Quintessence is a hidden gem in the eclectic East Village of 5-story walk-ups and passers-by that seem to carry complex life stories and eccentricities.  I sat at a table by the window which became an entertaining picture book of characters; some of whom seemed stuck in an 80s time warp, swathed in vintage clothing and signs of bygone-era excess lingering on their wandering souls.  It was an interesting mix of those types, plus rent-stabilized hanger-on-ers surprised to see their hood become hip and the young hipsters that help make it so.  If it weren't for NY, these characters would never co-exist.