms LLC, a local food distribution start-up. Read the full story