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Business & Tech

PATCH PICKS: Oconee Area Top Chefs

Oconee County is home to some world-class chefs.

Chef Jose Zombrano of :  Loves to visit with patrons; gladly makes dishes of your choice or whips up surprises not on the menu; educated working side by side with some of the best chefs in California; worked for the Hilton Hotel chain in Beverly Hills; owner of Girasoles.  

Executive Chef Richard Miley of :   “Simplicity works” is his motto; According to the restaurant's Web site, Chops & Hops is his dream to create one of America's best restaurants; freshest ingredients prepared to order;  former marine; attended  Cordon Bleu in Atlanta.

Chef Timothy Piccolo of :  Rochesster, New York native;  has spent 27 years in every aspect of the restaurant industry;  enjoys interacting with guests; grilled ribeye is his favorite;  "My cooking experience includes Asian cooking and Bar-B-Que, which makes for very interesting influence!" Piccolo said.

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Chef Zach Smith of :  Originally from Birmingham, Alabama; 16 years of experience;  Chef for Dominick's in Norcross for 7 years; uses all fresh and natural ingredients;  favorite smell in the kitchen is roasting peppers over an open flame.

Chef Mirko Di Giacomantonio of , Watkinsville: Native of Tortoreto, Italy;  surrounded by food his entire life; developed a passion to cook and to "impart love" by watching his grandmother cook for his family; worked as a chef in Italy, Belgium, Germany, Romania, and the United States. Said Giacomantonio on the company's Web site, "When people come to Mirko Pasta, I want them to feel like I felt when I went to my grandma’s house".

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