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Tue-Sat. 5:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
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This has been one of my pricier dining experiences in the Phoenix, but also the most rewarding. Where else can you show up to dinner wearing flip flops and shorts (not quite the norm, but acceptable) and try some of the most delicately prepared dishes featuring local produce/meats and paired with a great wine list--and then simply enjoy yourself in a relaxed environment.
I'm a huge fan of all the dining concepts at The Farm, but Quiessence clearly stands out as one of my favorite places here or anywhere (and yes, I dine out a lot for work and pleasure). As a slow food restaurant, Quiessence places a strong emphasis on enjoying each and every part of the a la carte menu. And the servers are professional and uniquely helpful in offering their advice about the selections.
On one visit, I inquired about the local vegetable platter and the server told me she would have to ask the kitchen because each platter is prepared to the chef's choosing on the spot. Having no allergies or other concerns, I happily told her to forget it. This is the one restaurant in Phoenix where you should let the chef make as many choices for you as possible.
If you have not yet tried Quiessence, I insist that this is the absolute best that Phoenix has to offer right now for an elegant or simply delectable but casual dinner.
It was a beautiful morning, slightly chilly still, but it was sunny and I had a sweater on, so I elected to dine in the patio. I'd already perused through the menu online, and when I saw that the menu had not changed, I knew I'd have the Power Ranches organic beef burger ($14), cooked to medium (was told it would still be pink), with Bravo white cheddar, subbged with plain aioli, Nueske bacon, house made pickles on the side, with house made potato chips with blue cheese fondue. I decided against having a glass of wine and ordered filtered iced water, instead.
Other reviewers weren't kidding- this is slow food, so be prepared to wait! If I had company, I'd definitely order an appetizer to help stave off hunger pangs- the artisanal cheese (choice of three) with fruits and nuts sounds delicious! Will have to try this during snacktime (from 2p to 5p), where apps are slightly discounted ($2 off?).
Entree arrived- what a beauty! I immediately had to try a chip! I did notice that the burger was was not cooked to medium- definitely not slightly reddish, not even slightly pink. Nevertheless, it was juicy and tender, and just pure delight! Loved the rustic bread used; the Nueske bacon (thick-cut, and such a treat... I want to buy some to use at home- does anyone know where I may procure some? Whole Foods?); and the farm greens and shaved red onion, as well.
Was able to check out the interior on my way to the restroom to wash hands before dining and after... Oh, so charming! What a great place to dine at while on a retreat here.
Hope to visit again very soon!
People thought this was:
After years of longing to go - unfortunately I have yet to date a true foody like myself - I went with a Meetup group. We opted for the prefix menu with the wine pairings boy was I shocked! For those of you who don't know the State of Arizona is not know for their wineries so for a restuarant like this to offer the number of Arizona Wines was very disappointing. To start with one of our party was at the end of a very rough week so she wanted her glass of wine full - the rest of us did not ask for this. I ordered the Mussels as an appetizer which came with a marginal white wine that I hardly touched because it was so awful - keep this in mind for later in the review. The mussels were fabulous - in a nice tomato sauce with plenty of flavor. For the main course I chose the Sea Bass which came with roasted cherry tomato's - all 3 of them and about 1/8 of a cup of squash puree - this too was really nice but again they really needed to work on the wine - the pairing left a lot to be desired. For the final course I chose a Peach tart - which was average but the killer was the dessert wine - it had the taste and consistency of simple syrup and no one at the table drank it. All in all if you go order the Prefix menu but avoid the wine pairings - at $19.00 a person it was expensive and needed a lot of work. The service was average - but when the bill came we found that we had all been charged for an additional glass of wine. I registered a complaint with server when we again requested that our bills be separated but when the separated bills arrived the wine was still on the bill. I turned on that neon flashing Bitch sign and demanded that the charge be removed - I not only had not ordered additional wine nor had I gotten it - after asking for the manager the bills were corrected and we left. Not a bad experience but certainly for all the hype not a good one either.
People thought this was:
I spent one of my best New Years Eves EVER at the Q! There were two seating to choose from for reservations that evening 1.) an early seating around five and 2.) was at nine. Of course I picked the nine o'clock seating. I have been to this lovely restaurant before as you might have read before and have had the pleasure to hear Paris James perform and he was going to be there on NYE too for the later seating. I really enjoy listening to him and besides what better way to ring in the New Year than at Quiessence (my favorite restaurant). My party and I were all so excited of the ensuing NYE night.
Finally that infamous night arrived and all of the courses were delicious! Everything was prepared with sheer perfection. My favorite dish was the Quail it was cooked perfectly and the taste well was fantastic. The wine pairings were sublime. This is my kinda heaven. Timing is everything in life and the flow from one course to the next was flawless. The servers tickle me immensely with their knowledge of what they are serving and where the particular food originated. These days I pride myself on knowing these things. Again they have lived up to my HIGH expectations.
I felt like I was queen for the day! With that said "I WILL be back"!
People thought this was:
Quiessence was amazing as usual! I went this evening with some of my best friends. It was their… Read more »
On a trip where I ate at some very nice and upmarket restaurants, I looked back at my notes on Quiessence and found it hard to decide on its Yelp star rating. The quality of the food almost took it down to 3 stars but in the end, their attempt to be really interested and concerned about the provenance of their produce raised it to 4 stars. I felt that I could really taste the difference with the quality of the ingredients used.
The restaurant itself has a really rural feel to it despite being minutes from metropolitan Phoenix. The long driveway off the main road seems like a step into another world and the long walk from the car park to the low rise restaurant adds to the distinct impression that you're in the country. The interesting history of the restaurant and its associated projects on the grounds are explained in the menu. There is a changing daily menu and the use of fresh local produce is commendable.
Unfortunately, for me personally, it just all felt a little sterile and there wasn't much atmosphere in the place. Unlike some over-posh city establishments, I had expected more of a buzz and hubbub in this quaint restaurant but it was almost the opposite. The staff were efficient enough but lacked the true warmth of natural hosts. There was also the amusing view of them bringing in all the dishes from the kitchen which must have been in another building as they were carrying plates in from outside. This became especially interesting when it started raining.
I started with a board of charcuterie and cheese, which was almost the best course as you could taste the top class ingredients in their pure form. I was interested to taste a pluot for the first time, which was a cross between a plum and an apricot.
The next course of squash salad was average and not very exciting.
Perhaps the worst dish of the evening was cheese pasta with sausage that just had the wrong balance of ingredients. Too heavy for my liking.
However, the next course of steelhead with heirloom tomatoes was much better with perfectly cooked fish accompanied by some super sweet mis-shapen (yay!) tomatoes.
Unfortunately, this was followed by braised lamb that had unfortunately been over-seasoned.
The most spectacular course of the evening was the amazing dessert board. There was melon carpaccio with strawberry, goat's cheesecake, lemon cream, crumb cake, a cookie and truffles.
It's a real shame as I had really wanted to like Quiessence before I dined there but the overwhelming feeling as I left was that it could have been so much better.
People thought this was:
We went here for a special Valentines day dinner and it was PERFECT!
About 3 weeks before we started brainstorming ideas for a romantic and delicious spot and came across Quiessence as one of Phoenix's top 5 romantic restaurants so we thought we would look into it. They set up 3 seating tines 5, 7, and 9pm. Both the 7:00 and 9:00 times were full when we called (3 weeks prior) so we figured it would be amazing and took the 5:00 reservation.
What I love about Quiessence is that you totally feel like you have left Phoenix/Scottsdale. This is NOT in a strip mall and it does NOT have vallet. We parked and had to walk pretty far to reach the restaurant and actually walked through a wedding reception. When we sat down, we also noticed that the people dining around us all looked like they had real parts (unlike many Scottsdale restaurants) and seemed to be having just as great of a time as we were.
Our table was fantastic-nestled in the back corner with a perfect view of the back yard complete with fire places. Our meal was unreal. The Valentine menu included 4 courses all of which were decedent. We went with the wine pairing for each course and couldn't have made a better choice. I had an unbelievable salad with blood oranges and pistachio nuts dressed with a light vinaigrette. The combination of flavors and textures was so well thought, I could have had another serving and been happy forever. For my entree I enjoyed scallops served with pearl onions served over risotto. Once again the flavors were surreal. Our dessert was adorable and served on a large wooden block. We each had mini cups of hot chocolate with chocolate chip cookies, lemon bars and a variety of truffles.
I couldn't have picked a better place to enjoy a romantic meal with my special valentine. Great job Quiessence! I cannot wait to return
People thought this was:
Maybe more of a 4.5 star, but I feel like rounding up is a bit early.
We headed to Quiessence for our wedding anniversary. There is no shortage of restaurants in the Phoenix metro area that could have fit the bill for what we were looking for in a place to celebrate, and Quiessence was a last minute choice after I decided we just needed to pick a place if we wanted to dine this year.
Driving in we noticed 2 weddings being held on the property. I admit, I was nervous. Rowdy drunken wedding guests with staff more focused on serving them instead of restaurant patrons? Recipe for disaster. Those fears proved to be unfounded.
We started the evening off with the vegetable crudite for two. It's a ridiculously simple dish, but amazing. A platter of vegetables, cut and seasoned lightly, was served with herb butter, pesto, and herb aioli. Knowing the vegetables had been grown on here by Maya's Farm, or by Mclendon's was sort of amazing. I'll admit that I'm a recent convert to the local/slow food movement, and this dish really sums all of that up. Simple, fresh and tasty.
Next we ordered mussels. I hate mussels. My husband loved mussels. We decided to try them and I agreed to try one. I now love mussels. Again, another simple dish but very well prepared and presented.
For entrees, I had the haddock served with whipped potatoes and green beans. Husband had the beef tenderloin and the grilled root vegetables. Again, very simple dishes but expertly prepared and very flavorful. At this point, I did feel it was a little simple. And maybe because in my mindset, fine dining includes foams, mousses, and things that are unpronounceable.
As for ambiance, it is very romantic. But when it's dark, the romance is replaced by some hesitation as you try to see. They need a bit more lighting outside. Inside, it wasn't as romantic as I would have pictured but then again, if we would have sat on the patio, maybe that would have changed.
Yes, the food is very slow. But then again, they do say that on the menu and we actually enjoyed it. There was no pile up of plates on the table, no intermittent conversation between bites, and we were really able to take in the location as we sat between courses. We did overhear a server telling a party that she was sorry for the wait and offered to comp their dessert and wine.
My only beef was service. My husband and I are very particular about drinks and even more so in places that have a decent staff to guest ratio. Despite the fact that we saw several food runners, servers, and busboys, we felt that drinks were never really refilled quickly. Additionally I ordered a glass of wine to come with my meal that didn't come until I was 2/3 finished and after I asked for. My husband ordered iced tea and after the second glass, they took it and only gave him more after he asked for it. I know this may seem petty, but its our quirk. Beverage service at a restaurant like this should be old hat to the staff.
One last thing to note is that a 18% gratuity is automatically included on the bill. Maybe this accounts for the reason why our drinks were slow, but had they not have been we would have gladly added additional tip onto the check.
While Quiessence isn't in my price range to dine here regularly, I could see this becoming a place to take friends and family to celebrate.
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Don't give thanks here.
It's been a while since I've posted, but for anyone who can't remember, see my motto above. And I get even more pissed when it's expensive bad food!
So imagine my mood when we left Quiessence yesterday having dropped $171 for 2, (including tax & tip), on a meal that was certainly worse than what I could make at home.
I had the Date & Beet Salad, the Turkey entree, and the Apple Crisp for dessert. Served family style were, greens, Sausage & Onion stuffing, Roasted Carrots & Parsnips, Mashed Potatoes, and a bread basket.
I'll start from the beginning with the salad which was OK. Not what you'd expect for the price, but acceptable. The turkey was brined in an over salted liquid with something odd added. It was moist, but I still left slices on my plate the flavor was so odd.
The stuffing had very little flavor at all & was dry. The sausage added nothing but meat so that the vegetarians couldn't eat it. The mashed potatoes were also over salted. The carrots & parsnips were severely undercooked. Hard as rocks. Or maybe they were overcooked & dehydrated, since a few of them were mush. The greens were good. All of the side dishes were left over. There were 3 kinds of bread in the basket; a dry foccacia, corn bread, & a soaked, with oil or butter, corn bread. They all seemed like they were from the previous day, & someone had tried to save them.
We all had the Apple Crisp with Cranberry Ice Cream for dessert. It was also OK. The Crisp was good, but needed lemon juice to cut the sweetness. The ice cream was an Iron Chef moment. Not a good one. I removed as much as I could & poured a little cream, supplied for the coffee, on my crisp. Oh, for some vanilla Hagen-Dazs!
We were tired of counting pennies, and thought we'd splurge. We'd all been to Quiessence before, when there was a different chef. It's a lovely location, but not enough to make up for the food.
On the day that I usually give thanks for the bounty of life, I started planning Thanksgiving dinner for next year.
People thought this was:
Wonderful place - all local food. One of the best chefs in the valley. Pricey, but worth it.
This place does it. This place is absolutely wonderful. Local fresh ingredients, great atmosphere, excellent service, delicious dishes, great cheese, beer, and wine list.
If you want a really romantic dinner, and want it to last. Go here. Your meal will probably last 2-3 hours. I went here with my fiance for her birthday and we loved it. We sat outside and enjoyed a 3 course meal with drinks. It is sort of pricey, but completely worth it.
Highly recommended.
People thought this was:
Had lunch here on a weekend when we didn't want to wait for a table at Morning Glory. This is definitely "slow" food so be warned. Luckily the outdoor seating was beautiful but a bread basket definitely would've helped calm our rumbling stomachs.
Farm burger ($14) was one of the best burgers I've had in the Valley - flavorful beef patty with a moist tender interior. Braised short rib sandwich was a bit bland by comparison. Locally grown garden veg crudite ($14) was fresh and full of crunchy healthy goodness.
People thought this was:
We waited three years to try Quiessence .
Our first visit took place in early September to celebrate our 7 year wedding anniversary. The previous year we celebrated at the celebrated 5-star restaurant "Marie Elaine's" at the Phoenician (which I think has since closed and turned into a different kind of restaurant). It is to this that I'm comparing the experience.
The housing is small and intimate and even so, I didn't feel crowded. (I'm imagining folks who have read my other reviews rolling their eyes and saying "yes yes, we know you have space "issues.")
Here's what I loved best about the place: The food was wonderfully normal yet interesting (read: unpretentious -- no venison stew cooked over leaks and served in a copper pan.) The wait staff was knowledgeable and friendly (read: they weren't in tuxedo's with attitudes); and the atmosphere was relaxed (read: There was a live blues guitarist - no elevator music; you can dress up or down; and the food was well timed and not rushed).
I've heard that people complain that Quiessence is too expensive for the experience. I say PHOOEY! The food is fresh and organic. The food selection is interesting and unique. And the experience is special (read: NOT Scottsdale).
This place is off the beaten path and I'm sorry we waited three years to experience it. Mea Culpa, mea culpa, mea maxima culpa.
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This is a belated review....
We went for New Year's dinner two years ago and though it was freezing out side the food was amazing. I can't remember the courses but everything was delightful - very unique and local. I used to work nearby and went to the farm often. With a new job I've lost time and am not in the area as much and pretty much forgot about it.
It's defintiely a hidden treasure and I plan on making a reservation soon!
People thought this was:
Over priced.. over seasoned.. slow service. That about sums Quiessence up. While the grounds are sort of romantic (think plant nursery meets your mom's backyard) its not charming enough to make up for the boring menu.
While I can appreciate where they are coming from, "Slow" food does not mean that you have to wait for the food to grow while you sit there at the dining table.
People thought this was:
In the middle of the desert, there is an oasis called The farm. rolling green grass, large pecan trees, and wonderful bars, restaurants, walking areas... very peaceful. The atmoshere is perfect, the food is divine, leading to a perfect experience. Weather you are from out of town, or from the valley, you cant die until you visit.
People thought this was:
Excellent! I took my girlfriend to Quiessence for her birthday not completely knowing what to expect. It is a quaint old farm house tucked away on the South Mountain Farm, and it oozes charm. My girlfriend and I are both vegetarians and the menu had plenty of options for us. We started with the artisan and farmstead Cheese platter (which you choose three cheeses from a list of about twenty-five) and it comes with candied dates, pecans, and apple slices; this was simply delicious. I continued with the Arizona citrus and romaine salad, topped off with fried shallot slices, and my girlfriend went with the cannellini bean soup; both were amazing. I finished with the farmer's cheese gnocchi with cauliflower, pine nuts, and raisins, and my date had the vegetable palette, which is a selection of that days fresh vegetables. The entire meal was transcendent, and trying to articulate how right everything was and felt is difficult to do.
The wine list is extensive and the service is fantastic. Quiessence is pricey, but completely worth it. In a city that sorely lacks upscale dining experiences, Quiessence is a breath of fresh air.
People thought this was:
I worked at Quiessence for a short time so I know it well. I am friends with the GM, Dustin, as well as the Chef, Greg LePrad.
The place is a cultural gem in Phoenix, and is the ultimate place to take Out-of-Towners to show them that Phoenix is not all strip mall dives and fast food chains.
Quiessence follows the "Slow Food" way as a philosophy and Greg and Dustin utilize the local produce from Maya's Farm to create delicious and simple rustic new American fare. Do not expect seeing Scottsdale waifs with big racks drinking red bull and vodka here. The only chicks your going to see are baby Guineafowl scratching for bugs outside your urban farm window. This place is organic, natural, and relaxed.
Chef - Icon, Alain Ducasse wrote in his 2000 book, Harvesting Excellence, he wrote that the Farm at South Mountain as "Eden-like."
Adam...Eve...return to the garden as the Guineahen will keep the serpent at bay.
People thought this was:
the whole dinner thing took about 2 hours........ so come with patience.
when i went, i think on a tuesday nite, a gentleman was playing some jazzy songs. in fact, i think he was singing too!
the salad was pretty simple but tasty.
my plate was delicious. grilled berkshire pork tenderloin w/red wine sauce and fingerling potatoes and apples. mmmmMMMm black pig....... the way it's supposed to be....... xtra fatty delish marbling!
the goat cheese cheesecake.......... makes me wanna sing that jenny craig song....... u know..... the one that goes "yummy yummy yummy i got love in my tummy"
well..... i think it's the jenny craig song........
i understand about the bathroom thing. it's kinda like intruding on someone's dinner space. i just hoped that they couldn't hear me peeing.....
People thought this was:
Holy shit! CUTE WAITER. We found this place off the beaten path near the Legacy Resort and Spa where we stayed last night and if you're ever in the Tempe area, this is definitely a nice five star place prepped to impress... and the help is HOT.
It's a wine bar and restaurant that is set up in a beautiful converted home space that still has it's homeyness intact to the tea! Good wine, but for a wine bar, a little sparing... We had fun! There was live music, great lighting, did I mention the hot waiter?, and an overall nice atmosphere (ie, hot waiter)! The menu looked spectacular, but as you've probably figured out by now, I was there for the vino and the view.
People thought this was:
Spent an amazing night at Quiessence for our third wedding anniversary. Immediately upon arrival we were treated like royalty! The service was friendly and prompt. The food was incredible - the focus on fresh, local ingredients is truly unparalleled. We enjoyed local wine (Keeling Schaefer Syrah, Pillsbury Wine Co Roan Red) throughout the meal.
Starting off with homemade (of course!) bread with herb butter and honey was great to stave off our hunger! Then the amuse of heirloom cauliflower was really tasty - perfectly cooked al dente, lightly fried, and served with a citrus aioli.
You can't miss the Chef's Spread if you visit Quiessence. It's a platter of housemade salumis and domestic cheese. I've had this a few times and it never disappoints. The spicy Coppa and pork rillette was my favorite off the platter, but truly, the entire plate is something special.
We enjoyed the recommended citrus salad that included Arizona citrus with golden beets, sunflower seeds, shaved red onion and a creamy sherry vinaigrette. It served as a palate cleanser for the next course.
Our next course included the Rainbow Valley Farmer's cheese gnocchi with sausage and apple. This was so good that my husband didn't want to share. There was enough of everything so that you could enjoy a bite that included the gnocchi, apple and sausage - a perfect combination of flavors. While my husband was scarfing down the gnocchi, I enjoyed the Blue Hill bay mussels with white wine, cream, tarragon, shaved fennel and garlic. We were told that the mussels were cultivated so they would have less brine but would be just as flavorful - she wasn't kidding. These were big fat tender morsels and the grilled homemade ciabatta bread was so good dunked in the sauce.
Normally my husband and I will choose two different entrees so that we can sample more items on the menu, however when the server discussed the braised elk, we knew that neither of us would want to share. By this point, though, we could've easily shared one order of the elk because I was stuffed! The elk though was so tender, it truly almost melted when the fork touched it. Luckily we were able to enjoy the leftovers the next day. And the butternut "mash" accompaniment was the perfect match - Chef La Prad is a master of preparing butternut squash!
We had to skip dessert because we didn't have any room left. It was a great way to spend an anniversary. It's not inexpensive, but if you have the time and the cash, it's completely worth the trip. I've never been disappointed. It's also such a unique experience that you can't have anywhere else in town.
Quiessence is, simply put, beautiful. Full windows and earthy wooden walls give a feeling of warmth inside this restaurant perched in the middle of a farm. The restaurant seemed fairly full even on a Tuesday evening; we had secured reservations just a couple days before.
My friend and I had sampled sandwiches at the Farm Kitchen earlier that week, and were impressed enough to want to eat at the restaurant. The crisp, fresh veggies didn't disappoint: we ordered the salad with orange and grapefruit slices and the crudites to start. Both were very good; I didn't even know how much I liked raw radishes and turnips until I tried them with their pesto and aioli sauces.
For entrees, I ordered the lamb and my friend ordered the pork shoulder. Service started out very good, but trailed off quickly. Waiting for our food took a very long time (a couple seated after us received and finished their entrees before we received our's), and no one bothered to explain the situation until the maitre'd apologized almost 45 minutes later. Apparently the chef was unhappy with the sauce on my entree, so he started anew. This isn't really a problem, but they should have communicated this to us earlier. For our troubles, they comped me the glass of wine I ordered, but they forgot to bring out with my entree as I had requested. Also, they didn't offer us bread, but I will echo the lady who whispered this to us on her way out: ask for the bread. We received warm foccacia, apple walnut, and pomegranate slices of wonder with honey and butter. YUM.
The entrees were both solid, but didn't quite live up to the innovation and freshness of the vegetables. My lamb's sauce was delicious, but the meat was tough. Maybe the vegetarian entrees are the way to go? But our dessert, the gingerbread pear cake, was yet another winner.
If the entrees were tad more inspired, or the service weren't so spotty, this place definitely would have warranted five stars. If I return, I'd like to try the 75$ tasting menu. Our bill came out to about 100$ for two people, including tip, no drinks.
People thought this was:
I had an amazing dinner tonight at Quiessence. When we made the reservation they asked if we were celebrating anything; we were, so when we sat down we were given 3 glasses of complimentary champagne.
We started with a plate of three delicious cheeses. They have a huge selection of cheeses, probably about 20, and we chose a goat, a smoked gouda and a jack. All delicious and served with crostini, perfectly melt-in-your-mouth bartlett pears, pecans, honey and quince paste. Great start.
Our next course we shared two salads - an octopus carpaccio and field green salad. Both good.
My main course was AMAZING. It was heritage turkey with mashed potatoes and carrots. I ate every bite. SO flavorful. My dad had a beef sirloin that was perfectly cooked and delicious with a side of fingerling potatoes. My mom got swordfish. It was not cooked properly when it first came out, but they promptly corrected the problem, so i can't fault them for that.
The ambience was great including a live but not distracting singer and a warm crackling fireplace. In addition, I want to give big props to the servers for knowing everything about the food they served. She knew where the fish was caught, how the beef was raised, what certifications the turkey farm had achieved. It is great to be able to get those kind of answers with zero attitude when you ask the question.
My only reservations would be 1) definitely is "slow" food, maybe a tad too slow but so delicious it was worth it and they said they were short staffed and 2) i'm not sure i buy that their seafood is sustainable. They served atlantic cod and atlantic swordfish. My understanding is that both of these fish stocks are pretty severely depleted. I asked and was told that the fisherman they buy from are committed to sustainable methods, but I'm not sure (personally, for me, at least) that it is possible to sustainably fish a stock that is in danger.
All in all though, a fantastic night and i can't wait to return!
People thought this was:
Hugely disappointing. I had wanted to try this restaurant for a long time but it did not come close to meeting my expectations. I disagree with the reviewer who said this is what Binkleys should aspire to be. The surprise Brick Oven tasting menu appeared to be everything they needed to use up. Shellfish followed by more shellfish followed by fish. Nothing creative that you could say wow that was worth paying $385 for 2.
What I was hoping for was a unique, creative tasting menu, artfully paired with wine in a beautiful outdoor setting. This is what we got:
We arrived a few minutes early and were seated immediately. We had to sit inside as it was cold and there are no heaters, ok not a problem. The staff explained we would not be seeing a menu and we would be adventurous.. After 10 minutes a glass of sparkling wine arrived. We were told this one glass would be the pairing for the first 2 courses
First course, 1 oyster on the shell I dislike oyster so husband ate mine.
Home made bread with honey & herb butter. - nothing special
Plate of salami - dull
Bean soup - good
Mussels with linguine. - I don't like mussels so I sent mine back and got gnocchi instead which was good
Salmon with potato - ok
Steak with carrots - meat was not tender
3 cheese plate - goat cheese, humbolt fog and ripe camembert - This was the best thing we had.
Apple crisp and cheesecake - very disappointing, could have bought better in AJs.
French press coffee was ok but the octagonal cups are not comfortable to drink from.
The wine pairings were ok but the service was so slow we usually finished the wine before the matching course arrived. There was no bouche amuse but there was a palette cleanser of fruit sorbet.
The bathroom. - This was located very close to tables where people were eating and if it was occupied you find yourself standing in the dinners space. There was an open basket of used hand towels on the floor to add to the ambiance.
People thought this was:
If you're searching for foodie hidden treasure in Phoenix, turn your back on the strip malls. You need look no further than Quiessence, "A Garden to Table Experience." As the BF pointed out, "This is what Binkley's should aspire to be."
The philosophy of the restaurant centers around local and seasonal ingredients. Quiessence is a showcase for local growers such as McClendon's. The provenance of nearly every ingredient is noted with strong connections to Arizona. Chef Greg LaPrad's food is not only local, seasonal, sustainable and responsible, it's also delicious. This is the kind of place that does Alice Waters proud.
Since Quiessence depends upon the best seasonal ingredients, the menu changes nightly. The BF and I had the six-course tasting menu. The portion sizes were perfect and the wine pairings were good.
Amuse Bouche: As it should be, we were given a bite of apricot stuffed with local cheese and kissed by mint that left us wanting more.
Course 1: "The Chef's Spread," a tasting of housemade salumi, terrines and cheese. It's nice to know the Quiessence Charcuterie and Salumi program grew out of the desire to use every bit of the animals purchased for the restaurant. The accompanying housemade carrot, zucchini and yellow squash pickles were delightful.
Course 2: Chilled salad of cantaloupe, Armenian Cucumber, tomato and housemade croutons in a yogurt and dill dressing. It's rare that I call a salad course fabulous. The BF and I are going to shamelessly steal the idea and replicate it for our next dinner party.
Course 3: Housemade gnocchi with pork ragut. My family on both sides traces its roots back to Italy, so I am picky with Italian food. Sous chef Anthony Andiario's handmade cheese-infused gnocchi were spectacular and the ragout was perfect. The bowl had been properly warmed to keep the dish at temperature while I luxuriated in it. Our server initially forgot to bring us the wine for this course, but it arrived about halfway through.
Course 4: Fried soft shell crab with zucchini. Neither the BF nor I like soft shell crab. However, this version was so perfectly prepared that we both savored every bite. The zucchini in a savory sauce was a perfect contrast to the seafood.
Course 5: Pork tenderloin with bean and mustard "gruel." The pork was tasty and tender, but it was served fully pink in the center. We were fine with this, but some diners may not be as open-minded to rare pork. I liked the side dish, but the BF did not because it contained beans. The "gruel" was mondo ugly on the plate. Speaking of the plate, the tasting version came on a really awkward piece of china that curved up on one side to form a well for the gruel and then back down on the other side to create a small area for the pork slices. The plate felt crowded.
Up to this point, dinner was utterly sublime and Quiessence was on its way to a perfect five star rating. But then, alas, a star was lost with dessert.
Course 6: Sampling of cheesecake, pink grapefruit sorbet and chocolate "torte" with peach ice cream. These were classic "chef's desserts;" a cook made them but not someone with pastry skills. Chef Greg, please get yourself a pastry chef. With the access that your restaurant has to the freshest ingredients, your desserts should be a revelation. The best item was the pink grapefruit sorbet. It was tangy and refreshing and would have made a great intermezzo. The citrus zest cheesecake was okay, but a bit dense. The peach ice cream was fine. The chocolate "torte," however, was an abomination. The BF theorizes the cake fell as it was grainy and lumpy. At first, I thought it was either supposed to be cheesecake or some sort of chocolate bread pudding. I confirmed with the server it was a "torte." I cannot believe the kitchen allowed that mess to be served and it went back virtually untouched. The sad part is that was our final impression of the restaurant. Dessert cannot be an afterthought or lazy. The wine for this course was tawny and it did not complement the citrus flavors.
Putting the huge disappointment of dessert course aside, Quiessence was wonderful. We'll be back as this place would be a perfect showcase for guests or a special occasion. Next time we'll try the Brick Oven Table. It's a magical table outside in its own little cabana wrapped with mini white lights. It features an improvisational $95 pp eight-course meal that the chef and sous chef prepare for two to six people.
Quiessence features a relaxed atmosphere. The interior is neutral and many of the decorative items appear to be from Marshall's. The environment is pleasant enough and does not distract from the food, which is the real star of the show.
Your AMEX had best be prepared for a workout. The tab for the BF and I came to just over $310 with tax and tip. That included the $75 pp six-course tasting menu and the $40 pp wine pairings.
Please note that Quiessence is closed for the month of July.
People thought this was:
In terms of both cuisine and ambience, Quiessence is about as good as it gets in Phoenix. I love the fact that you can sit down and enjoy a multi-course tasting menu in a relaxing, chill setting, as opposed to the stiff old-people vibe of other higher end restaurants. The farm setting is quaint and refreshing - it's almost like stepping out of Phoenix and being on vacation for a brief spell.
As for the food, it won't satisfy your palate if you're used to the typical American cookie-cutter chain with overseasoned, cooked-from-frozen pap. The food at Quiessence is seasonal, organic, locally sourced, and vibrant...perfect for a cosmopolitan foodie palate. They have a very specific philosophy in terms of how they do things. The focus is on quality, which may lead to a slightly more leisurely pace than some are used to, but the wait is by no means long. It's part of the experience - to spend time with someone whose company you enjoy and just relax in the lovely garden setting while eating wonderfully creative food. I've had two tasting menus - one of them at the Brick Oven Table - and while the first was excellent, the second time was just sublime. Apparently, they're opening in the afternoons now for more inexpensive and quicker lunch options.
The one area where I would have faulted Quiessence after my first visit was the dessert...it was good enough, but you could tell they needed a specialized pastry chef. The second time, the dessert had noticeably improved and was up to snuff with the rest of the wonderful meal....we asked, and sure enough, a pastry chef had just joined the team. I consider myself to be a rabid foodie and find great pleasure in food of all kinds....Quiessence is definitely one not to miss, period.
People thought this was:
My first Quiessence exposure was as a lucky +1 during a Yelp Elite event. I enjoyed the servers, who demonstrated a knowledge of the menu and its origins. It was tucked away in rural evening simplicity. My second exposure was a quiet dinner for two, and it was extraordinary. Our server, Nicole, was exemplary: timely but not pushy, informative but not excessive. She kept our drinks coming in a nice rhythm and explained the subtle nuances of each dish. Most importantly, she called after we left . . . why, you ask? Because I failed to notice the "gratuity included" note on the bill and added a sizable tip to the total. She wanted to ensure I was aware. I told her to keep it, as she made our night. The cheese selection, especially with the fresh honeycomb, was outstanding. It started us off on the perfect note, and that lovely culinary song continued into fresh, locally-grown salads (mine with seared scallops) and perfectly prepared entrees. Dessert? We had to try it . . . an authentic, hug your southern grandma, bread pudding. My companion for the evening, in his words, "was blown away" by the experience. The walk back to the car, on a crisp evening (btw), makes for a great chance to walk closely. Coy smile.
People thought this was:
I love this restaurant. If you consider yourself a gourmand, one who seeks the best in life, one who searches for innovative cuisine, or just a lover of real food, you will appreciate Quiessence. Check out their website (or call) to get a sense of the menu.
They make a magical Valentine's Day dinner (and will do it on the 13th, if you like the idea but not the extreme madness in going out for that evening). I kept my menu and will stare at it longingly forever. We did the wine pairing with each course, mmmmmm. I just don't have the time and money at this point in my life to do that kind of work, so taking advantage of someone else's tastes (as long as they are excellent) is a beautiful thing to me.
Fresh ingredients - local ones where possible - and damn good ones. Wonderful wait staff, with whom to discuss your gastronomic experience. Setting: lovely South Mountain farm with pecan trees, which includes Maya's Farm (produce are sold at the Downtown Public Market on Saturdays) and a brunch and lunch restaurant (all 3 are in separate areas/buildings).
Quiessence is pricey but definitely worth it. Take someone who will appreciate it.
Update, 9 September 2007: We went here for our anniversary dinner...mmm. Just as awesome as ever. I felt compelled to add a few things so people wouldn't be shocked when going there:
- Portion sizes are fairly small, so that you can choose one of each course. I'm sure that makes the prices (which you can find on the website under the menu) all the more shocking to some people. To me, it's totally worth it.
- This restaurant is a good way to impress other people. Maybe your taste buds are poor, but you are rich - you should still take people here :)
- Staff tip: amazing pears from Aravaipa Farms, which has a bed & breakfast, only about 2.5 hrs drive from Phoenix (on the way to Globe) but with a different microclimate, http://www.aravaipafar.../
Update, May 2008: we went again for a celebratory dinner and got the brick oven table. I'm still so thrilled this place exists and that I can support it when my budget allows. The brick oven table with the wine pairings is a spendy (nearly $400 for the 2 of us) but worthwhile experience. The menu for the evening is personalized to your tastes. In the last year, we found out one of us has a wheat allergy, and one of us has a corn allergy. Those were some new things to accommodate, and we mentioned that when making reservations expecting it to be accommodated. We had 8 courses and 9 glasses of wine each, over the course of 5.5 hours. There was ample time to rest and relax in between courses, and we were stuffed when we left (but not unpleasantly so). You're really in your own little private world at the brick oven table...far enough from the noises of other diners to enhance your experience. Dustin was our server for the evening, and we enjoyed all the info he shared about the ingredients in the food and the wines. Some of the wine pairings were extraordinary with the food. Some were surprising (one that tasted like its Spanish coastal terroir, served with shellfish). There were a few things that disappointed me, though. Our allergies were forgotten a few times, though when that happened, replacement food was brought out promptly. For the most part, our allergies were attended to well. However, dessert sort of ruined things. We were initially brought a selection of lovely cake-like and crust-laden desserts. I mentioned the wheat. They were replaced with two citrus sorbets, one grapefruit, one lemon, and lemon creme brulees. This was served with tawny port. No no no! All that sour citrus...and port?? I let them know that didn't work at all. Surely something could have been made - a flourless chocolate cake, perhaps? The lemon creme brulee on its own would have been fine, but with all of that mouth-puckering sorbet...I still love the place, I'm still glad it exists, the service is superior, and I love the use of wonderful-tasting, fresh, local ingredients, but that dessert didn't work. Thank goodness for the other 7 courses (including a whole fish we picked clean...in addition to our meat course).
In spite of the poor dessert choices this time around, I'm convinced that people who think their food is "overpriced" or "overrated" have poor palates and probably rarely venture outside of chain restaurants, where the food is laden with corn syrup, MSG, and other fake flavors. Every main course I've had there was outstanding.
People thought this was:
Disappointing is the key word. 5 stars for ambiance and location.
Service was good, food was overpriced and overrated.
We had there cheapest red wine and split an appetizer, salad and pasta dish, then each had a main course (fish and lamb), no desert.
$170 is a bit high for what we got. The salad, appetizer and pasta were all very good but the main courses were not outstanding by any definition.
We had great hopes from what we had heard but won't be back.
The original chef has his own restaurant in Anthem called Madelyn's. It is a Bistro and is very good and reasonably priced including some $20 wines. Try it instead.
People thought this was:
This is the best restaurant I've eaten at in the Phoenix area. It was unfortunately cold and rainy when we went in May, so we sat inside; a great treat was the local blues guitarist who was playing that night. However, the food was the real treat. We ordered the cheese and cured meat plate to start; the cheese was good, but I would skip the cured meats, which were some head cheeses and kind of weird other gross-ish meats (even my boyfriend who is into cured meats would tell you to pass). Everything else we ordered was superb; a house-made ravioli, a scallop special with peaches and greens, and especially the vegetables of the day, 2 dishes where the chef prepares seasonal vegetables to fit his mood. We also had dessert, a peach cobbler that was delicious. The waiter was knowledgeable and all his suggestions were right on the money. Yes, the prices are higher than you might expect, but the flavor you get out of fresher local ingredients is worth it. This is where I'll be taking my parents when they next come to town.
People thought this was:
Phoenix, AZ
Category: Breakfast & Brunch
Phoenix, AZ
Category: Restaurants
Phoenix, AZ
Category: Fruits & Veggies
Phoenix, AZ
Category: American (New)
Phoenix, AZ
Category: French
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