All Over Albany

Quintessence......
was never an after hours dance club.I should know as I was the house dj there 84-97.
It featured dance music 4 nights per week,hours being 11pm - 4am.
I also made tapes for the place that played all day.

God those were the days..................
regards
Michael Nordin

... said Michael Nordin on Jul 14, 2008 at 5:16 PM | link

As far as I was concerned, chicken teriyaki with spinach fettucini and salad was the only thing they had on their lunch and dinner menu - and Sunday brunch was killer.

I think that neighborhood may be on its way up.

... said Barold on Jul 14, 2008 at 8:02 PM | link

oh how i loved quintessence...

of course, the last time i was there (shortly before it closed) i saw two mice run under the doors to the kitchen... i am stoked that it's making a comeback, but i hope they fully exterminate first!

... said cole on Jul 15, 2008 at 1:50 PM | link

and who could forget the Kelly boys?

... said Barb on Jul 15, 2008 at 4:41 PM | link

Or the Phelan girls! or Donnie the Doorman or Carrie K - the greatest, sweetest, tallest waitress that ever brought me a steak!

... said Jeff on Jul 16, 2008 at 10:16 AM | link

If I ate there once, I've eaten there 350 times and I am not exaggerating. I have some of the fondest memories of that place...from when Chicken Teriyaki was $3.95 to when Jimmy Scalz ran for alderman, to the leaner years when it was surviving, but just barely...It would be a great shot in the arm to have it back for that neighborhood.... particularly if they could find some parking so people weren't forced to go to far away up Dana where things have hit the skids pretty hard. Just please, do something about the heating/cooling system :-) And Bring Donnie and Carrie Goldberg back!

... said Johnnie P. on Jul 16, 2008 at 2:24 PM | link

This place sounds amazing! I can't wait for when it opens. You'll have to keep us updated. It'll be perfect for me and my boyfriend since we live so close we won't have to worry about parking. Or maybe not- I don't need to be stuffing my face with fettucini at 2am. Oh hell, yes I do.

... said Katherine on Jul 17, 2008 at 11:02 AM | link

I've been parking in that neighborhood to go to Valentine's for years with nary a problem. Don't be afraid, people, go eat at Quintessence! Assuming, you know, that its any good when it reopens.

... said Elizabeth on Jul 17, 2008 at 5:39 PM | link

Parking's way easier there than it is in Center Square and the neighborhood is not that bad at all. If anything, it's kind of empty now that they've closed down much of the housing around there to renovate. I'm glad to see this diner come back for many reasons. One, Albany needs more diners within walking distance. Cafe 217 anyone? If you haven't been to that yummy place on the corner of Delaware and Jefferson, please check it out. Two, maybe this will bring some more business back to Valentine's. That club used to be hopping every night, but lately it's always dead. It would be so sad if such a great music establishment shut down. Let's make Albany the great place it can be. Support local businesses!!!!!
Next, maybe someone will bring back the Cottage Diner...

... said Danielle on Jul 19, 2008 at 1:10 PM | link

I, too, have had the chicken teriyaki at least a hundred times. The two most memorable were takeout, delivered to me by my huband. One during the famous OJ White Bronco chase and another the night my third son as born at Albany Med.

... said diana on Jul 20, 2008 at 3:29 PM | link

Parking was never that big a problem over the 12 years I used to go there, although one might have to walk a block on a busy night. The only thing that used to bother me was all the garbage and cigs strewn around the area by the other places!

Of course the Chicken Teriyaki was the staple, but who could forget the Mexican on Sunday nights like when the sizzling fajitas came out . . . or Wed's Italian night for the Chicken Parm?

... said Paul S on Jul 27, 2008 at 8:38 PM | link

Hooray!
Let's not forget about Jay Parrish, the "Eggman", Adam Graham, Claire, and so many others. And as previously mentioned, ALL the Kelly boys!
I hope the new ownership has the smarts to do some research in order to do this right and the way it WAS done! Otherwise, name it somethin' else.
And...they'll need a better exterminator and/or better garbage containment system!
This rebirth, if done correctly, could help in the revitalization of the neighborhood. Downtown Albany seems to be a mess in certain places. (Thank you, suburban politicians) This just might help change things.
Best of luck, and I'll be there if this happens!

... said Lex on Jul 28, 2008 at 2:49 AM | link

WOW!!!!!!!!!! Memories-Stories-You who know, know what I'm saying. Cooking there for a few years gave me both the confidence and the nerve to open my own place. Thanks Jimmy-Henry and a bit of Russ for letting me use your place as a stepping stone. Big Love always Debbies Kitchen

... said Debbie Klauber on Jul 28, 2008 at 8:54 PM | link

It would be nice to see ANYTHING going on in Albany, that isn't the '80's, i.e. decor, fashion, cuisine etc. Like chicken teriyaki with fettucini? F'in-gross. I do remember brunch, but the company was more memorable. As far trashy looking, most of that area is dirty looking, hell that corner's been filthy since I was born.

... said Tawana on Aug 1, 2008 at 3:53 PM | link

Great to hear it's coming back; I loved the chicken teriyaki! An Albany friend would take me there when I visited, then when I finally moved here it was closed!

The neighborhood could use a beautification, that is for sure.

... said peg on Sep 9, 2008 at 10:33 AM | link

Dressing for Chicken Teriyaki??? Ok folks, I've figured out the boneless chicken wrapped around carrot and scallion then marinate in teriyaki and grilled....but what about the dressing??? back in the day I use to purchase it in jars from them. I recall being told it is "Paris dressing" sold by Cysco foods, which was on Rt 7 in Latham, but I've been living in Boston now for over a decade and don't know if it's still available. Any insights here? I made it for my family last night using a "french dressing" that looked the same in the bottle, but missed the mark. PLEASE HELP ME FIND PARIS DRESSING!

... said Dave Leibowitz on Sep 13, 2008 at 9:26 AM | link

Oh, the memories! Hanging out at the bar drinking gin and tonics then sitting in a tiny both eating the best food in Albany. The chicken terriyaki, spinach fettucini, salad and that incredible Paris dressing poured all over it - yum. Those were good days. I'll make the drive from Boston and bring my kids for Sunday brunch.

... said Jodie on Sep 13, 2008 at 9:47 AM | link

Mimosas with freshly squeezed juice was a longtime Sunday morning (er... afternoon?) hangover treat, but I would never feel 100% until I had those banana pancakes.

... said Tim on Sep 13, 2008 at 9:47 PM | link

hmmm not the pastry chef Dave Leibowitz posting?

This kind of "sauce" was(is) also crazy popular in a Savannah, GA teriyaki shop; Similar to the sauce at many Japanese Steak houses?

... said Matt Walczak on Sep 14, 2008 at 8:49 AM | link

I was the Sous Chef there for 5 years and many a good times were had, and I hope many a good meals were enjoyed. I hope that Donnie and Claire are good and eggman is as still angry at everything but the girlies. I hope Jimmy is good I know he is still serving Albany well, I also that Henry has learned that duck does not need to be covered with orange sauce LOL. I wish the new owners all the best.

Long live the the Bakmi Omelet

... said bill from florida on Dec 10, 2008 at 8:46 PM | link

Oh my G-d, how many times have we tried to recreate both the dressing for the salad and the sauce on the spinach noodles. But alas, we keep failing. Anyone know the recipe?

... said Shelly on Jan 9, 2009 at 3:48 PM | link

This is news to me! And my mother worked there for my entire childhood. Anyone remember Jules? :)
I know Scalzo was kinda sad about the place closing, and it really went downhill after my mom left.

I'll be interested to see how this pans out.

And hey to Debbie from Debbie's Kitchen up there!

... said Lana on Jan 23, 2009 at 2:15 PM | link

Yeah I remember the grilled chicken teriyaki plate, the italian dinner nght. But what I remember the most was the dancing, dancing and more dancing to New Order until 4 AM. Being so sweatty and drinking tons of water (after giving up on the hydration value of beer). Picking up chicks or they picking me up, or most of the time leaving with my friends satisfied we enjoyed every minute of the night. Ahhhh the 1980's. Oh the memories....

... said mike on May 7, 2009 at 6:44 PM | link

As for the dressing, I've never found the paris dressings available any match for what Q's served. That being said however, "annie's" brand goddess dressing is actually, dare I say it, an improvement!!

... said Sam Armstrong on Jul 26, 2009 at 4:17 PM | link

Parking is not hard to find in this area. I live in the building next door and can most often park on New Scotland itself on nights and weekends. There is PLENTY of parking on both Dana and Morris Streets due to half the houses on these roads being vacant. Even when Valentine's is packed, one does not need to look further than these two closest side streets for quick and easy parking.

... said Dave on Jul 28, 2009 at 10:05 AM | link

I heard from a very reliable source that the new owners will have valet parking. This is going to be AWESOME!!!

... said Missy on Jul 31, 2009 at 11:56 AM | link

Micheal Nordin? Is that the same musicmaster Michael Nordin who is from Sweden and was a camp counselor at Rosemont?? noelknight@yahoo.com

... said Noel Knight on Aug 11, 2009 at 3:33 PM | link

I'm excited to hear it's back, but the food better be as good as it was! No changes to the menu, thank you very much. Service, on the other hand, was almost always terrible. I spent two hours waiting for my Sunday brunch order once; Quintessence and its terrible service was even referenced in the Best Man speech at my wedding!

If it wasn't brunch, it was Chicken/Beef Teriyaki with the Spinach Noodles Vinagrette. I don't recall ordering anything else in all my lunch/dinner visits to Quinnys. Cheap and freakin' AWESOME! Yep, called in some take-out orders for it, too. My girlfriend(s) said I made orgasm noises when eating it.

And I have an answer to those looking for the vinagrette recipe for the spinach noodles. The recipe was printed in the Albany Times Union more than a decade ago. Enterprising as I am, I found the old newspaper article at the library and printed it out, then made copies for friends. The TU recipe is a LITTLE off from the real thing, but it's very very close. Just add a splash of teriyaki sauce to each person's plate, to simulate the run-off from the chicken teriyaki at the restaurant, and you'll have it. Maybe I'll print the recipe here when I have the chance, or you can just go to the library and find the TU article for yourself.

... said Mark D on Aug 13, 2009 at 12:10 PM | link

Quintessence was where the yuppie scum went. On certain nights that included me. But if you grew up here Skels 119 was the place. Right across the street but light years away.

... said Larry on Nov 8, 2009 at 2:26 AM | link

Being an Albany area kid going to high school and remaining there for college and law school as well during the 90's you couldn't beat Quintessence for a great, inexpensive meal.....and as the last stop for a night out. It did have a Euro Disco Cantina from Star Wars type Vibe at night and a Yuppie Soho feel at dinner and Sundays morning. Both were great! The Chicken Terrayaki with cold Spinach Fettuccini Noodles topped with their homeade, thick italian dressing was unbelievable. My brother and I now live in Florida and reference Quint's Terrayaki enough that our wives who could give two ***** about Albany jump on us every time we mention it. It is the best place to impress a date when you don't have more than $20 for a night out. I hope they have the fresh squeezed (in front of you) orange juice for Sunday Brunch. The Burgers were great and they had different theme nights, some more successful than others so i stuck to the Open Flame Grill (in the Bar in front of you) or the Chicken Parm on Italian night. The area was sketchy when i was there13 years ago so I doubt it got better with the recession. I remember having to fend off panhandlers on New Scotland in the 90's and seen my share of shady events in that area.

This board is great. I remember Jimmy running for Alderman. He worked at the Plaza Grill (another legend) where i worked as well for 2 years during school. Cottage Diner was great...you have to love a 100 sq. ft. closet with a few booths, large grill with 40 lbs of potatoes piled high waiting for your order of the "working man special"...2 eggs, 2 bacon, 2 sausage, home fries and toast for $2.95.
good times...sometimes you couldn't even talk, just point at the menu board. Love that area! Enjoy guys. I hope anybody here under the age of 30 can help bring New Scotland back to life. Albany is a great town with an even greater history. My heart will always be there and i can't wait to come back at least for a few days.

... said Tony V on Jul 11, 2010 at 12:09 AM | link

Greatest food in the Capital District EVER! the Chicken Terriyaki. I remember the recipe in the TU. any help on getting that recipe!

... said Andrew Rudzinski on Jul 18, 2016 at 7:00 PM | link