For eight years, notable farm-to-table chef Greg LaPrad made Quiessence at the Farm at South Mountain a destination restaurant with an ever-changing menu of sophisticated, rustic fare.
But this June, LaPrad said goodbye to his South Phoenix home, leaving to open his own restaurant, Overland Trout, in Sonoita, Arizona.
That move left Quiessence owner Pat Christofolo (who also owns Morning Glory Cafe, The Farm Kitchen, Maya's Farm, the Artist's Studio, Santa Barbara Catering, and The House at Secret Garden) with a high-profile position to fill.
What to do?
See also: - The Brooklyn Cafe (Formerly Voltaire Restaurant) in Scottsdale to open August 14 - Local Food Community Rallies Around Lisa Giungo as She Fights Lung Cancer
According to the Republic, Christofolo has tapped her chef-son, 32-year-old Dustin Christofolo, who also heads up The House at Secret Garden in South Phoenix, to helm the Quiessence kitchen.
The Republic goes on to say the Christofolos will keep the 15-year-old Quiessence -- which will reopen in late September -- a farm-to-table restaurant (think locally sourced ingredients, homemade pasta, and produce from the Farm's garden), but one with a more affordable menu and the option to simply stop in for a snack on the patio.
Stay tuned for details.