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

Don’t feel like cooking this Thanksgiving? Flatiron Kitchen in Davidson is offering a traditional turkey dinner by reservation only on Thursday. Meanwhile, Davidson Parks & Rec and Armin’s Catering are offering a Mother-Daughter Tea at Beaver Dam in December. And several area restaurants are helping out Hospice this month with “Dining Out for Hospice” events. Read the full story

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

Red Mango's ribbon cutting Saturday included, from left, a Red Mango mascot, partner Paul Carini, partner/operator Trent Barnes, Mayor John Woods and Mayor Pro-Tem Laurie Venzon. (David Boraks/DavidsonNews.net)

A crowd of town political candidates, businesspeople and yogurt lovers lined up Saturday morning to formally christen the new Red Mango frozen yogurt shop at Davidson Commons shopping center, off Griffith Street. The shop, which opened Oct. 7, was giving away free yogurt and toppings through 2 p.m. Read the full story

Red Mango serves natural yogurt with toppings as well as smoothies. Paul Cotter created this one for himself Friday. (David Boraks/DavidsonNews.net)

Red Mango in Davidson Commons attracted a batch fo students and teachers from nearby Community School of Davidson on opening day Friday. (David Boraks/DavidsonNews.net)

By MADELEINE DICK-GODFREY
DavidsonNews.net

Red Mango, an international frozen yogurt and smoothie chain, has made its way to Davidson. The Red Mango store opened Friday at 536 Jetton St., in the Davidson Commons shopping center near Harris Teeter.

The self-serve shop, which originated in South Korea, features flavors such as Mango, Dark Chocolate, White Peach, and Madagascar Vanilla.  It’s among more than 130 Red Mango stores now open for business across the country. The company was just named the No. 1 Zagat Rated Frozen Yogurt and Smoothie Chain in America.

Read the full story