By CAMILA DOMONOSKE
DavidsonNews.net

While the weather can’t seem to decide what season it is – middle of summer or late, breezy autumn? – local farmers, brewers and restaurants know: It’s springtime! And spring means strawberries, outdoor festivals, and Mother’s Day celebrations. Read on for details about an upcoming beer and music festival, a local chocolate-tasting experiment, an opening date for Bonefish Grill in Birkdale, and a preview of places to check out for Mother’s Day or live music this week. Happy spring! Read the full story

By CAMILA DOMONOSKE
DavidsonNews.net

Have you dyed your eggs, bought your chocolate rabbits, and filled some baskets with jellybeans? After all that work, why not give yourself a break and make a reservation for brunch? Below we list local options for a great Easter brunch, whether you prefer a luxurious buffet or a multi-course sit-down meal. Also, an update on Baja Soul‘s hours, wine events at the Wooden Stone and Campania Cafe, and local music. Read the full story

By CAMILA DOMONOSKE
DavidsonNews.net

Valentine’s Day is just 6 days away – have you made your reservations? A variety of local restaurants are offering fixed-price menus and special items for the Feb. 14 day o’ romance. Meanwhile, forget cheese – The Wine Cellar in Cornelius is pairing arts and crafts with their wines this week, featuring jewelry and leather work by local artisans. And, The Wine Cellar, Summit Coffee and Flatiron Kitchen + Taphouse all feature local musicians this weekend. See below for details.  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

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

South Main Square’s Restaurant X has revised its menu while Flatiron Kitchen + Taphouse is adding a summer special – live Maine lobsters – four days a week starting next month. Also below, a preview of the 2nd annual Soul Food Festival at Rural Hill in Huntersville, and a tantalizing note about a possible new Moroccan restaurant in Cornelius. Read the full story

Flatiron's beer tower.

Flatiron Kitchen + Taphouse is spinning its depth of local beers on tap into a weekly event – North Carolina Beer Night. A wine dinner is also in the works for Dec. 7. Also, Epic Chophouse in Mooresville is now open in the former Soiree space on Main Street in Mooresville. Armin’s Catering at Beaver Dam Park is planning an open house next weekend. And Davidson Elementary School stands to benefit from “Take Out Tuesdays” at local eateries.

Read the full story

Chris Phillips of Restaurant X

Restaurant X chef Chris Phillips will be the guest chef at Davidson Farmer’s Market this Saturday. Meanwhile, Brickhouse Tavern owner Nick Lyssikatos tells us to look for a few “tweaks” on his menu. And we have an update on the former Soiree space in Mooresville. Read the full story

Restaurant X on South Main.

Restaurant X in South Main Square has updated its menu this summer to add often-requested specials to its old favorites. Meanwhile, Know Your Farms summer food camp in Davidson still has openings in its final two weeks of camps. Also, it’s YMCA day at Davidson Chocolate Company today (Wed.) and Davidson Farmers Market wants your best salsa recipe.

Read the full story

The Davidson Housing Coalition Souper Bowl's award-winning carrot ginger soup from Restaurant X. (Nikki Moore/DavidsonNews.net photos)

By NIKKI SAWYER MOORE
DavidsonNews.net

Winner of “Best Overall Soup” at Davidson Housing Coalition’s 2010 Souper Bowl Competition was the carrot ginger soup by Chris Phillips,co-owner and chef at by Restaurant X on South Main Street in Davidson.

Maybe I don’t give carrots enough credit, but I had a hard time believing a soup made from the lowly carrot had taken top honors against a field of worthy soups made by local restaurants. Frankly, I just didn’t think that the orange root vegetable had the star quality to pull it off.

So, it was with great doubt that I stopped by Restaurant X to try the soup for myself. Upon my arrival, co-owner and manager Christina Phillips served me a cup of the soup and left me alone with it. I’m glad she did. I needed some time with this soup; time to wrap my head around the fact that something this delicious could be made with carrots.

The soup, a thick puree, is bright orange with an enticing aroma. A spoonful, with its bits of fresh ginger and hints of curry, tastes exotic, but manages to still be surprisingly comforting. It’s something you can imagine eating at home on a rainy day.

Read the full story