This week I hit two coffee shops back to back. The first is the new “Froth House” at 11 N. Allen Street near West High School and “indie Coffee” at 1225 Regent Street “indie” is not capitalized due to the anti-establishment “independents” whom believe capitalization is the work of an oppressive government. (I made that up…..or did I?!??)

Froth House is located in the late “Dancing Grounds” space right off the corner of Allen St and Regent Street. D.G. was definitely one of my classic favorites, where the beans were roasted on site and new concoctions were always coming to the surface. Now Ancora supplies the brew and the place has been opened up a bit relieving the slight cramped feel of the old D.G. Unfortunately I’d have to say that the change lost the “cozy” feel that I liked about D.G. There is some fresh paint on the walls, toning it down with darker colors but I like the bright colors better “one little binger, to brighten up your day….” The coffee is pretty much standard Ancora, which is fine, but it simply doesn’t stand up to the individuality of D.G’s personal blends. I had a muffin, same old standard but I didn’t try the sandwiches, which looked tasty but nothing spectacular. If I lived near by I feel like I would frequent “Froth House” but it gives me little incentive to travel out of my way.

“indie Coffee” on the other hand burst with much more comparative personality. The bean is roasted by Victors and is of standard quality but what stood out most to me where the sandwiches and dessert. With many options for lunch including plenty of veg (the honey, fig + goat cheese sandwich looked fab) and meat for the real men. I had the Genoa bollo sandwich. It’s a good place to grab a cup of joe and enjoy the early afternoon. And for god sakes I’ll have to return because the desserts looked like they would fatten you up with glee, among the choices: creme brulle cheesecake, apple crumb tart, chocolate kahlua toffee mousse, oreo dream pie, key lime cheesecake, NY vanilla cheesecake, Mississippi mud pie, turtle bundtlette and more. In addition there are some breakfast options including the “Malted Belgium Waffle,” I don’t think you could go wrong with that one. A schedule of live music and movies adds to the ambiance in the late night when you can enjoy the happy hour with 14 Wisconsin microbrews for $2.50 and glasses of wine for $3 every day between 5 and 7 p.m. Check out the schedule at www.indiecoffee.net

Until next time, stay jacked.