text: To start, I'm actually a pastry chef so I may be more critical of their baked goods. \n\nMacarons in Arizona that isn't from my kitchen? Of course I had to check it out! I've been to Essence numerous times and well, I don't think I'll be going back unless its on Saturday to buy a loaf of brioche. The place is small so if you go on the weekend, you might have to wait a bit for a table to open up.\n\nTheir food is good. They boast organic ingredients carefully selected and it was indeed tasty. There are a few things on the menu that is different and I love that they have a different special every day, every week. But there isn't anything on there I couldn't make at home, especially for the price on some of them. \n\nThe brioche is excellent. I can buy a loaf and eat it for all 3 meals. Very tasty. Croissant left a lot to be desired though. It wasn't a soft, flaky croissant but rather dry and bland. If I buy a croissant, I want it to flake and make a mess and I want to be able to taste the buttery pastry. Not at Essence.\n\nThe macarons - People, it's MACARON, not macaroon. Huge difference. The flavors are not anything special or unique, just standard flavors you'll see at any French pastry shop. The espresso macaron tastes exactly like tiramisu, vanilla is very good, all the citrus ones are great but chocolate is lacking that chocolatey punch. Their filling can be too warm and runny at times, which is bad for buttercream. There have been times I can tell by looking at it that it's been over baked but I give them the benefit of the doubt and take it home anyway. Big mistake. If it has been over baked for a minute, it won't make a big difference on the texture but unfortunately for me, I've been sold ones so over baked it ended up being a brick on the edges and overly chewy on the inside. Once I was lucky enough to return it but other times, I had to toss it. I have a suspicion that they also sell batches that has been out for more than a day or two judging by the texture and taste.\n\nIs it good? Yes. Can you get your macaron fix if you can't make it yourself? Sure. Would I go back? Most likely not.