The Boiler Room: Last Call

Location: 1110 Jones St. - Downtown
Listening to: Sweet Dreams Are Made of This - The Eurythmics

The Boiler Room is definitely a favorite for fine dining in Omaha, but to keep this post short and sweet, I'm just writing about our last visit for dessert and digestifs...

Fig and Apricot Tart
With bittersweet chocolate, frangipane, and sesame ice cream

Fig & Apricot Tart

This is an INSANELY good dessert. Close your eyes and dive right in. It starts with delicate, sticky pastry, slides into creamy apricot filling, and finishes with chewy roasted figs. The bed of bittersweet chocolate pairs well with the fruit.
On the side is sesame ice cream and candied almonds. The nuttiness of the ice cream and almonds provide a delicious contrast to the sweetness of the tart. Cleanse your palate with a bit of key lime crème and fresh mint. 'Twas an evening of stone fruit, which is not normally a favorite; but an open mind leads to unexpected happiness :) Forget chocolate cake. Go eat this tart while it's still on the menu!

Grand Marnier above hot water

Drinks
Normally I would have a glass of warmed Grand Marnier or Chartreuse Vert with a dessert like the above, but I was in a vintage & craft cocktail kind of mood. I opted for "The Harper Valley P.T.A." This is basically a sidecar with gin. Those who have drunk with me before know I can handle my liquor, but this one was a boozy doozy! Sweet and sour and strong and yummy, but I'll admit I couldn't finish it. In my defense, this was last call after a night of imbibing.

Dustin ordered their Old Fashioned. I say "their" old fashioned because since the 1800s, there has been much debate over the best recipe, the most original recipe, the truest recipe. You're sure to find an old fashioned cocktail anywhere you go. But they are all different. Me? I don't mind a little muddled fruit in the bottom of the glass. Though a purist would definitely enjoy The Boiler Room's rendition. In fact, it was recently voted "Omaha's Best Old Fashioned Cocktail" by Sarah Baker Hansen at the Omaha World Herald. Their secret? Old Weller "Antique" 107 Proof bourbon and a 1:1 demerara simple syrup. Go try one for yourself and give your feedback in the comments!

Sweet drinks, sweet dreams...

Howlin' Hounds Coffee

Location: 712 S. 16th St. - Downtown
Listening to: One More Cup Of Coffee - The White Stripes

Not sure how to classify this visit. Second time as a coffeeshop, fourth time as an art space. Formerly known as the Diamond Bar on 16th, Howlin' Hounds Coffee is a venue for all sorts. I originally attended a couple of art/dj shows as it was undergoing renovations. Upon my most recent visit, I was delighted to see all the changes... glistening hardwood floors and a long bar with soda fountain stools.  Raw brick walls add a coziness to the atmosphere.

Howlin' Hounds Coffee is owned and operated by Greg and his two canines, Lady, a gentle yellow lab, and Buddy, a friendly dark golden retriever. Leashed dogs are allowed to lounge about the space as their owners enjoy their beverages or make use of the free wi-fi.

The coffee brewed here is from a local roaster, The Bean Smith. Greg informed me that soon he will be importing award-winning organic espresso from "Gimme! Coffee" just outside Ithaca, New York. Customers will be able to choose between the two roasters when ordering.

Offerings
From con pannas to Caramel Sunday Lattes to passion fruit Italian sodas, Howlin' Hounds serves a little bit of everything. They offer brewed coffee, espresso drinks, hot and cold teas, Jones soda, and even oatmeal or pastries from local bakeries. I appreciate the variety of dairy and dairy alternatives, which is surprisingly rare in Omaha. I had a Black & White Mocha with almond milk, and it was delicious! The almond milk gave it a light, nutty flavor, and the use of Ghirardelli syrups ensured my drink was not too cloying.

I must say, I was incredibly impressed when Greg remembered me after one visit. He even remembered Dustin's "usual" order after only two visits. How can I not recommend this place after getting such exemplary service! We stayed and chatted with the owner for a good hour or so before heading off to dinner. Great experiences all around.

Aside from coffee and a place to cool your jets, Howlin' Hounds offers a space to display local talent. Omaha artist Gerard Pefung's mural can be seen all along the back wall of the shop, which doubled as a dance floor during my last visit :) Council Bluffs artist Trés Johnson has his work on display throughout the rest of the building. His show is titled "Far Gone and Out" and I was excited to purchase a few pieces for myself.

Please, go check this place out and let me know what you think in the comments! You can also "like" Howlin' Hounds Coffee on Facebook.