Sonoran House Sam Hughes hosts the next Tucson Foodie dinner event at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, July 14, at 2513 E. Sixth St. Executive chef Gabriella “Gabby” Alba leads the evening, presenting new dishes in a format that lets guests taste and give direct feedback. Tickets are available in the event page or with a discount for members in the Tucson Foodie app.

Sonoran House Sam Hughes opened in July 2025 inside the historic former Rincon Market building, combining a specialty coffee shop, craft cocktail bar, and scratch kitchen. The concept also functions as a gathering space for more than 150 local artisans. Alba joined the team following a statewide search that drew more than 200 applicants, selected for her baking background, technique, and focus on Sonoran ingredients. For more on Alba and her approach, read Tucson Foodie’s Q&A with her.

The July 14 dinner runs four savory courses with an amuse-bouche and a dessert, all built around Sonoran-influenced ingredients and technique. The full menu:

Amuse

• Manchego Frico: Avocado Mousse, Fire-Roasted Corn Relish, Mesquite Chiltepín Honey

First Course

• House-Smoked Caprese: Heirloom Tomato, House-Smoked Mozzarella, Basil, Balsamic Reduction, Olive Oil, House Salt

Second Course

• Whipped Feta Toast: Butter-Toasted Milk Bread, Smoked Poblano & Caramelized Onion Conserva, Pepita Lime Crunch

Third Course

• Coffee-Rubbed Pork Belly Carbonara: House-Made Mesquite Tagliatelle, Grana Padano Carbonara, Coffee-Rubbed Pork Belly, Manchego

Dessert

• Baked Arizona: Agave-Lime Ice Cream, Candied Pepitas, Toasted Meringue, Espresso Caramel

About chef Gabby Alba Executive chef Gabriella “Gabby” Alba (Photo courtesy of Sonoran House Sam Hughes)

Alba describes her cooking style as “simple made extraordinary,” focused on taking straightforward ingredients and elevating them through technique and attention to detail. Her baking background, which included work at August Rhodes and La Baguette Parisienne, shapes the discipline she brings to the kitchen. House-made bread is a cornerstone of the operation at Sonoran House Sam Hughes, and that same scratch mentality carries through to everything on the menu.

The July 14 dinner gives guests a chance to try dishes Alba is developing before they land on the regular menu. Tucson Foodie’s dinner series invites guests to provide feedback through comment cards and direct conversations with the chef throughout the evening.

Sonoran House Sam Hughes is located at 2513 E. Sixth St. For more information, visit sonoranhouse.com.