J.J. Roberson works the grill at Char-Grill on opening day Tuesday. (David Boraks/DavidsonNews.net)

Char-Grill opened its doors to a big crowd at lunchtime Tuesday in the Harris Teeter shopping center off Griffith Street, becoming the Raleigh-based hamburger-chain’s first Charlotte-area location.

Some customers familiar with the popular college-town hangout drove from well beyond Davidson to sample the shop’s cooked-to-order hamburgers, chicken, fries, milkshakes and other fast food. Read the full story

Davidson Commons (Harris Teeter shopping Center)
624 Jetton St.
Davidson
Phone: 704-896-8710
Fax: 704-896-8711
www.chargrilldavidson.com
Hours: Daily, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
(hours subject to change)

RELATED COVERAGE: April 19, 2011, “Char-Grill opens in Davidson Commons.”

Homemade Pop Tarts, made by Liz Weindruch. (Liz Weindruch / DavidsonNews.net)

By LIZ WEINDRUCH
DavidsonNews.net

Liz Weindruch lives in the Elizabeth neighborhood in Charlotte and works as a research analyst.

Before moving to North Carolina, I spent several years in Boston. It was at Flour Bakery on Washington St. that I first experienced a homemade version of the childhood breakfast treat, the Pop Tart. I’m not sure if it was nostalgia for Boston or nostalgia for childhood that sparked my craving this week, but I had to whip up a batch.

Recipe Below: Homemade Pop Tarts Read the full story

2011 market poster, image by Dione Goyette

2011 summer season begins Saturday next to Town Hall

Davidson Farmer’s Market kicks off its third summer of weekly markets this Saturday, April 9, with a lineup of more than 40 farmers, bakers, cheesemakers, chefs and other vendors from around the area.

Open every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon, the market has become a weekend destination for residents and visitors. The market has kept a twice-monthly schedule over the winter, and now returns to weekly markets through Thanksgiving.

“Our farmers and vendors have been working hard this winter to plan their offerings to meet the expanding customer demand at the Market,” Market Manager Mary Jane Leach said. Read the full story

La Parisienne is ending sales of chocolate with a half-price day Friday. (Christina Ritchie Rogers/DavidsonNews.net)

Also, a new menu at Flatiron Kitchen, a new bar at Campania and other dining notes.

La Parisienne on North Main Street in Cornelius is getting out of the chocolate business, and shifting to an art-focused coffee and wine shop with a new name. Friday will be the last day for chocolate, with all confections half-price for the day. Meanwhile, Flatiron Kitchen + Taphouse has a new menu, from new chef Andres Arboleda; Campania Cafe & Trattoria has added a bar and menu items; and other dining news. Read the full story

A chocolate bourbon cupcake, made by Liz Weindruch.

Liz Weindruch lives in the Elizabeth neighborhood in Charlotte and works as a research analyst.

By LIZ WEINDRUCH
DavidsonNews.net

I’ve made these chocolate cupcakes in the past with a cup of stout beer, but recently found myself wondering, as I do with many things, “What would happen if I substituted bourbon?”

I seized the opportunity to try it out recently in honor of the 30th birthday of my friend Christina, editor of CorneliusNews.net.

RECIPE: Chocolate Bourbon Cupcakes

Read the full story