5 things to know about Davidson Ice House, now open in Davidson

Davidson Ice House is a paleo, vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free and general lover-of-delicious-food-friendly spot in the building originally occupied by Davidson Ice Company in 1922.

Since the ‘20s, the building has been transformed by various tenants, many of whom hid the building’s historical elements. Brulé and team have stripped it back down to reveal beautiful brick, open ceilings, and original machinery.

The vibe is comfortable and familiar and definitely fits in with Davidson’s hometown charm.

The restaurant is open Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.- 9 p.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Here are 5 things you need to know about Davidson Ice House.

It’s a build-your-own bowl or wrap concept.

Brulé has crafted 8 signature items, but guests are welcome to start from scratch and get a little crazy.

Choose your base (grains, rice, greens) or go with a wrap.

Pick one protein (paleo grilled chicken thighs, cast iron chicken, crunchy mushrooms, braised smoked brisket, chopped vegan chicken), unlimited veggies (super cool options like grilled slaw and lemon pickled cauliflower), one or two spreads (classic hummus, green hummus, silky ratatouille, firecracker pimento cheese), and one or two sauces (tahini lemon, creamy pesto, Asian BBQ, spicy green, buffalo, herby ranch, tangy apricot, Caesar peppercorn).

Not feeling creative? Try their most popular bowl: the Davidsonian. You’ll be hooked.

The food is GREAT.

I felt my jaw drop a little more each time a bowl was brought to the table. They’re beautiful and full of flavors you’d never know work together. Brulé is big on evoking “umami” (a pleasant, distinct taste) with her concoctions and is able to create that through various ingredients and homemade sauces.

Quick shout out to the sides: sidewinder fries, crispy cauliflower, crunchy mushrooms, and cup of veggies. Do yourself a favor and order all three fried items.

They mean it when they say gluten-free, vegan, etc.

No need to question the safety of food prep in this kitchen. Brulé has four daughters with four very different diets, including gluten-free and paleo. She’s well versed on preparing meals for all types of dietary restrictions, thus her dream of creating such a family-friendly restaurant.

The dishware is biodegradable.

From the cups and straws to bowls, cutlery, and trash bags, everything is recyclable or biodegradable. The bowls alone are broken down into soil just 90 days after disposal. The kitchen also practices Earth-friendly methods such as vegetable composting.

And owner Jenny Brulé? She’s kind of a big deal.

Love Aliño Pizzeria and/or Barcelona Burger Bar? SAME. Brulé is the mastermind behind these two menu developments. She’s also worked on menu design with national brands, is a known food writer, and has two published cookbooks.

At this point, I’m just praying for a Charlotte location to open one day.

Find Davidson Ice House at 416 S. Main Street, Davidson, and connect on Facebook and Instagram.