January 25, 2018 - Essence Bakery and Cafe - Phoenix, Arizona

This was my first Mystery Lunch Adventure.  Carol Thompson went with me.

We both ordered the Essence Egg Salad with Bacon – organic egg salad…with lots of chives and spices…very French with warm pepper bacon and tomato on a toasted roll.  The bacon was delicious..and cooked very crisp…just as I like it…Carol does too!  The roll was fresh out of the bakery…lightly crusted…soft but flaky bread.  I loved the roll..I could have eaten more rolls.  I ordered mine with green salad but mine was served to me with the French Dijon Potato Salad…and I was very happy to be able to taste that salad.  In face while we waited I was upset that I hadn’t ordered it…but there it was right on my plate.  We also each added a bag of sea salt and peppered potato chips…

We both thought our lunches were delicious but we were puzzled because we were charge $2.50 for the bacon..the menu said Essence Egg Salad with Bacon (available without Bacon.  Add Avocado +$.90).  Now does that sound as if the sandwich does not come with bacon.  When we had the opportunity we asked our young man who took our order…and he said..”oh…I thought you ordered extra bacon...”   No…nor did it appear that we received extra bacon..or if we did then the sandwich didn’t come with any bacon as advertised.

We didn’t order any treats.  I would go again…but I would always ask for a detailed receipt before I paid.

Essence Bakery and Café

3830 E. Indian School Road

Phoenix, Arizona 85018

(602) 286-4958

Hours:  Open Daily 6:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

January 2, 2018 - Oak Room Kitchen and Bar - Mesa, Arizona

I visited on January 2, 2018 with Cathy Lindholm after our weekly bridge game at Leisure World.

Cathy ordered the Roasted Pheasant –  with marsala mushroom sauce.  It was served over the Chef’s Choice of vegetables…which was green beans.  She also ordered mashed potatoes and a Wedge Salad (which she gave me half…and it was tasty…I liked it.).  Cathy took home the Chocolate Blintzes for dessert.

I ordered the Spicy Lobster Mac and Cheese – baked lobster, elbow pasta, sharp cheddar , paprika and cayenne chili pepper..  It was good but I mean spicy…and I like hot.  

Our service was fast and efficient.

Cathy's Roasted Pheasant covered in Marsala Sauce

Oak Room Kitchen and Bar

61 E. University Dr.

Mesa, Arizona 85201

(480) 844-7437

Hours:  Open Daily 4:00 p.m. – 12:00a.m.

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