I am a big fan of this little place! Delicious food - my favorite is the roasted vegetable sandwich - YUMMM. I frequent Essence on lunch appointments; everyone I take there is very impressed and leaves happily full. The downfalls are: small and crowded - tables are small especially if you have more than 2 people in your party. Also, I don't like being charged for a to-go cup for ice-water. Otherwise 4 stars out of 5.