Christina and Chris Phillips own Restaurant X on South Main Street, Davidson. (David Boraks/DavidsonNews.net)

By MADELEINE DICK-GODFREY
DavidsonNews.net

While many businesses are struggling against the weak economy and have no choice but to downsize or shut down, Davidson’s Restaurant X has managed to thrive, and is celebrating its 5^th anniversary this week, a milestone highlighted with evolution and growth.

“It has been a hard but a great journey,” co-owner, chef and British native Chris Phillips said. “The best part about it has been the people we’ve met. I love that I can call most of my customers, my friends. We love them as much as they love us.” Read the full story

Third-grader Hannah Mills won the market's recent poster contest. Here it is!

Davidson Farmers’ Market will kick off a new season of winter tailgate markets this Saturday, Nov. 5, when it hosts a Winter Market Chef Challenge – a sort of local food “Iron chef” competition.

The market also is promoting its winter schedule with a new poster, including an image by the winner of its winter market poster contest. Hannah Mills, a third-grader at Community School of Davidson, took the top prize with her drawing of a colorful owl.

Her winning artwork and other entries are on display for the next few weeks in the rotunda gallery at Davidson Town Hall. Davidson Town Hall is at 216 S. Main St., and is open weekdays during business hours.

Read the full story

Outlaw Bash Wednesday at the Brick.

Restaurant events around the area this week include Wednesday night’s Outlaw Bash at Brickhouse Tavern, a ribbon cutting (and free frozen yogurt) at Red Mango in Davidson Saturday, and another in a series of guest bartender nights at Flatiron Kitchen + Taphouse, this month featuring Davidson Mayor John Woods. Meanwhile, Toast Cafe has officially opened its second location – in Charlotte’s Dilworth neighborhood. Read the full story

David will wear this hat, and Lederhosen, in a fund-raiser for Ada Jenkins Center at Flatiron Kitchen Thursday night. (Christina Ritchie Rogers/DavidsonNews.net)

Join us for Octoberfest at Flatiron Kitchen Thursday night, Oct. 6, 8-10 p.m., where David Boraks of DavidsonNews.net and CorneliusNews.net will be guest-bartending in this hat — and Lederhosen. (That’s leather fancy pants, for all you English-only types.) Just picture him in Lederhosen. What a sight! Come poke fun, poke fun, take his picture – and feed the tip jar.

All tips go to the Ada Jenkins Center, a regional community services center on Davidson’s West Side. Flatiron Kitchen + Taphouse is at 215 S. Main St. in downtown Davidson.

Gael Warning is among the bands at the Lake Norman Beer Fest Saturday.

Nothing like a little chill in the air to inspire thoughts of autumn – and beer festivals. The Galway Hooker in Cornelius this Saturday hosts the 2011 Lake Norman Beer Fest, where beer lovers can sample brews from international and regional brewers and listen to a bit of live music. Meanwhile, Restaurant X in Davidson has a benefit night Thursday, and recently won a customer satisfaction award. And Flatiron Kitchen + Taphouse in downtown Davidson is getting ready to tweak its menu for fall. Read the full story

T1 Tapas in Huntersville’s Birkdale Village has undergone a metamorphosis over the past few weeks, becoming the British-themed iPub. Meanwhile, Hot Diggitee Dogz on Davidson’s West Side closed its doors last week, becoming the latest takeout restaurant to fold in the space near Ada Jenkins Center. Its owner plans to reopen in downtown Cornelius. Also, Flatiron Kitchen + Taphouse is introducing live music on Wednesday nights, and the Festival for Hope & Housing will include area restaurants serving food on the Green in Davidson Saturday. Read the full story