Went here with a friend for lunch today to escape the confines of gray cubicle city. We both got the special - ham and brie with peach(I think) marmalade on herb focaccia. It was pretty tasty!
It came with a small cup of wild rice and mushroom soup that was pretty bland. Even salt and pepper couldn't save it for me.
I got a caramel macaron, it was good but SO rich. I don't have a lot of experience with macarons but judging from Essence, I enjoy nibbling on one :]
The staff was fine - not super friendly but they did their job!
I give Essence a solid 3 stars. I like that it uses local and organic ingredients, and they make a decent sandwich!