Slightly pretentious, definitely pricey, but worth a trip for the macarons. They're not MACAROONS, people, those are the little cookie mountains of shredded coconut. Macarons are a French confection of two moist, flourless cookies flanking a filling or ganache. Essence's are just delicious - as are most of their baked goods, admittedly. Perfectly chewy with a crisp edge and just enough filling, all with a not-overly-sweet, almondy taste. I could easily consume one of each flavor over coffee and a book. And maybe I will. So there.