BY BRITTANY SAILORS
If you live in Eagle, you are likely familiar with the little church turned coffeehouse that proudly stands along Eagle Road, in the heart of our city. Rembrandt’ s Coffeehouse had become a community staple since opening its doors in 2004. So what do you do when your favorite place to gather closes its doors temporarily? I, for one, ask questions. Why, you ask? As an Idaho native, I have seen hundreds of beverage and dining establishments come and go, most not so shockingly. When a place with rave reviews and nary an empty seat shuts down, my curious nature will not let me rest until I’ ve learned why. When I discovered Rembrandt’ s was closed for remodeling, I had a stronger emotional reaction than I ever would have imagined. Unanswered questions quickly filled my mind.
Why are they remodeling? Did they change ownership? Will they still provide the same experience? Will they still serve coffee? Will our favorite coffeehouse be nothing more than a memory?
To any casual observer, my somewhat panicked response may seem a bit outlandish.“ It’ s just another coffeehouse,” one might say. The truth of the matter is, for many, Rembrandt’ s had become more than“ just another coffeehouse”. It’ s where we’ ve shared long conversations, built new relationships, poured out our hearts, and celebrated our lives. It was in the fresh morning air of the patio seats one summer where I spent hours each week listening to my grandparents recount their youth and inquire about mine. The two memories are so intertwined I can hardly think of one without the other. It’ s where I spent hours hammering out homework in college and even more time plugging away on my laptop as a writer. I celebrated the impending birth of my second child with family and friends pouring in, to shower us with love. I’ ve soaked in the sun of the quaint patio and cozied up with a frothy latte inside the vaulted room that once housed a congregation of worshipers. It’ s safe to say I’ ve developed a love for this little coffeehouse that goes far beyond the product they serve.
Reopened at Last- First Impressions It was by pure happenstance that I was driving by last October and noticed cars in the parking lot again. I had an hour before I needed to be anywhere else. Overjoyed with my fortunate timing, I pulled into the parking lot, eager to rediscover the place housing so many of my memories. As I approached the old, familiar doorway, I noticed it now read Rembrandts Downtown Eagle. My anxiety began to wane. Perhaps this namesake had maintained the charm of our much-loved coffeehouse after all. Once inside, I was delighted to find a refreshing, modern palette, and furnishings-- the walls a soothing gray and the counter a crisp white stone. It all felt so new yet reassuringly similar. The pew adorning the entryway reassured me that whatever changes were in store; the heart of this establishment remained the same. The building, an 1800’ s-era church, has a rich history and it appeared the remodel had provided some much needed updating while maintaining a few mementos in homage to the building’ s original purpose.
I asked an employee the question I’ m sure they’ ve heard hundreds of times since reopening. I asked with nervous timbre,“ Are you guys still Rembrandt’ s then?” She must have sensed my unease because she quickly reassured me they are still providing coffee and a relaxing environment, with the added benefit of a dinner and wine menu. Instantly, I was sold. A place I can eat dinner and enjoy an expertly crafted cup of coffee? What’ s not to love about that match made in heaven? I ordered a breakfast sandwich and a latte and settled into a booth along the far wall. Within minutes of receiving my order, I began an emotional journey where each savory bite and velvety sip took me further from the rush of my busy schedule and closer to a peaceful presence in the moment. My favorite coffeehouse was quickly becoming my favorite eatery. I knew then I wanted to learn more about this newly imaged Rembrandts Downtown Eagle so I could share my discoveries with the community.
JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2017 | 19