Our favorite Arizona wine geek, Sam Pillsbury is no longer our hidden source for entertainment and great wine. The Sundance Channel tapped him as a “Tastemaker” ambassador for Phoenix. Watch the clip where he shares his passion for wine, art and favorite places to eat… including Quiessence! Thanks Sam!

Make a wish and it might just come true! This week, the globe delights in the annual Perseid meteor shower. Reserve dinner at Quiessence Restaurant & Wine Bar and you might catch a glimpse of falling stars, adding to the charm of an evening at The Farm. Call (602) 276-0601.

This month’s recipe comes from our friends at Santa Barbara Catering Company! They’ve recently launched a blog of their own to highlight event ideas, tips and trends…

“Phoenix outdoor events can be hot and in desperate need of cooler vibes and atmosphere. Surprise your guests with a refreshing cocktail sure to get any party started this summer. Straight from the vibrant culture and party atmosphere of Brazil, the Caipirinha features the key ingredient cachaça, (pronounced KA-SHA-SA) which is similar to rum, but with an exotic refreshing twist! ”

Visit their new blog site at: www.PhoenixEventPlanning.com for the full recipe and other great event ideas!

We’ve had a busy spring here at Quiessence, holding first-time special events that were so successful we’ve vowed to offer them again next year! First, we threw a garden party reception, farm tour and five-course vegetarian dinner to celebrate Earth Day on April 22nd. Then on Mother’s Day, May 10th, we left no mom unpampered, offering a special three-course dinner, as well as hand massages for her and photos of the family, taken in the garden. But our most popular and well-attended event was Blues at Q, a mini blues festival and garden party held under the stars on May 28th. Local blues greats Bob Corritore, Paris James and Big Pete Pearson kept the patio rocking, while guests grazed on appetizers, hand-made pastas and sandwiches, washed down with local brews, wines and classic cocktails. We’re not sure how to top it, but we’ve got nearly a year to figure it all out!

He’s back…One night only!

Quiessence Restaurant welcomes legendary Arizona wine maker and Hollywood film director Sam Pillsbury and his award-winning wines for a can’t-miss night of storytelling throughout six courses of dinner and wine!

 View the menu and RSVP online >

One night only! Reserve your seat or ticket now!

Three top blues musicians take a break from Phoenix’s Rhythm Room concert hall and head to the open-air Farm at South Mountain for “Blues at Q,” a garden-party night of summer jazz Thursday, May 28th at 8pm. Soulful songs, heartfelt foods and local wines and beers come together for one night as Quiessence Restaurant hosts local blues legends Bob Corritore, Paris James, and Big Pete Pearson on the gorgeous outdoor patio of Morning Glory Café at the Farm at South Mountain…

Get the full details here >

DOWNLOAD & VIEW THE MENU >

Celebrate Earth Day with Quiessence and the Farm at South Mountain as we present a very special Earth Dinner & Farm Tour. Discover the merits of sustainable farming right at the source as you stroll through our organic gardens and scenic property.

Dinner features a “green” spin on five courses of vegetarian dishes, each paired with an organic mini cocktail.

6:30pm - Reception and Hors d’Oeuvres
Mix & mingle with friends and guests outdoors while enjoying “taste of the farm.” Owner A. Wayne Smith. will be on-hand to deliver a welcome speech.
7:00PM - Farm Tour
Led by farmer Maya Dailey, you’ll tour the organic gardens and learn all about sustainable living, farming and this seasons produce.

7:30PM - Earth Dinner at Quiessence
Savor a 5-course vegatble Earth Dinner featuring the seasonal bounty of the farm and region. (Sugar Snap Pea Soup with Crème Fraiche, Rainbow Valley Farmer’s Cheese Gnocchi with Maya’s Baby Beets, and more)

Each course will be paired with organic mini “cocktails.” (Fresh Mint and Organic Vodka Spritzer; Tomato Water Martini; Spiced Beet Bubbly; and others)

Quiessence Earth Dinner & Farm Tour
Space Is Limited. Reservations Required.
Call 602-276-0601 $75.00 per Person
Includes Reception, Farm Tour and Five Course Dinner with Cocktail Pairings
Tax and 18% Service Charge Not Included.
DOWNLOAD & VIEW THE MENU >

Chef Gregory LaPrad and team treated the masses with an unprecedented 15 courses at this year’s West of Western Culinary Festival at the Phoenix Art Museum, Sunday, March 15th.

“The most sought-out restaurant of the day had to be Quiessence. Chef Greg LaPrad had promised a 10-course meal, but showed up with a whopping 15 courses” writes Jess Harter of the East Valley Tribune. Read the full article>

Hundreds of flowers and fresh farm produce dressed the Quiessence table while guests savored the 15 dishes including:

• Smoked pork shoulder with shaved fennel and arugula
• heirloom cauliflower “tartare” on brick oven crostini
• house-cured spicy coppa with wine and fennel seed salami
• handmade orecchiete pasta with broccoli, sausage, raisins, and pine nuts

Missed the event? Then make your reservation for lunch or dinner today!

 

Wednesday February 25th 2009
7:00pm Dinner
Seating is limited: RESERVE ONLINE NOW>

Quiessence Restaurant is  thrilled to host wine maker Jacob Hawkes and his selection of handcrafted estate wines from Alexander Valley. Join us as we present 5 courses including “Red” Risotto with Grilled Mushrooms, Tuscan Kale and Fresh Herbs and Cocoa Braised Arizona Elk with Sweet Potato “Mash.”

$79.00 per Person Includes Five Course Dinner, & Wine
Tax and 18% Service Charge Not Included.

Seating is limited: RESERVE ONLINE NOW>

About Hawkes Winery

Hawkes Wine has been growing grapes in the Alexander Valley for more than thirty-five years. Today, Hawkes farms over eighty-five acres of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Chardonnay vineyards in the southern half of Alexander Valley, all planted on sparsely soiled hillsides, and all yielding small amounts of highly intense fruit. In bottling small lots of Hawkes Wine, we aim to translate our extraordinary standards for the quality of our grapes into extraordinary wine, estate grown and produced in Alexander Valley, Sonoma County

Learn more about Hawkes Wines online >

Beth and Bill host Chef Gregory LaPrad on KEZ 99.9

LIVE- Thursday, Februrary 12, 2009. Tune in to Phoenix’s own KEZ 99.9 this Thursday to hear Chef Greg LaPrad join local radio legends Beth & Bill for the Grapevine hour. Greg will be sharing Quiessence’s seasonal cuisine with Beth and Bill while discussing the Phoenix restaurant’s incredible outdoor breakfast, lunch and dinner dining.

Each week, the Beth and Bill show feature a Phoenix area restaurant along with a selected winery. The radio duo samples selected food & wine and discusses the restaurant, chef, winery and winemaker.