When world travelers Chris and Christina Phillips opened Restaurant X in Davidson about a year ago, it was the culmination of several dreams. They wanted to put what they had learned about various cuisines into play in their own restaurant, and they wanted to get away from the frenetic pace of New York City. Christina adds, smiling, “X marks the spot.”

When they visited the Charlotte area just after St. Patrick’s Day in 2005, a stop at Jetton Park and the lovely weather sold them. “It’s a much calmer pace of life,” Christina says. “And we’ve quickly gotten to know everybody. Davidson reminds me of a little town in Ireland.” (She’s Irish, and he’s British.)

Their travels in Southeast Asia fueled their knowledge of different cuisines. They worked exchanges with folks in restaurants in various places, Chris explains. They taught cooking traditions of England and Europe while learning the techniques of Asian cuisine. “There was a language barrier,” Christina says, “but we learned by cooking with them – hands on.”

OUR VISIT
Joining the Out to Lunch crew this month were John and Daphne Stroup. John, who grew up in the UNCC area, is in real estate, and Daphne stages houses and condos that are being sold. After living in Charlotte, the couple moved to Davidson four and a half years ago. “We love to eat out,” Daphne says with a big smile and a twinkle in her eye.

THE SCENE
Muted wall colors with a mix of original art and posters add to the casual atmosphere.

THE FARE
Rebecca Schultz, administrative assistant, says, “The Crab Cake Sandwich ($8.95) did not disappoint – tasty lump meat crab without the breading fillers most places add. The coleslaw was a healthier version with an oil and vinegar mix.”

Editor Carol-Faye Ashcraft tried the Shepherd’s Pie ($7.95). “Plenty of ground beef in a thick sauce with vegetables,” she says. “Topped with toasty mashed potatoes. Delicious comfort food.”

Our guest, John, tried the Tortilla Soup ($3.95) and says, “This was excellent. Full of zingy flavor and huge chicken strips.”

Advertising representative Kim Cross says the Roasted Veggie Sandwich ($7.50) is “very good, just enough pesto without being overpowering, and the bread was nice and crusty.”

Ad rep Cindy Gleason tried the House Mixed Green Salad ($4.95) topped with a crab cake suggested by the server. “The salad had a very light balsamic vinaigrette dressing that was very good,” she says. “The crab cake was meaty – not a lot of breading and spiced just right.”

The Brazilian Shrimp Salad ($8.50) that was advertising rep Kim Morton’s choice offered a “fresh bed of greens topped with cold boiled shrimp and chopped peanuts drizzled with a fantastic lime dressing – just out of this world.”

Rebecca raves, “You must save room for dessert. The Banoffie Pie ($4.50) was my favorite – just the right amount of creamy and crunchy textures with the bananas and toffee.”

Kim Cross and Carol-Faye’s favorite was the Chocolate Torte ($4.50). “Creamy, sinfully rich and delicious,” Carol-Faye declares. “I also liked the Sticky Toffee Pudding ($4.50), which tasted like Christmas.”

Our guest Daphne adds, “All the desserts were excellent, not your usual run-of-the-mill choices. Lots of rich chocolate, caramel, ginger and fruit. The real whipped cream was an extra bonus.”

Restaurant X

THE SERVICE
Servers are very knowledgeable about menu items. Service is attentive without being intrusive.

THE CHECK
Lunch: soup of the day, $3.95; pasta of the day, $8.95; sandwiches, $6.95-$8.95; salads, $5.35-$8.50; chicken quesadilla, $6.95; bangers and mash, $7.95

Dinner: appetizers, $4.95-$9.75; entrees, $11.95-$17.95; salads, $4.95-$9.95; desserts, $2.50-$4.50

THE DETAILS

• ADDRESS: 408 S. Main St., Davidson
• CONTACTS: 704-892-9369; fax 704-655-8942
• HOURS: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.-10 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday; 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday brunch
• SEATS: 30 inside; 30 on patio
• PAYMENT: American Express, MasterCard, Visa