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.