Chef Adam Puckle (Photo by Addie Ibarra)

What’s Cookin’ with Chef Adam Puckle of The Cafe in Sonoita


December 7, 2023
By Addie Ibarra
By Addie Ibarra

Oh, would you look at that? Another article about Sonoita by Addie.

Here I am, though, sharing another not-so-hidden gem. Tucked away in Sonoita, Chef Adam Puckle isn’t just cooking meals; he’s creating experiences, driven by some of Sonoita/Elgin’s best wines. His passion for crafting experiences and bringing his community together extends beyond the plate.

Chef Puckle understands that dining out is an experience, so in 2009 he created A.P.E Dining LLC (Adam Puckle Experience. His vision was and continues to be creating a unique dining experience using locally sourced ingredients and wine pairings for his community to enjoy.

Chef Puckle’s menu is influenced by “something new and something the same,” leveraging local sources to focus on the guest.

Happenings at The Cafe

Every week, The Cafe is home to live music and great food.

Thursday nights at The Cafe are all about “The Amazing Front Porch Show” — hosted by the one and only Mr. Jim Koweek. It’s a mix of country, western swing, bluegrass, and cowboy humor.

On Fridays, The Cafe serves up Music Dinner. This one is pretty self-explanatory; there’s live music and you eat dinner. For the late risers, Saturday and Sunday brunch from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Dinner

Chef Adam is currently offering savory and sweet bites to pair with a wine flight.

This month, enjoy savory options like the Firecracker Chicken Slider paired with Omphalos Eudaimonia and the Grilled Lime Shrimp with ancho chile paired with Sonoita Vineyards’ Arizona Sunset. And for those with a sweet tooth, indulge in the Chipotle Raspberry Wings accompanied by Sonoita Vineyards MeCaSah, and the decadent cheesecake with raspberries and mint paired with Omphalos Petit Sirah.

If you’re looking for something more special, you’ll want to reserve the last Saturday of the month as these are reserved for the Wine Maker’s Dinner from 5 – 7 p.m.

Upcoming “Wine Maker’s Dinner”

Saturday, December 30 from 5 – 7 p.m.

On Saturday, December 30, Chef Puckle will team up with Vino Stache Winery for a special Wine Maker’s Dinner. You’ll need to make a reservation online or by calling (520) 455-5044.

First Course
  • Italian Sausage-stuffed Tomatoes with Toasted Cotija Cheese
  • Pair it up with the friendly Vino Stache 2020 Sangiovese
    • It’s a medium-bodied red from the Cimarron Vineyard in Willcox
Second Course
  • Smoked Pork Belly with a Dark Cherry Mint Glaze
  • Meet your match with The Painiolo
    • A Mourvèdre from Rhumbline Vineyard in Willcox and Kat and George’s Whitmill Vineyard in Sonoita
Third Course
  • Blackened Prime Rib with Rosemary Roasted Potatoes and Broccolini
  • Sip and savor Vino Stache 2020 Graciano
    • a medium to full-bodied red from a 3-acre vineyard in Sonoita
Dessert
  • Lemon Pie with Toasted Almonds
  • End on a sweet note with the friendly Vino Stache 2020 Malvasia Bianca
    • It’s a skin-fermented white, or what some call an orange-style wine, from the Rhumbline Vineyard in Willcox

You can find more information here. Reserve your spot for the Wine Dinner today by calling (520) 455-5044.

The Cafe is located at 3280 AZ-82, Sonoita, Arizona. For more information, visit cafesonoita.com.

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Article By

Addie Ibarra, native Tucsonan, is a fierce lover of adventure, travels, and food. Addie has her Masters in Legal Studies and hopes to one day apply that towards helping people (and animals) around the globe, while traveling and tasting along...

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