Salmon with Pan Asian sauce, one of several sauces available on fish dishes. (Bonefish Grill photo)

In a restaurant heavy area such as Birkdale Village in Huntersville, you would have thought a new addition would find it difficult. Bonefish Grill saw it as the perfect opportunity to add to a list of locations that now tops 150.
 
The owners liked the location, including the fact that the sign is one of the most visible in Birkdale while driving along nearby Sam Furr Road, managing partner Jordan Biel told us during a visit last week.
 
First impression: If you are seated away from the windows, it is particularly dark in there. That aside, we were quickly attended to by a knowledgeable server. After completing an intense six-day training program, the staff certainly have answers to any questions you may have and are full of useful information and suggestions on the menu. And there are many interesting choices. Read the full story

Cornelius said goodbye to a restaurant fixture a couple weeks ago, as K&W Cafeteria closed its doors April 29. Meanwhile, Prickly Pear has moved to a new location in Mooresville, and Lancaster’s BBQ celebrates 25 years of business. Also, Concord Mills will host a hot dog eating contest, and Zink in Charlotte is helping out the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Library, donating a portion of sales to buy books. Read below for details. Read the full story

By CAMILA DOMONOSKE
DavidsonNews.net

Beer! Local food! Lobster! Tapas! Barbecue! Over the next few weeks, our area has something to offer for just about every kind of foodie. Craft beer aficionados can head to the N.C. Brewer’s and Music festival; environmentalists and local-food activists can go farm-to-fork at Riot in the Pasture; fans of more traditional cuisine can enjoy a pound of lobster apiece at Lobsterfest; do-it-yourselfers can take in the next round of Hands-On Cooking classes; and fans of classic Southern fare can appreciate award-winning BBQ sauces… as chosen for the Democratic convention! Details on all of these below, plus tips for Mother’s Day and a round-up of live music at local restaurants. Read the full story

By CAMILA DOMONOSKE
CorneliusNews.net

There’s a big weekend coming up! With Cinco de Mayo, the Kentucky Derby, and Davidson’s Town Day all falling on May 5th, you have a wide range of options for activities, food, and drink. See details below, plus the news on restaurant openings and a line-up of Mother’s Day options. Read the full story

By CAMILA DOMONOSKE
CorneliusNews.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

Strawberries at the Davidson Farmer's Market.

DAVIDSON – This Saturday, April 28, Davidson Farmer’s Market will hold its annual Strawberry Shortcake Day from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. – or whenever the shortcakes run out! Read the full story

By CAMILA DOMONOSKE
CorneliusNews.net

Get ready for a packed couple of weekends as we head towards summertime. Pretty soon it will be prime strawberry-picking season and all you local foodies can take advantage of delicious local fruits and vegetables – whether you’re cooking them up at home or enjoying them at area restaurants. Between trips to the Davidson Farmer’s Market and local farm stands, check out Art on the Green (and the Concert on the Green!) this weekend, and Cinco de Mayo and Kentucky Derby parties next weekend. Music, art, mint juleps, and margaritas – for the next few weeks, this area’s got them all. Read the full story

By CAMILA DOMONOSKE
CorneliusNews.net

They say Friday the 13th is bad luck, and this month it does fall just before tax day, but don’t be alarmed: Our luck hasn’t run out. This week, we’re lucky to live where there’s a little something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for some late-night ice cream, a classy wine-and-beer fundraiser, or a hair-raising murder mystery, local dining establishments have you covered. Meanwhile, go ahead and mark your calendars for Art on the Green, and be advised that spots are filling up at the Cooking Classes at Wooden Stone Gallery. Details below, plus a round-up of live music at local restaurants. Read the full story

By CAMILA DOMONOSKE
CorneliusNews.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

The 2012 Davidson Farmer's Market season begins Saturday, with six new vendors joining returning favorites. (Davidson Farmers Market and CorneliusNews.net file photos)

By KATIE LOVETT
CorneliusNews.net

DAVIDSON - Davidson Farmer’s Market will come out of winter mode and return for its fifth year of full weekly markets this Saturday, April 7, in downtown Davidson. As the new spring/summer season begins, the market will feature favorite veteran vendors and welcome new ones selling everything from gourmet chocolate to cheese to breakfast sandwiches.

The market is open every Saturday 8 a.m. to noon through October on the market ground, off South Main Street next to Davidson Town Hall. This Saturday’s events include chef Vera Samuels, who will be demonstrating how to cook Easter Brunch French Toast and Moroccan Kale Salad. Read the full story

By CAMILA DOMONOSKE
CorneliusNews.net

What’s the saying about March? In like a lion, out like a lamb-covered-in-inchworms? Is that how it goes? Take your mind off the little green worm infestation with something a little more appetizing – like ice cream, sushi, or a smorgasbord of options. From a Ben and Jerry’s fundraiser to the Sushi and Sake festival to Charlotte’s 17th Annual Taste of the Nation event, charity-minded diners have plenty of options coming up soon. We also have details on Alton’s Kitchen Easter brunch, lots of local music, and a party just for French speakers. Bon appetit! Read the full story

By CAMILA DOMONOSKE
CorneliusNews.net

Do you like your food and wine with a strong pinch of charity? If so, you’re in luck; the Taste of Art fundraiser in Cornelius tomorrow will be full of wine, food, and cooking, and all for a good cause: supporting the local arts. Then on Monday you can grab a tasty burger at Char-Grill for childhood cancer research, and next Thursday, enjoy an Italian meal and pop open a bottle of wine at Campania for the Jimmy V Foundation. Meanwhile, fans of craft beer, gardening, and live music, we’ve got updates for you as well. Bon appetit! Read the full story

Diners stopped at Restaurant X as part of the first Davidson Dinner Promenade (David Batty photo)

By DAVID BATTY

“Why didn’t anyone think of this before?” is the obvious question about the first ever Davidson Dinner Promenade, sponsored by The Town of Davidson and several local restaurants. On March 8, 16 Davidson residents enjoyed a progressive-style dinner featuring mini-courses at Restaurant X, Campania Café & Trattoria, Flatiron Kitchen + Taphouse, Toast Café of Davidson and Il Bosco Ristorante & Bar.

As participants walked from one restaurant to the next in perfect early March weather, Stewart Gray, of the Mecklenburg Historic Landmarks Commission and Davidson Historical Society, treated us to a series of impromptu history lessons about the Town of Davidson. Read the full story

“Kiss me, I’m Irish” shirts… Oversized green hats… Shamrocks everywhere. Are you ready for St. Patrick’s day? Our local restaurants and bars are. We’ve got a roundup below of some of the area St. Paddy’s parties – plus our regular roundup of live music this weekend. Read the full story

By CAMILA DOMONOSKE
CorneliusNews.net

March is a great time of beer – er, year. All you beer lovers, take note: There are some exciting events coming up in our area, including a visit from Brew Master Fergal Murray at Galway Hooker March 17 (St. Patrick’s Day!), and a “Beer Bracket” at Fox and Hound. In addition to tasty beverages, area restaurants offer exciting food and cooking specials, and live music this weekend. Read below for details. Read the full story