Bear & Dragon Tiny Cafe, just across from the courthouse, is known for their creative coffee creations and insanely tasty paninis. A perfect pair for any Prescott day.
When it comes to finding the perfect coffee shop, most people search for a place that offers a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, quality coffee and some tasty treats. And if the establishment happens to be owned by an author, it’s even more intriguing.
Photos By: Jess Phillips Photography
In our small town, there’s a coffee shop that not only boasts unique and creative coffee drinks, but also some of the most delicious panini sandwiches and salads around. The shop is owned by an author, Amanda Adam.
As you enter the tiny cafe, the aroma of fresh-brewed coffee fills your senses, and the sound of soft, or sometimes 90’s country, music plays in the background. Amanda greets patrons with warm smiles and friendly conversation. She is always happy to recommend a new book or chat about the latest happenings intown. Her passion for writing is evident in the menu item names, stickers and tiny lending library outside.
The menu boasts a variety of creative coffee drinks, including flavored lattes, cappuccinos, and the famous “Blonde Sasquatch” – with house made vanilla simple syrup, cinnamon and nutmeg that’s sure to satisfy any coffee craving. But the real standout at this coffee shop is the panini sandwiches and salads. Each sandwich is made to order and packed with fresh ingredients, from the classic turkey and cheese to the more adventurous pesto and avocado.
Chef Interview with Amanda Adam
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself, including where you are today, professionally, and what got you here?
I’m a Prescott gal who left for more than 20 years after graduation, and while gone I taught English abroad, taught Spanish as well, wrote screenplays, and worked a lot in hospitality! I did everything from bartending, serving, floor managing, bookkeeping, and Special Events and Operations Management for the restaurant industry. I’m also a published author! When it was feasible for me to move back home to Prescott with my husband and kids we jumped on it. I love being near family again and our awesome community that I have roots in.
Can you briefly describe your background and how you got started in the restaurant industry?
I’m a Prescott native that left for 20 years and then came back in 2021. While away, I lived in California and worked in the restaurant and hospitality industry. I worked at The Buffalo Club in Santa Monica and Ye Olde King’s Head, in Santa Monica and the Chart House in Malibu, just to name a few.
What is the concept behind your restaurant, and how did you come up with it?
The concept is storybook theme and named after my children’s nicknames.
What sets your restaurant apart from others in the area?
We’re the only tiny cafe in the area and our panini sandwiches are unlike any other. We hot press fresh ciabatta rolls.
Can you tell us about any unique menu items or signature dishes?
The Smaug named after Tolkien’s dragon from The Hobbit is made with brie cheese, pesto, sun dried tomatoes, cheddar and bacon. For coffee, currently our Sasquatch is extremely popular made with house made organic brown cane sugar syrup, vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg.
How does your restaurant source its ingredients and ensure the quality of the offerings?
We source as much locally and organically as we can. We source our honey from here in Arizona and we make most of our syrup flavors.
What are your future plans for the restaurant?
We are looking to go brick and mortar very very soon. We’re going to be an elevated cafe, with cottage style dinners. Think wine and cheese boards, possibly overlooking the creek … We hope to create a literacy atmosphere in a historic horse and buggy firehouse.
How do you engage with the local community, and what impact do you hope your restaurant has on the area?
We want to be a community gathering place for book clubs, poetry reading, author signing, open mics, ect. We’d love to be hands on with our customers and our community by supported small businesses and local artists.
What is your favourite piece of kitchen equipment?
My favorite piece of kitchen equipment is an iron skillet. Hands down.
What would you be doing if you weren’t a chef?
If I weren’t running my tiny cafe I’d be home with my kids and writing books, or teaching which is another huge passion of mine.
What advice would you give to someone starting in the restaurant industry?
Experience is everything and you really need to love serving people. It’s best to create an experience. You can have the best recipe but that doesn’t make you the best restaurant.
When you’re not in the kitchen where can you be found?
If I’m not in the kitchen I’m with my family, out on a trail, eating out, or hiding out at home. I love travel and adventure and I don’t often sit still for too long.
Can you share any interesting or memorable experiences you’ve had while running the restaurant?
Memorable is seeing people’s faces step inside for the first time and see the design of the tiny cafe. And also watching their faces eating for first time.
What’s your favourite takeaway or comfort food?
My favorite takeaway is good Indian food. I love chicken tikka masala! Favorite comfort food is steak and fries with pan juice.
Voila – c’est toute!
What are your favorite Prescott area restaurants to dine at?
- FARM Provisions
- Murphy’s
- The Palace Restaurant & Saloon
- Papas Italian Restaurant
- Taj Mahal
Bear & Dragon Cafe
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