[media-credit name=’JEFF SCHORFHEIDE/Herald photo’ align=’alignnone’ width=’648′][/media-credit]If you are sick of the crowded and commercialized coffeehouses of State Street, maybe it is time to take a hike and consider The Froth House. This intimate coffeehouse is located just outside of campus on the west side of Camp Randall and is definitely worth the walk.
Inside you will discover a unique elegance that is suggestive of Moroccan style, blended with a glowing, eclectic local feeling and featuring a warm collection of comfortable furniture. Banana leaves envelop the large windows to harbor the collection of creativity inside, while mottled burgundy walls and amber hardwood floors serve as a backdrop for a cache of local artwork.

Once a month, The Froth House holds a reception to pay respect to featured artists who display and sell their artwork there. Not only do they exhibit local artists' work — they also serve local produce and non-homogenized milk. The Froth House also gives back by operating on partial wind energy from MG&E and donating to Madison's Porch Light and AIDS foundations.

The moderately priced espresso and coffee drinks are skillfully made, with prices starting around $3 for espresso and $1.65 for Ancora coffee. Lunch and breakfast sandwiches range in price from $3 to $6. These sandwiches are healthy, satisfying and unique, varying from the Formaggio, an Italian grilled cheese, to the New Yorker, a delicious all-veggie bagel sandwich. If you lack a large appetite, there are smaller items on the menu, including smoothies, salads, Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream, brownies and sodas.

Co-owners Eric Thebert and Terese Dietrich say they try to create a haven for the "local community" that is "stimulated by art, poetry, music and dance."

Their attempt is successful, with the coffee shop featuring tango parties every other Thursday at 8 p.m., Celtic music sessions every second Sunday of the month at 1 p.m. and acoustic open mic Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m.

This unique variety of local music, art and coffee makes The Froth House a stress-free sanctuary for students who need of a change from the typical grind.