Andres Arboleda is Flatiron's new chef. (David Boraks/DavidsonNews.net)

Flatiron Kitchen + Taphouse has a new chef, the Colombia-born, Florida-raised Andres Arboleda.

Meanwhile, who has the best soup in town? Diners at last weekend’s 7th annual Souper Bowl fund-raiser picked winners. Also below, a reminder: Davidson Farmer’s Market holds another winter tailgate market on Saturday next to town hall. We also have notes about a new cupcake business in Cornelius – Just Baked Cupcakes -and a new offering at Ben & Jerry’s. Hint: It’s not ice cream. Read the full story

Il Bosco partners Patrick O'Leary (left) and Jimmy Hermann. (David Boraks/DavidsonNews.net)

Il Bosco Ristorante & Bar opened its doors this week in downtown Davidson. Longtime Charlotte restaurateur Jimmy Hermann is hoping to lure diners from around the region with a menu of Italian regional fare, Italian wines and a casual atmosphere.

Mr. Hermann describes Il Bosco (which means “the woods” in Italian) as “a destination restaurant, providing a moderately-priced fine-dining experience to the Davidson community and surrounding areas.” Read the full story

A scene from the 2010 Souper Bowl, where local eateries offer up their best soups. (David Boraks/DavidsonNews.net)

The 7th annual “Souper Bowl” in Davidson Saturday, Feb. 5, will include a new taste — local foods. Davidson Housing Coalition, the event sponsor, is partnering with the Davidson Farmer’s Market to introduce a new “Best Farm to Spoon” category on the menu this year. Soups competing in that category must include local ingredients.

The tasting begins Saturday, Feb. 5, at 11 a.m. in the Lilly Family Gallery of Davidson College’s Chambers Building, and continues until 2 p.m. Pre-event tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for students 12 and over, and $5 for children under 12. Prices will increase at the door. To purchase tickets, please call 704-892-4486 or email Emily Lytle at Emily@davidsonhousing.org. Read the full story

Il Bosco Ristorante & Bar, which has taken over the former Bucci’s space in downtown Davidson, is hiring for a February opening. Meanwhile, changes are still coming at Flatiron Kitchen + Taphouse. The eatery has stopped serving Sunday brunch, but is adding Sunday dinner. Creole House is open again, despite legal troubles for its owner. Also below, a thank you to a couple of local gathering spots.
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It should be cold but sunny on Saturday for the biweekly Davidson Farmer’s Market winter tailgate market off Main Street, next to Town Hall. Stop by for a hot cider at the farmer’s market table while you shop. Meanwhile, the Davidson Senior Scholars will hear from an organic gardening expert at their meeting next Wednesday, Jan. 26. And Sabi restaurant will provide the food Feb. 6 when Davidson College’s Asian Culture & Awareness Association hosts its annual Lunar New Year celebration. Read the full story

With the snowy weather, many businesses are adjusting their hours. Here’s the latest on opening/closing plans at Davidson restaurants Tuesday night. These are the  ones we’ve been able to reach. Read the full story