Quiessence in South Phoenix Reopens (and We've Got the Menu)

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It's a new day for Quiessence.

After being closed for five months, on Tuesday, the charming spot at the Farm at South Mountain reopened under new management, a new chef, and a brand new menu -- one that still focuses on farm-to-table food, but in a more approachable way as well as with larger portions.

And the new thinking is, you don't need a special occasion to eat here.

Chef Dustin Christofolo, who still operates The House at Secret Garden in South Phoenix, took over for Greg LaPrad, who, after eight years at Quiessence, left to open his own restaurant, Overland Trout, in Sonoita in October. Christofolo's mother, Pat, owns The Farm in addition to Santa Barbara Catering Co. in Tempe.

See also: James Beard Award Finalist Kevin Binkley to Open Bink's Scottsdale in December

As they did at the previous incarnation of Quiessence, ingredients will continue to be sourced from Maya's Garden and other local growers but now will include The Farm District resources in the South Mountain area as well. And in addition to keeping on Arizona and American wines, Christofolo is incorporating an extended International Reserve list to pair with his new menu, which will change seasonally.

Here's the menu:

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