Serials and Scenarios ~ drips coffee/gallery - review

 I have been negligent, again. How could I go to a coffee shop many, many times and not review it?  

I will rectify this now. 

drips is the most unique coffee shop I've ever been in. For starters, there are limited coffee house sounds such as screaming, steaming milk. When coffee is ordered the owner/artist, Tres, grinds the perfect number of beans and crafts a delicious pour over. 

Pretty much, those who want frou-frou with chocolate or caramel drizzle with meh coffee shouldn't plan on having that itch scratched. However, fans of coffee...the real deal with all the diverse qualities that make each estate, each coffee growing region unique will adore Tres's pours. Tres chooses beans with coffee lover palates in mind. And he's more than happy to talk about the subtle and not-so-subtle qualities of the coffee. 

Tres also experiments with other drinks, I watched him make an iced coffee yesterday, and I've heard about some amazingly decadent creations that include things like butter. 

Right now he is serving a unique bean and he updates his Facebook Page often.  He even offers a little historical coffee information about the limited-time newest bean offering. 

drips atmosphere is cool and ever changing. Different artists hang their pieces in the gallery, and Tres often is hard at work on his own creations. 

I think drips is the only non-chain coffee location in Council Bluffs. If you are a coffee lover you owe it to yourself to check it out if you are a Council Bluffs or Omaha resident or visitor. Located in the historic Main Street section of Council Bluffs, it's near the Dodge House and infamous Squirrel Cage Jail. 

Serials and Scenarios ~ Restaurant Review. Omaha's Block 16

 I have been remiss. And I apologize. Somehow. I have not reviewed Block 16. That's going to change, now. 

Located on Farnam Street at the outskirts of the historic Old Market district in Omaha is a row of restaurants. Smack dab in the middle between 16th and 17th is Block 16. 

The restaurant is simple with a neighborhood bar/bistro feel. The line drawing art of a pig, butcher-style, bike with areas of interest noted, and a M or W written on waiter pad paper for the bathroom doors kind of says it all. What you see is what you get. 

I've been to Block 16, or been treated to their menu items a dozen or so times over the past 2 years. I have yet to be disappointed. 

Fries. PB Bean Burger and Vegan Reuben.

Simple decor. Local feel. 

Several times, as I've waited for take out I've had the opportunity to chat with staff members and have  enjoyed doing so. The chef owners are well traveled and have perfected some sweet skills with seitan and other vegan meat subs. The menu is not going to annoy any meat eaters in the group either. This isn't a hippie joint and there are many hearty animal flesh items on the menu. 

However, as a vegan I really appreciate the fact that the chefs can pull off very satisfying alternatives. 

I think the vegan Reuben served at Block 16 might just rival any Reuben on the planet. Seasoned strips of seitan, capers, thin slivers of beets, and slaw on rye. I am drawn to it every time I step foot through the door.       

Additionally, Block 16 is where I first tasted jack fruit. BBQ pulled pork style and dang, it made a fan out of me. A "fish" Tartine sandwich made with breaded tofu and smeared with mayo and lettuce is a delicious, satisfying meal. Other monthly specials have been buffalo "wings" and Mexican offerings. I attended 2 Vegan Omaha events there and one offered some delicious Thai food. The chefs know their stuff. 

Finally, Block 16 offers a peanut butter smeared bean burger that is off the charts. Pickles, peanut butter and a very satisfying burger that doesn't turn into mush when you bite into it or taste bland. 

Most sandwiches are under $9.00 and you can get fries and a drink for around $11.00, too. They use a local bakery for the sandwich bread and shop our local farmer's market. With influences from some of the best vegan communities in North America they know their vegan. 

If you are headed to Omaha and you are intrigued to have a taste of Omaha in all it's local, simple glory, give Block 16 a try. I don't think you'll be sorry. 

Serials and Scenarios ~ Archetype Coffee Reviewed

I love that Omaha is getting more and more trendy and bringing some of the best from other locales into the area. 

The newest coffee shop in town is absolutely a blast from Seattle. Two years after visiting, I still miss the plethora of coffee shop choices and fine brews we got to experience while there. Now, the Omaha metro area is offering quite a few choices, each with it's own unique strengths and personality. 

Archetype Coffee (the link is to their FB page) just opened last week. 

They offer an urban and sleek atmosphere and beans from small coffee roasters. 

The menu is clean and sleek as well, and we enjoyed an excellent pour over. 

Though I didn't try an oat milk latte, that's for next time, I'm excited that they offer different non-dairy milk choices. They didn't have baked goods or treats other than fresh fruit the day we visited, so don't plan on being able to get goodies. Though if you check the Facebook page before going you might get the lowdown. I noticed that they did mention having a bakery that was going to supply something or other. 

If you are in the "Blackstone District" just West of Midtown (40th and Farnam area) and you want a great cup of coffee, give them a try.

I love the little quirky touch of the beaker that holds another 1/3 cup of coffee. And the covered outdoor seating.