Pillsbury Wine Dinner at Quiessence

May 29, 4:03 PMPhoenix Farmers Markets ExaminerSarah Parkin

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When Zagat names a restaurant one of the top five places to dine in Phoenix, people notice. When that same restaurant is paired with one of the top winemakers in the state, the event should not be missed. Mark 7 p.m. on Wednesday June 3rd on your calendar now and send in your RSVP. Once again, Quiessence is hosting winemaker Sam Pillsbury for one of the famous six-course winemaker dinners. Pillsbury is dedicated to producing the best quality wines from the highest quality grapes that the land can grow.

A restaurant built in an old farmhouse, Quiessence oozes charm. But the charm is nothing compared to the skill of chef Gregory La Prod, who chooses his menus based on fresh, local, and organic ingredients. Quiessence is located at The Farm at South Mountain, so the fresh ingredients on the plate may have grown just a few steps away from the kitchen door. The well-respected Maya’s Farm grows beautiful produce on several acres at The Farm. McClendon’s Select, known for high-end organic produce, is also a favorite of the chef.

“My wines are made to pair with food,” said Pillsbury. “That's why they have minimal sugars, minimal oak, and we also attempt to keep the alcohol levels moderate. All those things clutter up the palate and keep you from tasting the grape and the food you match it with.”

Chef La Prod chose the menu for Wednesday’s experience, working with Pillsbury to pair outstanding wines with fresh ingredients that are fresh and in season as follows:

1st Course
House Cured Salumi Plate with Seasonal Accompaniments
2008 Pillsbury Wine Company Rose “One Night Stand”
2nd Course
Day Boat Scallop “Ceviche” with Fresh Peaches, Basil
and Crispy Squash Blossoms
2008 Pillsbury Wine Company Pinot Gris “Casa Blanca”
3rd Course
Hand Made Orecchiette Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes,
Sweet Summer Corn and Arugula
2006 Pillsbury Wine Company “Roan Red”
4th Course
“Diva” Braised Rabbit with Green Beans, Cipollini Onions,
and Fresh Thyme
2007 Pillsbury Wine Company “Diva”
5th Course
Wood Grilled Wild Venison, with Heirloom Eggplant Puree,
Roasted Red Peppers and Pine Nuts
2007 Pillsbury Wine Company “Roan Red”
6th Course
Dark Chocolate Fudge Cake with Cherry Ice Cream
2007 Pillsbury Wine Company  Petite Sirah

Pillsbury truly appreciates working with Quiessence. “I love Quiessence, and one of the reasons I wanted my wines there is it's a similar concept to what I want to do at the vineyard,” he said, referring to his property in the popular grape growing acreage near Willcox, AZ. “I’ve always dreamed of having a restaurant that makes meals from the foods grown and raised at the doorstep...I even want people to be able to pick their own salad greens for example.”

The six-course dinner includes wine and costs $79 per person plus tax and an 18% gratuity. You won’t be disappointed. For reservations call 602-276-0601 or click on www.quiessencerestaurant.com.

Photos provided by Quiessence, Pillsbury Wine Company, and Sparkin Productions.

For more info: Quiessence Restaurant, Pillsbury Wine Company