Q: negative

A: After reading rave reviews about Essence, my mother and I tried it for lunch today. The place was packed and I have no idea why. I ordered the "grilled" tomato, mozzarella and basil sandwich which was nothing more than a thin deli slice of cheese, a thinner slice of tomato and almost undetectable basil between very dry toasted-- not grilled--bread. Mediocre at best. Mom ordered a grilled ham and Gouda sandwich which also included out-of-the-jar jalapeno peppers. This was tastier than my own lunch but in no way warranted the price (two bland sandwiches, side lettuce marketed as salad and one sparkling water = $18!). It took the kitchen 45 minutes to heat and serve our lunches. Really? Why? A plaque hangs on the wall boasting this as the "best new restaurant of 2007". I guess we should have tried it then. Don't waste your time or money.

Q: positive

A: Alot of decorating things that a traveler would love or someone settled... we are not, we move every 6 months or so. Cute store though

Q: positive

A: It's hit or miss. Been here 10 times 8 out of the 10 it was excellent. Service was good, food was great. I guess it just depends on who you get. I'll keep coming back hoping that the two times I went and got bad service was a fluke. Try the crazy Alfredo!

Q: negative

A:
I've really been wanting to stop by City Athletic for a few months because we recently moved and I've been looking for a new gym. I had been trying to convince my hubby why it would be worth it to spend the extra $$ on a nicer gym, but I have to say we were both pretty underwhelmed by CAC. First off, the gym is SO dark. I'd read that in some of the reviews, but I had hoped it was people just being haters. I suppose maybe the members get used to it? IDK, but I like at least half-way decent lighting when I work out... I'm not trying to take a nap you know? Secondly, the pool is unavailable for use every weekday between 3-8pm. So, if you're like my husband who can only work out in the afternoons... no pool usage for you except on weekends. Ironically, the only hours during the week they have childcare is 4-8. So if you're a Mom and want to work out in the morning... or want to swim in the afternoon, you're screwed there too. Considering how many personal trainers and fitness/figure competitors I know work out here, I was actually shocked to learn they only have one squat rack? Really? I think there were two smith machines, but only one squat rack? That one blew me away. The locker rooms were decent, not as impressive as in the photos. Plenty spacious and showers looked clean, so did the pool and steam room/sauna. Pool was a little warm, but I know a lot of people like it like that. So all in all, I guess I could see the appeal, it is larger than your typical strip mall gym... but I personally couldn't find one reason to justify spending $50-60 per person for use of their normal facilities. I guess I could see the appeal for the people who want to spend more for the crossfit/kickboxing or MMA classes. I do love that they offer non-contract membership, I think all gyms should be that way and it's refreshing to see. If they added morning childcare, did something about the lighting and opened up the pools even just a few days a week in the afternoon - I would absolutely reconsider joining CAC.