Delicacy from chef in Essex (7)
I believe the answer is:
finesse
'delicacy' is the definition.
(synonyms)
'from chef in essex' is the wordplay.
'from' says the answer is hidden in the clue.
'FINESSE' is hidden in the letters of 'chef in essex'.
(Other definitions for finesse that I've seen before include "Clever or crafty manoeuvring" , "isky card play" , "Subtle skill - bridge manoeuvre" , "Refinement" , "Subtlety, expertise" .)