Ok- don't flag me! When I say I used to work here I am talking about the location, not Essence! I worked here when it was Sabuddy, the Israeli place that has since moved up to Scottsdale. Tasty.
Essence was taking over a location with a strong following of veggie/ vegans and meat-lovers alike and had a lot to prove. I finally made it in there last week and I have to say that I was impressed. I ordered the organic spinach and cranberry salad. It was the first thing I saw on the menu that I wanted... it is the second listing.
I took a gander at the pastries while waiting for my salad. They looked tasty, but I was not going straight home after lunch, so I passed on them. I would definitely take a pastry- lover back there to indulge.
My salad arrived. The only negative thing I can think of is that they went a little heavy on the dressing. The salad was big. Filling. Tasty.
The restaurant was clean and welcoming. The staff was friendly.
Its a serve-yourself kind of place concerning silverware, napkins, and drinks. I ordered the iced tea, which was in smaller glass pitchers. I thought that was a nice touch. It looked much nicer than those large plastic containers, dyed from the tea over time and looking a little dingy. Glass pitchers kicked it up a notch.
I would go back for the pastry and to try breakfast. I would most definitely try the brioche toast slice with almond paste and almond slivers cozying up to blueberries. Maybe tomorrow.