Q: I awake, wild eyed in a cold sweat, visions of caramel creme macaroons soliciting me like high class tricks in a whorehouse, Croque Monsieurs their swanky pimps, demanding payment for service. Essence strikes again. The only way to vanquish these dreams is to lunch here on a regular basis. I've been here twice in the past week alone and I think I'm addicted. The atmosphere, product, service, and baked goods have seduced me with their simple elegance. The only gripe I possibly have about this place is the fact that the parking lot is the size of a matchbox, and with Sacks, Cafe Lalibella and Starbucks all occupying the same plaza, finding a place to park during the busy lunch rush is like simultaneously playing Tetris and Frogger. The atmosphere at Essence is understated in its sophistication. Windows line the majority of the dining room, creating an inviting, open air feeling and the attached patio is charming. Strong earth toned colors and cute little origami flower bouquets grace the tables. Despite the small size of the establishment there are a variety of seating options for single patrons or small groups, and I've never seen people waiting for a table, even during their busiest Friday lunch rush. A broad array of patrons frequent Essence including hipsters, young professionals, older adults in their power suits, and even a few elders. I haven't seen very many college kids, which may because the food isn't cheap and it's probably "weirder" than options on Mill's strip. But I dig the "weird" French inspired cuisine. It's decadent and I feel naughty eating it. Everything I've eaten during lunch has been exceptional. The croque moniseur is far and away the best thing I've tried so far. A grilled sandwich with an egg washed top layer, thin sliced ham, creamy gruyere cheese and jalapenos. It's heavenly crunchy, just as the name suggests. The open face steak sandwich is tender delicious and smothered in buttery sauteed mushrooms with a sprinkle of bleu cheese crumbles as a savory accent. The layers of phyllo dough used in the spanakopita demonstrates some serious painstaking dedication to producing a good product, and the chopped Greek salad was phenomenal. Crispy cucumbers, bell peppers, kalmata olives, feta cheese and tomatoes that tasted like, well, actual tomatoes, for once. Something that you don't often find and an indication that Essence uses amazingly fresh organic product whenever possible. Even the side of potato salad with whole grain mustard was exceptional. The offerings at their bakery are just as phenomenal as their lunch entrees. The caramel creme macaroon is seriously the most amazing sandwich cookie I've ever tasted, a perfect harmony between savory creme filling and sweet chewy wafers. The strawberry shortcake is amazingly fresh and light, if not a little hard to eat. And their white chocolate raspberry layer cake is the classiest Little Debbie-esque snack cake I've ever had the pleasure of tasting. One day I vow to pick up a box of "Tasty little treats" just so I can sample a cupcake and about three cookies without having to choose among all the desserts on display! I highly recommend this place. Just don't be surprised if you develop an insatiable desire to consume Essence on a daily basis. OPTIONS:
- negative
- positive

A: positive

Q: I stopped in by accident...was hungry and too tired to cook. I'm Cuban transplant from Miami so I figured it couldn't hurt to try Las Margaritas. I got the grilled skirt steak platter...a bit expensive, but I got to choose how the steak was cooked. Enough food to feed me x3 (I'm a gastric bypass survivor). Tons of steak, rice and beans! Some kind of guacamole garnishment on top, that made everything else tasty! I got it 'to go' and I would absolutely return to eat inside! This restaurant is in a small strip mall on E.Independence and because of the road changes there if you are not aware, you could pass it by. If you enter via Monroe Rd, turn on Lanier and go until it dead ends and you will be at the strip mall it is in. It will be my new BEST go to restaurant for the Cotswold area I live inn. OPTIONS:
- negative
- positive

A: positive

Q: Luxor is probably the cheapest hotel you can find on the strip (depending on what deals are going on and time of year) so I've stayed here plenty of times. This last time I went was horrible. The check in/check out desk woman we got was really rude and seemed like either she hated her job or just hated us right away by looking at us. She acted like we were giving her a hard time when all we did was ask a couple of innocent questions. When she was looking up our rooms, I started to say something and she said "HOLD ON!" I was like whoa! I mean, we were a really laid back, easy to deal with group of people so I'm not sure why she was so snappy and sighing so much. The tv in my room was also broken, not that I was going to watch a lot of tv but it would have been nice for some of the time I had to spend in my room. They really didn't do much about my problem except offer me a complimentary breakfast which I didn't have time to use. I also requested a non smoking room and had a cigarette burn in my bed spread. I guess you get what you pay for. OPTIONS:
- negative
- positive

A: negative

Q: YUM!! We ordered the pad-thai and BBQ Chicken lunch special, duck over rice lunch special and seafood soup. It was GOOD!! I liked the pad-thai and the soup but the BBQ Chicken wasn't as good as my friend had raved. Perhaps they over-cooked it this time and it was a bit on the dry side. A definite pleasant surprise find in Vegas...a bit off the strip on the ghetto side of Vegas (~10 minute drive). OPTIONS:
- negative
- positive

A:
positive