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A bit of New Orleans has arrived in Sonoita.

New spices, smells and tastes can be found at La Vista de Sonoita — formerly Karen's Wine Country Cafe, where an unlikely new chef with a background in Creole is heading the kitchen.

Stephen Adams was a displaced Hurricane Katrina victim who moved to Southern Arizona to be near his fiancée's family after the storm. He recently began working at La Vista de Sonoita, where the menu still includes many Mexican dishes, but has also shifted a bit under Adams' watch.

"I'm hoping to bring a little bit of the New Orleans culture here," said Adams, 28, who now lives in Sierra Vista.

Adams, until now a lifelong Louisiana resident, misses his former home, but said people here have been helpful and welcoming.

"I'm going to be making Arizona my home from this point forward," he said.

Sonoita resident Nancy Letarte bought the restaurant in August and said she is excited to have Adams on board.

"We started primarily as a Mexican restaurant. But when Steve came along, he brought a whole different venue," Letarte said.

In addition to Mexican food, La Vista de Sonoita is now featuring Creole dishes. Adams said Creole is a mix of five classic ways of cooking, including African, Spanish, Cajun, French and Caribbean.

Letarte said that along with the restaurant's daily specials, the menu will also feature monthly changes so patrons can try a wide variety of dishes.

La Vista de Sonoita, 3266 Arizona 82, is closed on Tuesdays. Brunch is served from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, lunch is served from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays, and dinner is offered each night from 5 to 8:30.

"We do recommend people make reservations. It would be a shame to drive all the way out here and then wait," Letarte said.

Upcoming events include a five-course meal and wine tasting to be offered on Valentine's Day and on March 7 in honor of Mardi Gras. Details on the menu for each night are still being worked out, but Letarte said each will be paired with five wine tastings. Reservations are mandatory for these events, Letarte said. Call 1-520-455-5282.

To learn more, visit www. lavistadesonoita.com.