Essene Market & Café

Wonderful macrobiotic hot bar. Great heathfoods store. They also have bulk spices.

I've reported this store closed three times now. First, when their doors were locked and the phone turned off (January), again when I was able to get a photo with a large "Closed" sign (April). Yet Google still has it marked as "temporarily closed". Today, June 11, I uploaded an L&I notice that it is becoming a day care. Will Google now mark it "closed"?

I love this neighborhood market because of the most convenient location and plenty of healthy options. But unfortunately I bought quite a few rotten/moldy items from them. Rotten fruits/veggies, a moldy cookie. Please be aware and check everything you get. And hopefully they will get better, especially with their prices.

There is absolutely no reason to shop here. Every single item is grossly overpriced. If you're one of those people (like me) for whom Whole Foods or Trader Joe's is a luxury you budget for because you can't live without, you will laugh your way out the door at this place. I've walked past numerous times and today I decided to finally go in. It's a beautiful store! As I walked through, I was utterly agog at their audacity in pricing. You know how sometimes you'll be in a drugstore and see something - say, a pizza - that's priced at $8.99?...and you think to yourself "What?! They have that at ACME for $5.99!" That sums up Essene in a nutshell. I cannot stress enough the lack of exaggeration in my review. There is absolutely, positively nothing in this store worth paying their asking price for. Also, the description here on Yelp that this place has a 'hipster vibe' is an understatement. If the tattooed 20-something staff exuded any more aloofness you could spread it on a whole grain organic cracker. This place makes me miss the chef's market that used to be open to the public on South Street. I used to get bundles of organic parsley there for 59 cents each. At Essene they're $1.99. I think that says it all.

This used to be amazing. Not anymore. They don’t do hot food, it used to be beautiful…the baked goods used to be great as well, lackluster now and not worth the calories. Selection is off on some stock and I got two bags of granola which were stale/rancid and tasteless. Which is awful because they are overpriced. As other reviewers stated they do not take EBT which is criminal. I suspect it’s because the business is failing and they have some clerical reason for making excuses and not taking EBT. It’s stingy and there is no excuse. Tge ownership may have changed and ruined this once vibrant place. I don’t know what happened but hopefully somebody will get it together and save this place from itself.

Love this store! Great produce…and can pick up a stalk or 2 of whatever as needed💥 In the middle of cooking, I’ve called ahead to see if they have a forgotten ingredient and run right over. VIP store in QV🏆

So glad Essene exists! Not only do they sell fresh organic produce, prepared foods, and special diet-friendly goods, they also sell vitamins and other health-conscious items. Think Whole Foods but around 1/4 the size and independently owned. I also like that they have a good selection of cold bottled drinks (lightly sweetened Honest iced teas) that I can stop in and buy if I'm in the neighborhood and craving something slightly healthier than a Monster Energy drink. Keep doing what you're doing, Essene, because all the Queen Village organic lovers are onto it!

I was visiting Philadelphia for the day, and in typical fashion I try to find local coffee and a local grocery when I’m in a new city. I ended up at Essene and it exceeded expectations. Everyone was really nice, which I take rather seriously, for a young person, when I go somewhere with the intentions of spending money. The variety of products, supplements, and ready to eat food was amazing too. I highly recommend swinging through for just about whatever, but particularly if you’re health conscious/like to support cool companies with cool ethics. Also, don’t know which manager it was, (he had a great beard.) But this guy was super friendly and funny and made my day. Cheers

This was a great little grocery store with a wide range of organic and vegan foods and friendly staff who were more like a family. I hope whomever takes over the space can restore the store, as it's the only one of its kind in Queen Village and Bella Vista.

This store no longer has the cafe. It had suffered after change in ownership but it still used to be a dependable spot for healthy food. Disappointed.

Tasty & healthy Arevedidic food. Friendly, professional staff. The service is efficient. Self service food bars, clean and cozy.

I've been going to Essenes for many years. It's very near where I live and a handy place for good pita bread, humus and dried herbs. They have organic fruit and veg which are pricey. Staff are very friendly and helpful.

OMG I wish they appreciated customers like we appreciate them. So sad the same miserable unfriendly human being that does not belong in customer service is again at the register. Not only is she rude but pretty ignorant. I told her I forgot to give her my fab key for coupons and Ya know what she said the transaction has gone through already. REALLY As soon as competition comes there way which it will be I will gladly give my business to people are grateful ...

I find all my macro stuff here. This is perfect for me because this is how I eat and live. They have perfect items that I live by not just food it's my go to place. It's amazing because I already know what everything is and it's kinda my thing for the past 2 decades. Not everything is healthy in here, but that's like all places. Balance your life and body and eat things that bring you closer to the elements of the earth. It actually makes you understand life better and how things work which open up other things.

99% certain they are not taking the tare off before charging you for cafe food. there is NO WAY the salad i just got was 2 1/2 pounds, but the stoner behind the counter insisted it's built in. BE CAREFUL and don't get ripped off. also, this place is seriously overdue for a visit from the health inspector. fly traps in the cafe, really? have a look under the utensils dispenser next time you're here. only gets two stars for the same reason comcast does: some things they offer you can only get here, like weird vegan ingredients.

I respect this place for being one of very few places that offer unpasteurized milk, but they have little respect for posted hours and feel free to close whenever they feel like. I just had an unpleasant experience of running into a locked door 10 minutes before posted close time and no posted explanation whatsoever. Nobody cared. I'm curious if this is the new ownership that feels its ok.

Wow, what a find!! I have been coming to the area for decades for Jim's Cheesesteaks and now I have another reason to come here. You wouldn't expect such a healthy alternative considering the food choices around South St. There is a hot and cold food bar all the way in the back which is packed with absolutely exceptional food. A combination of soul food and Korean, all vegan and/or vegetarian. Homemade Kim chi, Scallion pancakes, eggrolls and a turmeric roasted cauliflower to die for‼ A wide variety of healthy food made fresh daily. The staff also was very attentive, knowledgeable and available to explain the preparation of each dish. This was particularly true of the gentleman who runs the kitchen named Maynard I'm looking forward to returning with my family soon for the perfect combination of healthy and delicious.

This place has lots of things not available elsewhere , although they have stopped carrying some items that surprise me. Chicory is one example.

Nice private store, as opposed to Whole Foods etc. They have some local things that you can't find at the box places. Although the prices are still a bit high but manageable,except for maybe the $7+ for a quart of ice cream...

When checking out this store for the first time, I noticed that some of the dried fruit looked unnaturally bright. I checked the ingredients, and sure enough, both the kiwi and the papaya had artificial color. What? In a natural food store? I checked their website, and it says "Our foods are free of artificial ingredients (preservatives, colorings, chemicals)". I left the store never to return. Absolute bullshit!

Come for the expired products, stay for how they illegally save parking spots. How this place stays in business is a mystery.

I just kept singing "I'm living in a vegan paradise" in my best Coolio voice as I shopped. I hadn't been here in years and I have no idea why. That will change. Pronto! It's like someone hand selected all of my favorite items and brands from shall I dare say it, Whole Foods and placed them all in one small perfect independently owned shop. So great. So, so great! They have a fresh pressed juice bar in the back of the take out bar which is new from the last time I was here. I definitely took full advantage of that. A small is small which is perfect for when I bring the kiddos back with me. They have daily specials and regular rotating juices. All looked so delish! My green was great. They still have tables for in house dining too. The entire take out bar and bakery is strictly vegan!! The girl behind the counter was so sweet and let me try a piece of the spicy tofu triangles before I purchased them and directed me to the sauce they use to create it. Yum! The tea section alone could be reason enough to make a trip here. The beauty section is quite lovely and extensive as well. Fresh, gorgeous produce, prepared foods such as seitan goods, faux this or that, veg sushi and more. A row of just sauces from pasta to hot. A shelving display of just coconut goods alone like chips, sugars, powder and oil etc. Oh, I can go on forever! Everything was organized so well. A must go-to for any vegan or health nut! The employees were all sweet and well educated on their products and ingredients in the food they serve. Such a great experience for my first time back in years. Can't wait to come back and food shop for more than just seaweed snacks and vegan eggs. Love, love, love!

After not coming in here for almost a decade I decided to pop in again because I recently moved only one block away. Everything I said in my review 10 years ago is still exactly the same except the prices are even higher and the selection is even worse. I honestly don't understand who shops here and what they are buying. I walked out with a Blondie today and I got it home and it had the consistency of cornbread and absolutely no flavor. It's not even worth it to pop in here just for a quick bottled beverage or snack.

This is the closest 'walkable' grocery store in the queens village area, which has many produce options. Simply put: Essene is pricey. Before you know it, those two onions, 4 tomatoes and carton of eggs you grabbed-ends up costing you $20. The upside? Things are fresh, plentiful, look actually organic, and well organized. You feel like you're in a baby private-sector of Whole Foods. Most shelf items are organic/vegan brand names. You won't find things like dawn soap but will find brands similar to 7th Gen. There's a hot bar, which I have yet to try; so I can't comment on that. I like it here. Just not realistic and not all the time. Fyi: 2nd and South St will be opening an Heirloom Giant grocery store in the next 6 months or so. Much needed for this area.

Overpriced and expired products. Wish this place was better since Whole Foods is a bit of a walk from my house. Everything is overpriced. Purchased a dip from here the other day, got it home, and realized it had already expired two days ago.

I'm not sure if Philly knows how lucky s/he/they is to have this local market. I moved here in January and have never seen anything like it -- a non-coop operating like a co-op without the pesky membership fees/etc, and around since 1969! Pros: * Prices are actually VERY competitive - better priced organic produce than ACME and Whole Foods I've found. * Selection is excellent! I often find foods that are not found elsewhere, like Rob's Vegan puffs and that delicious schmilk chocolate. * Yum baked goods & buffet! Have you had the smores cake? Life changing. * Great mellow shopping experience. Unlike WF, when I leave wanting to execute someone, I always am calm Zen woman in the Essene atmosphere, even when it's busy. * Nice people/staff. * Water bowl for your pup outside. Cons: * Not really critical, but w/b nice if they spruced up the cafe area with some paint / color / art.

OBSCENE not essene. The prices are outrageous, especially for produce, and especially when it's not guaranteed to be good all the way through. A $4 bruised pear!!! What?!? I curiously wondered out loud if there's a discount to damaged goods. Nope. And do they happily take back their item after purchase? Not when I tried. Often times I rummage and see things past their shelf life. Cheese, yogurts... No discount given when I see a yogurt expiring the next day. Go to WholeFoods and you find that same yogurt at $3 cheaper and an expiration of at least 1 month later. I find expired items all the time. Makes me wonder how much they actually throw away and how many people are turned off by the prices, or else neighbors rich enough not to care, or desperate enough not to make the walk 7 more blocks to Whole Foods. With those 2 factors of wasted product and less shoppers no wonder the price is high. Forget convenience, seriously drop the prices and maybe you might have more traffic and less expired foods!

Very expensive. This place is also understaffed and poorly managed. Came in and only one young girl working in register with super long line! While the other guy just staring and on his phone with his airpods in. Crazy!!

The soups in the cafe are delicious. That said, the rest of the store is overpriced. I agree with the other reviews that say they are prohibitive. Many of the products can be found at Trader Joe's for much less. The stuff that you can't find at Trader Joe's are unique items that should not be only for those with lots of disposable income. $10 for a takeout lunch from the refrigerator section is ridiculous. But they do have a nice selection of fresh, quality foods.

I'm with the others who are pining for the former Essene. There was nothing like it! The cafe selection of fresh and wholesome low sodium and all natural food has been replaced by bibimbop, which doesn't keep well in a buffet to begin with, and has ingredients like fish sauce and corn syrup? There are several places to get great made to order bibimbop in this area, I certainly wouldn't pay high buffet salad bar prices for it, just to make it myself with dried up eggs in specially designated plastic containers nonetheless. Nothing about that has anything to do with Essene. I also dislike the large deli meat section that has taken over the fridge case. I loved Essene the way it was, I wish they would bring back the old menu and philosophy behind their food. I'm worried overtime more of it will disappear... Please bring back the healthy and delicious vegetarian buffet!

Expensive and sell expired products! The asian guy saying he's the manager not even worthy of being a "manager". Wanted to ask him question but he's too busy being on the phone with his airpods in!! Who runs this store??! Definitely not coming back here.

Two stars because it's incredibly expensive and they sell expired items. Make sure you're checking the dates before you buy!

I love this store for what they represent, as much as for what they sell. It's a long-time local business that really strives to provide great customer service & products to the macro, vegan & community in general. I get that people complain about the prices, but small stores like this just don't have the purchasing power of their competitors. And although I don't shop here as much as I'd like these days, it's always nice to step inside their doors & see some of the same faces from the early 90s & prob earlier. Great vitamin & beauty department here. I also like the fresh juicebar a lot. Pressed to order, yum!

Absolutely fell in LOVE! I was visiting Philly for a few days and asked around for a healthy food option and was pointed to Essene! OMG! The customer service, food, cleanliness and available products were all AWESOME! I've shared the website with others, and can't recommend the cafe enough! You'll love it!

I know I'm gonna' get yelled at for this, but I am not a fan. The groceries are all well and good (although I prefer the selection at Whole Foods), but the hot food was totally bland. I grew up on health food, but there is a way to make it tasty. Not even the chocolate chip cookies had taste factor! If you are anti-corporate and a health nut, it's too bad there aren't more options than Essene and Whole Foods.

Oh, hell no. For years, I have loved Essene's old-skool hippie veg buffet. I loved their millet cakes (seriously, I would walk out of my way to eat freakin millet) and the seitan and hearty steamed kale. I loved the wholesome but still sweet hippie spelt cakes. Everything was vegan. Then dairy crept in but it was clearly marked and not in most dishes. I hadn't been to Essene in a few years due to my living in West Philly and now Mount Airy. When in South Philly, I usually hit up Blackbird or Grindcore House. But today I wanted to check out an old fave. I saw the recent bad Yelp reviews about the new chef and fish and still went. I am admittedly writing this review without having eaten a bite, a first. But I couldn't eat anything, not even veggies, because 95% of the dishes had fish sauce in them (it was, at least, clearly marked). Even dishes that would not be enhanced by fish sauce and were otherwise vegan just randomly had it. I thought the reviews about fish meant they were serving actual fish flesh and going paleo (ugh) but it's just gluten and soy with fish sauce. Really wtf???? Just as baffling and sad, the buffet itself was pretty bare, with old looking food sitting around in nearly empty pans. And I was just there at the height of dinner time. I put down my kombucha and spelt muffin and walked out. It's very sad that such a unique spot has settled for a confusing, uninspired and, more importantly, unethical menu. Essene management: please listen to these Yelp reviews and once loyal customers. Updating your menu is fine. Things change. But this is just pitiful.

I lived in Philly years ago, but this was my very favorite place to eat and shop. My favorite was fresh meals that they served daily that much later found out was macrobiotic . It was amazing and delicious!! I always felt good after I ate there. At the time thought it was just health food, but then years later found a cookbook on Amazon written by the store owners, and I was like....oooohhhhh, so that was the macrobiotic diet. Every friend that came through town, I brought them here to eat. They loved the food too. I now live in Portland Or. and, yeah there is great food here, miss this place. Portland mostly has Gluten-free, organic vegetarian...but not macrobiotic. (Personally they blame gluten for too much out here!) Owners: Come open a store/ restaurant out here!...since I will never be back in Philly again. Portland is awesome!!!

This place has great produce. For a small shop, certain items can get pricey, but there is a good range of healthy options. I found organic pears for $1.69 per pound - and they are tasty! Milk cartons are an average of $4.50 for organic milk. They even have calestravano olives (the bright green juicy/sweet/salty ones). Great options of snacks. Organic cereal can even be found on sale 2/$7.00. Not bad knowing that cereal these days is an average of $4.50! Great go to shop, but I would probably still need to go to Whole Foods to do the bulk shopping. This market is great for a quick stop. p.s. they also have a hot food counter/deli. Food is fantastic, but pricey. Mushrooms are amazing.

Went to Essene today to find out there is a new chef and s/he thought it was a good idea to take a formerly delicious vegetarian/vegan hot bar and put fish in it. There are signs available that say contain fish, dairy, eggs in small letters. Take down the big wooden sign that says you serve only vegetarian food ASAP. Take it off your web site. It's false advertising. I had a terrible stomach ache on Monday after eating your food and now I know why. I don't recall any signs that said fish was in the food, but I know they still today have the contradictory huge wooden vegetarian sign up!! When we told the very nice woman at the counter that we could not eat the food she took it away quickly without an issue and was very apologetic. Maybe she didn't want to interrupt me and my friend, but someone should be actively telling people. A ton of your long time clients do not eat animals and loved that they didn't ever have to question dining at your cafe. Oddly, she said she was trying to figure it out if we were veg. Maybe I should lose 30 lbs and wear tie dye mandala shirts so I don't get fed fish anymore hah, ugh. Can't go by that, just please start telling people when you greet them so they don't get sick/angry. For years I've always go out of my way to shop at Essene instead of whole foods or other grocers. I could have gotten stuff cheaper elsewhere, but this store WAS special and I wanted to support it. The vibe/staff has been weird for a few months and after reading the other reviews I see why... Management: I wrote you an email a few weeks back praising your new cuisine. I'm very sad that I have to take it back and won't be supporting your business anymore.

Essene is a great place to shop, especially compared to the crowded and overpriced Whole Foods around the corner. I mainly come here to buy Yogi tea. They have every flavor imaginable and the tea is a tad cheaper than other stores around. I've also gotten good produce here and a lot of my cooking/snacking essentials. I like to give food (like dried fruit and unique snacks) as gifts - yes, I know I'm a little strange - to friends and family, and Essene always has the perfect item for this. They also carry PiperWai deodorant (from Shark Tank!!), which is hard to find in Philly. I have yet to try the cafe food in the back dining area, but it always looks and smells amazing - will have to try it out in the near future! It's fun just walking around the store, even if you don't end up purchasing anything.

Every time I go into essene I see the same man working, and he has such positive energy just pouring out of him. He is helpful but not at all overbearing, which is important. I've gone in a few times for food items but he's usually working the pharmacy section. I went in today for CBD products and he was so extremely helpful, I couldn't decide what product to get if any. He guided me to purchase the right product for my needs (he's so knowledgeable about everything there!!!) and even gave me a free sample. I left with a ton of suggestions for anxiety remedies to use alongside CBD as well. To say the least this employee at essene is the best!! And he is just a person you want to be around!!

Good in a pinch. They have some cool local finds like local butter and keifer. More vegan centered than grocery centered. On the whole though, it's over priced.

The Mister and I stumbled upon this place and are SO HAPPY we did! They have a FANTASTIC selection of Organic, Natural & Holistic products, and not to mention, a well stocked selection of local Kombuchas. :) Would have loved to explore the store more but we were running short on time.

While I love supporting local businesses and it's nice to have an alternative to Whole Foods, I find this place lacking on quality and freshness. I got a pre-made vegan sandwich from here before and was not impressed considering the steep price - very dry and lackluster. A lot of the produce is bruised and slightly wilted. They also don't carry staples like baguettes. It's okay if you just need to stop in to grab a few items, but you'll find better quality and prices a few blocks farther down South Street at Whole Foods.

I love it here. There is something special and authentic about independent health food stores like this. I also love the selection of macrobiotic, high-quality traditional Japanese food and teas. I always leave here inspired. The baked goods are amazing. Too good. I'm glad I don't live near the store - I would eat them all the time : ) The one negative comment I do want to add is the bulk section needs work. The seem to get infested by flys / larva often. This happens - I worked in a small heath food store as a teen. To keep this from happening requires constant maintenance and a cool store temperature, but it can be done. In all, this is one of my favorite health food stores and stands as a reminder of where the natural foods movement started.

I'm no vegan. I'm just an everyday carnivore. But I do appreciate natural beauty products and a variety of healthy food options. The personal care and vitamin selection is fantastic. Haven't bought groceries yet but I'll be back for snacks and assorted natural goodies.

great place, the negative reviews are from people who clearly lack civility. they just come on here to vent their feelings they know they cant say out loud. ive been to many health food stores and essene has always been one of the most classic and reliable. have only ever had the most positive experiences here as a customer and will continue to.

Essene used to be one of my favorite places to get vegan hot bar food, baked goods or other high quality Vegetables/ingredients. New owners took over recently. It is no longer a "vegan paradise" as one five star reviewer stated. They do have many of the same items as before But they also have piles of BOARS HEAD BACON where the hummus used to be. The hot bar is no longer vegan. Instead of paper sacks , if needed, they give out hideous, heavy plastic bags. I do not feel bad about going to Whole Foods anymore. Goodbye, Essene. And to be clear: it was the bacon that was the tipping point.

Essene has stepped up their game in the past year. They are a go to for us for many things. Appreciate all that they have available, that they are clean and not crowded and the overall experience of going there is great.

I love shopping local and this place makes my body feel good like Whole Foods, but without the guilt of spending my money at a big corporation. They have baked goods (all vegan) that are delicious, as well as premade vegan sandwiches. I can't wait to try them all out, A VEGAN BLT COME ON!?

The last several times my husband and I frequented this market, we left feeling "short changed" and saying "maybe they just had a bad day...." This past encounter left us with a different feeling.... We entered the check out line with one couple in front of us. I noticed it was the same young man behind the counter we've seen previously. As the couple swiped their depit card, i saw that the young man make a comically large eye roll. I figured " oh these people come here all the time and they are high maintenance, etc." Now it was our turn... When he said "credit or debit" and my husband said "credit", I watched as the young man brought his finger up to his temple and mockingly "shot himself in the head" in front of the line at the register that was slowly growing. I couldn't believe what i saw. It was 45 minutes before they closed, so nobody was keeping him there. i couldn't believe the disrespect as we felt leaving this establishment. We try as hard as we can to support local businesses, even with the escalated price. But, we know how important it is. We also know how important it is to have a job. Many would be beyond grateful to have his position at this boutique market and his behavior was inexcusable. I can't speak for everyone that works there...but we would suggest making a personnel change.

I may not look like I belong here (with my Prada's and all), but I think my alter-ego is an Earth-loving, Birkenstock-wearing, rice milk drinking zen master. So when I can tap into my inner-womyn, Essene is the place for me. On a chilly winter night, which starts at 5pm these days, my friends and I took a drive over to Essene in search of homemade soup. We were delighted to find a hot bar (à la Whole Foods) filled with raw, vegan, and organic options. Just as much as I love meat, I love vegetables, so I was thrilled to find a stir-fried veggie selection. It's like the mini-me version of Whole Foods. This small and important grocery feels a vintage Raleigh compared to the souped up but made to look basic Whole Food's fixed gear.

Given the choice, I'll take a cheeseburger and fries over seitan and soy any day, but despite this fact, I have a soft spot for health food stores. Maybe because it reminds me of my days as a vegetarian, Grateful Dead-loving, pachouli-wearing hippie. Perhaps it gives me hope that I can change my ways and learn to love the greens again. Or maybe I just inhaled one too many times. Whatever the reason, and ignoring the fact that I don't cook (thank you for feeding me, husband), I can still be convinced to pay $5 for a bag of natural cookies or $4 for a bottle of juice because they're healthy. I echo the sentiments of the other reviewers that it's expensive to shop here, and I particularly like Nate F's thoughts on socioeconomics and the availability of natural food. I go out of my way to support small businesses and applaud Essene's presence in the neighborhood. But what's with the crazy selection of bottled water? Seriously, there were like 20 different types to choose from. Not exactly the most environmentally friendly products to stock up on (unless there is a zombie epidemic - then that Poland Spring I bought two years ago will really come in handy). And the staff needs to lighten up a bit - it won't kill you guys to crack a smile. I promise it won't hurt your hardcore healthy street cred to be friendlier. Maybe they just need a hug (or a nice, juicy steak)?

Sometimes on a whim I'll take a pal in to show em the twenty-two dollar sauerkraut. It's there in the refrigerated section. It gives me the opportunity to say, "Saurkraut's still made outta cabbage, ain't it?" I'm not telling you that everything's over-priced at Essene, though. I just had to mention that craziness. I really should call my pops and tell him about it. The price of things these days. "Highway robbery!!!" might get yelled. Most of the prices are what you'd expect from most natural food stores. Essene really is a great little place. I always find what I'm looking for, whether it's bamboo dish cloths or spelt somethin or other. I've also made mention before of my penchant for all natural junk foods. The produce always looks in top form, I should add. It's a dainty little section but it all looks fresh fresh. All these things and more... I think I want a real dope juicer. Like a really good one. Yeah. I gawk at em in Essene. I'm also a fool for all-natural good smelling products, and herbs and vitamins, hippie remedies and all that. I'm one of those. Essene comes through. Never tried any of the cafe food there, but I expect one of these days I will. I'm telling you, I'm some kinda nerd who could just browse the aisles there for fun.

Once I came to Essene to buy cauliflower. IT COST ME $13. I tell people the story of my $13 cauliflower. They ask, Did it cook itself? Was it the most amazing cauliflower you ever ate? Did it give you special powers? Admittedly, it was a large head of cauliflower. But $13?! Now when I come into the market, I scurry through the produce section, hoping the broccoli doesn't grow arms and grab me. Essene does offer a great selection of bulk dry goods and weird stuff you won't find elsewhere, like quinoa pasta, rice sweetener, and hemp milk ice cream. It's all flipping expensive, but unlike Whole Foods, Essene is a small business so you feel good about spending half your paycheck on a bar of fair trade vegan all-natural fortified with coconut essence 85% chocolate. Be sure to check out the vast selection of vitamins, supplements, and beauty products. They also sell vegan shoes and stainless steel lunch containers and all sort of things that make you feel fuzzy about the earth and life. I'm only slightly making fun. I'm addicted to their lip balm selection.

I came in here this weekend and spent $66 on a bag of snack food (mostly). Now, hear me out. I have food issues. Major ones. I follow a special diet for health reasons and it requires me to avoid foods that contain high amounts of fermentable sugars. This includes almost everything in the world that's delicious including wheat, dairy, most fruits and veggies even garlic and onion, beans, mushrooms, and all manner of other wonderful things. Finding snack food that does not contain any of these things is... challenging to say the least, infuriating at times even. After a very disappointing stop at the new gluten-free baker (all their stuff has honey, which I can't have, and it turns out their primary flour is also verboten to me), I came here with the intent to purchase any and every snacky item that I could have and try them all to see what's worth coming back for. This took me forever because I read every single label twice before anything goes in my cart and their selection is just that fantastic. Almond milk pudding cups!!! Numerous kinds of rice chips, several types of granola bars, GF pecan pie, the list goes on and on. I bought a few responsible things like puffed millet and rice syrup with which to make some rice crispie treat type things, and some interesting looking kelp noodles to try, and some GF frozen items like pizza crusts. Words cannot describe my happiness. So far everything has been delicious, from the raw vegan mint chocolate tart (SO GOOD), to the pecan pie, to the pudding cups. OMG those pudding cups are out of control. Oh, the vegan chedder-style cheese I tried wasn't great, I like Daiya or Rice Dream much better. Sure, it's a bit pricey. I wouldn't come here for anything but my special-needs food items, but if you are one of those people who needs nutritious alternatives to typical foods, this is your place.

This place is pretty pricey, but it's got some amazing finds. For instance, this is the only place in the city that sells Hemp Bagels, which I obsess over like they are narcotics. For various health reasons, I'm not supposed to load up on simple carbs as that makes my body load up on the lbs (even more than most) Naturally, bagels are my favorite!! Moving back to Philadelphia from NY was an easy way of avoiding bagels, like why bother? but bagels have always been special to me even before I ever called myself a Nyer. Trying Hemp bagels was like a revelation:) They are tasty and delicious and made with out preservatives and have a whopping 20 grams of protein! Now I can get my bagel fix and I don't have to feel bad about it! HOORAH! I buy a few other things at Essene, but my other new favorite thing to buy here is Good Karma, Rice Divine, Carrot Cake-flavored ice cream. Whole Foods sells the brand, but I haven't seen this flavor there. I recently found myself in a perfectly normal dinner conversation and suddenly bringing this up. I'm told my whole face changes when I talk about it. It's embarrassing, sure, but it's what I have going for me right now--give a girl a break:)