Solaris restaurant opens

In Latin, Solaris means sun, and like the sun, this newest restaurant in Sahuarita shines.

Located on Duval Mine Road next to Ashley Furniture, Solaris has been very busy since opening on July 28.

Serving lunch and dinner seven days a week, the relaxed urban-chic interior is a blend of San Francisco and New York. The menu features popular favorites as well as creative new dishes, and in keeping with owners George Bass and Nick Paulos’ background and previous restaurant, the Amado Caf/, Solaris features several Greek specialties.

“It’s an American restaurant with Greek flair. Green Valley needed upscale dining—something different, something contemporary,” Bass said.

It was Nick’s wife, Jen, who came up with the name, displaying the heavy amount of family influence that went into this restaurant. In addition, the black-and-white framed photos that line the walls, including one of the Brooklyn Bridge and one of the Big Apple’s Flatiron Building, were taken by Bass’ sister Marianna.

Simply said, Solaris is a fine new restaurant with tasteful black, white and neutral decor, attentive service, excellent food, and a welcome addition to the community. The spacious interior seats about 120 and the casual outdoor court accommodates about 40.

What awaits all guests at Solaris is great atmosphere and a true dining experience, Bass said.

Next to the beautiful full-service bar, there’s a baby grand/player piano with a male mannequin on the bench who provides music while garnering stares from diners.

On a recent first visit for lunch, we found Solaris was packed, and this was the “slow season.”

A friend and I each enjoyed the Amado Avocado sandwich. Packed between two slices of fresh seven-grain whole wheat bread were avocado, tomatoes, roasted red peppers, cucumbers and sprouts—delicious and healthy, too. It came with a choice of potato salad, cole slaw or crispy, seasoned fries, making this a refreshing, tasty and filling luncheon choice.

Another friend ordered an appetizer of tender mussels and was very pleased with the generous bowl-sized portion, as well as the seasoned broth the mussels came in.

When the dessert tray came around, two of us shared tiramisu that was sweet, creamy, moist and delicious. We immediately demolished it and felt proud of ourselves while our friend with too much willpower looked on.

The dinner menu offers char-broiled specialties and one page called the “Fish Market” features coconut shrimp, tasty tilapia, scallops and broiled swordfish with a sweet and tangy blackberry-balsamic sauce among the selections.

For those who prefer meat for dinner, there’s fine quality rib-eye steak, prime rib and lamb chops. To satisfy all appetites, the dinner menu also features lighter fare including sandwiches, salads and burgers.

Asked what kind of reputation he wants Solaris to achieve, Bass said, “We want to be the place to be.”

Lunch is served daily from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., with dinner from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Reservations aren’t required, but they are recommended: 520-398-9211.

Ellen Sussman is a freelance writer in Green Valley. Contact her at ellen2414@cox.net.