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| - I'm a huge fan of French macaroons and was so excited when I found Essence Bakery! I was craving the lemon macaroons I normally get when I lived in L.A. and had despaired of finding a bakery in Phoenix that offers these treats.
I've only tried Essence's macaroons and eclairs, so can't attest to their other menu items. However, their macaroons are TO-DIE-FOR! (see pics)
Although a bit pricey at $3.25 each (large), I feel the price is worth it as the baking process is a bit complex. I've tried all the flavors (French chocolate, caramel cream, espresso, raspberry, pumpkin spice, and lemon) and must say my favorites are the the espresso and caramel cream. The fillings are a bit on the too sweet side, so I usually scrape a bit off.
The macaroons are made up rich and creamy filling sandwiched between dense and chewy almond paste cookies. Don't mistake these for the coconut-flake based macaroons...not the same thing!
The place is small and seating each time I went was full, but I normally just order to go anyway. It sucks that Essence Bakery is only open until 3pm Mon-Sat, but maybe it's a blessing in disguise as too much of a good thing will ruin my womanly figure. ;-P
If you're craving French macaroons and Essence happens to be closed, Trader Joes have mini-macaroons in their frozen food aisle...theirs is also good!
If you want a coffee fix, Starbucks is in the same lot...and there's a drive-thru!
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