Essence Bakery Cafe is THE REAL DEAL. I have no better way to describe this cafe which has been one of my favorite places, if not my #1 favorite, for over six years. The quality is consistently amazing. You can taste the passion the chef, Eugenia, has for the highest level of delicious, casual cuisine. She studied in Paris and is truly a local treasure.
Read this article for more: http://blogs.phoenixnewtimes.com/bella/2013/11/eugenia-theodosopoulos-essence-bakery-cafe-new-location.php.
Of course, the macarons....oh my goodness. I don't like caramel but I can't even keep the delicious caramel cream macarons out of my face. I seriously counted the days until they opened the Phoenix location and I haven't been disappointed. I've been the new location about seven times and have had good service every time.
The coffee is very dark, which I love. The decaf iced tea is delicious. The Local Power Ranch hamburger with arugula, balsamic mayonnaise and Dubliner Cheddar is very good. Get it with the greens if you want to taste the most delectable spinach and frisee salad simply dressed with a vinaigrette.
I don't even know where they get produce of the quality they do - the thick slice of tomato on the burger was so perfect - like the ones we used to eat 30 years ago that I thought were bred out of existence.
Every time someone comes into town to visit we take them here and they love it.
Even the decor is perfect. The modern, clean lines allow the diner to feel at ease and peaceful so that the experience revolves around the food - the simple but delicious tastes of real, quality food, perfectly paired.
FANTASTIQUE!