News Nearby: New Restaurant, European Cousine, to Open in Watkinsville

Pelmeni; fermented cabbage salad; stuffed cabbage; meat, fish, and potato patties; chickpea soup; red borscht -- soon you can taste them all and more at a restaurant coming to downtown Watkinsville.

European Cousine is moving into 10 D Barnett Shoals Road, a space that formerly housed Jennifer Jangles gallery and shop.

Owner Evey Renior says she's in the process of remodeling and having plumbing and electrical work done. When completed, she expects the eatery to seat about 40 guests.

"I have passion for food," Renoir told Watkinsville council this week. "I have passion for people and a great passion for helping people."

Renoir practiced medicine in Russia for 20 years, where she also helped with her family's restaurant. She says good food promotes healthy living and prevents diseases.

"I want to provide not just healthy food, but a very healthy, cozy environment for people so they can come after they work," she explained.

She picked Watkinsville, the city she's called home for the past three years, because she loves its quaint feel.

"It's so calm and peaceful," she said.  "It's like a different world here."

Renoir has sampled dishes from many local restaurants and says she's loved them all.

"I think that my food will be a little different," she said.  "It will just be complementing what you have here in Watkinsville."

When the restaurant opens in mid-February, Renoir plans to serve lunch and dinner for $10 or less.  She's also considering introducing breakfast selections, like zucchini pancakes.

For now she's enlisted the help of family members, but says she may eventually seek part-time workers.

This initially appeared on Oconee Patch. If you want more news from Oconee, subscribe to Oconee Patch’s free newsletter, like it on Facebook and follow it on Twitter.