Today was my first day of visiting the all-new Quintessence restaurant in Malta, which is the sister eatery to the famous Quintessence on New Scotland avenue in downtown Albany. My partner in crime has been to the Malta branch of Quintessence a few times and is a huge fan of the Albany location. The Malta location is on Route 9, towards Saratoga Springs in what used to be the former Bloomers and Chez Sophie restaurants. The unique thing about this location and the Albany location is that both of these restaurants are built into classic diner cars. As noted by an article in the Saratogian about Quintessence, “…back in the mid-1900s, Fodero Dining Car Co. manufactured just three models of a specific stainless steel art-deco style diner — one in New Jersey, one in Albany and one in Malta.” Apparently, two of these are still in existence and they are now what is known as Quintessence. That article can be found here.
So, let’s start with the decor first. I have to say right off the bat, it’s pretty cool inside this place (as well as the Albany location). You actually feel like you are somewhat transported back in time when you step in and look out the large front plate-glass windows. I even commented when it seemed that cars zipping into the parking lot looked like they could actually drive right underneath your table or come crashing into your lap since you are seated so high (It didn’t happen, of course). The place was nice and warm, even as a small amount of snow blew around outside. They have a larger back room area, which is hard to see from the front, but it’s there if you investigate past the bar area.
The server was awesome from the beginning, whisking us to our small table overlooking Route 9 and very cordial. We immediately knew what we were there for first, which was the Calamari, which as you read in the last review, we seem to be on a kick about lately. I was wondering if this Calamari was better than our last go at The 3 Olives restaurant (which as I said was very good Calamari!). We also decided on the Shrimp Scampi (my partner in crime’s favorite). Right out of the gate, we noticed some dirty silverware and a chipped plate which were taken care of promptly and without incident, which is always nice to see.
The food came and we have to say the Calamari was pretty much take it or leave it–it wasn’t the most amazing, nor the worst, but, it could have been a tiny bit fresher and maybe presented a bit better. It definitely didn’t stack up to the 3 Olives Calamari, not by a long shot. Again, both places are missing those small sliced pepper rings that simply make Calamari amazing. The Shrimp Scampi was delightful, nicely presented and hot. Of course, any meal at Quintessence comes with the famous green spinach noodles which I don’t care for buy my partner in crime absolutely dies for every time. The salad and obligatory house dressing is simply one of the top 3 dressings in this area, bar-none. I also like how they put it all on one plate, instead of bringing it to you in 3 different plates–I think it makes the meal look more full and flavorful with everything nicely organized right there for you.
Other than that, it was fairly affordable, quick and a quiet atmosphere in the middle of the day. They also have free WiFi and entertainment in the evenings, as well as “theme nights” here and there. They offer a full bar and a weekend brunch which I have not experienced personally yet. Even better, they offer takeout and delivery in the Malta area. The hours of the Malta location are Monday through Thursday 11am to 11pm, Friday 11am to midnight, Saturday 10am to midnight and Sunday 10am to 10pm. Quintessence has a website for both the Malta and Albany location here. We would gladly give Quintessence of Malta about a high 3 to 4 stars out of 5.
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