Bites Nearby: Girasoles

Chef Jose Zambrano has mastered the art of “fusion” and creates dishes worthy of a fifth symphony movement at .   Italian cuisine meets Mexican and Latino cuisine at this comfortable restaurant in downtown Watkinsville and the citizens of Oconee County and the surrounding area are the benefactors. Zambrano has said that his food combinations are “like a marriage between two different cultures.” One taste of the food and customers can tell that Zambrano takes his vows seriously.

Starters on the menu include a shrimp and crab soup; the Girasoles salad with your choice of lemon cilantro or mango dressing; and melanzane, an appetizer that melds the flavor of grilled eggplant with caramelized onions, sun dried tomatoes and goat cheese.

Entrée categories include “Inland Specialties,” featuring filet mignon and pork loin scallopini; “Fresh Seafood Specialties,” featuring salmon and a fresh fish of the day; “Surf and Turf,” featuring scallops, Oaxaca chicken and vegetable enchiladas; “Local Favorites,” featuring shrimp and grits; “Pasta Selections,” featuring baked penne; “Vegetarian,” featuring Italian roasted vegetables; and “Chef Jose's VIP Selection,” featuring a trio of dishes selected just for your table. These are just a sampling of the freshly prepared dishes in store for you at Girasoles.

For Chef Zambrano, food is all about exploring the possibilities of flavorful connections and he passes this desire for exploration on to his customers.  

24 Greensboro Hwy., Watkinsville. 706-310-0410. Open for lunch Tuesday through Friday., dinner Tuesday through Saturday and brunch buffet on Sunday. Prices: Moderate.