Hi friends. This is the second consecutive post I've typed from a hotel bed while eating takeout from a fast-casual chain (Chipotle this time!) after a long work day in the frozen tundra of New Hampshire. So I'm concerned that this blog is starting to take a depressing/complain-y turn.

I did, however, find a GREAT coffee shop up here, which you've already seen several pictures of if you've been religiously following my Insta story (as I'm sure all of you have been), and one of my new coworkers told me that she spent the better part of this afternoon making a spreadsheet of places to get lobster rolls nearby, so I think we are going to get along. Eventually I'll write a post about all the food and coffee I've had here (I'll probably leave Panera and Chipotle out), plus the super cute downtown area of this city (once it warms up enough for me to stand outside and take a picture).

Anyway. You didn't come here to read about how cold New Hampshire is. And if we're being totally honest, you probably didn't come here to read about coffee places either; you are probably here because you are my friend and/or related to me and are trying to be nice by supporting my extremely unfocused project. (Thanks, by the way, y'all are the best!)

On that note, coffee! I'll try and keep this one short.

Red Dessert Dive

Look at that strategically placed New Yorker and Ray-Bans.  It's almost like we've practiced this at every coffee shop in town (@_reezydoesit). — Look at that strategically placed New Yorker and Ray-Bans. It's almost like we've practiced this at every coffee shop in town (@_reezydoesit).

Red serves a wide variety of desserts, as the name implies, but I am purposely withholding the picture I took of said desserts from this post because it's going to be featured in a future list of the best dessert places in Houston. If I ever get around to writing it. This is a great breakfast/coffee spot in the Heights though, and it opens early. I had a kolache, which I apparently ate before taking this picture. Eating dessert for breakfast is also an option here, and completely acceptable/encouraged. Plus, Red serves Boomtown coffee, so you know it's good.

Cafe Poetes

The barista informed me that it eclairs are technically a finger food, so the fork is unnecessary.

Y'all, this place is ADORABLE. It's in midtown and it's brand new. One wall is totally covered in bookshelves, and I'm pretty sure the table/chairs I am sitting at here is meant for small children, but it was the best angle for my picture soooo...#noshame. There is also a very nice patio. Although they serve coffee here, the draw is really the pastries. I thought this eclair was great, but I have a pretty unrefined American palate, so I'm probably not really qualified to comment. It was served on a really pretty plate though! There is WiFi and plugs here, but it just doesn't feel like a "bring your laptop" kinda place (although I did, #noshame). I would feel pretty sophisticated reading a book here though. Or having a tea party with all my girlfriends (lol jk I couldn't even type that sentence with a straight face...I've never referred to my friends as 'girlfriends,' and we all know I would be drinking coffee). But most importantly, will Cafe Poetes dethrone Common Bond as the most Instagrammable restaurant in Houston!? Yeah probably.

Morningstar

This weird circular hole in the wall is super fun for pics.

Morningstar deserves its own post. It's also (spoiler alert) going to be number one on my upcoming definitive Houston donut ranking. If I ever get around to finishing that post. Coffee is Greenway, and the baristas are great, so expect the same quality as Blacksmith, Prelude, etc. And FANCY DOUGHNUTS (you know they're fancy because they use the fancy spelling) in a variety of flavors that are updated often. Decisions are hard, so I've been known to choose based on which one is the prettiest (I won't use #noshame a third time. I am a little ashamed of that one). This isn't so much a "hangout" and/or "getting work done" kind of spot (I'm not actually working there...I couldn't get the WiFi to stay connected, plus it closes at 3PM daily), it's where I go when I just want really great doughnuts and/or coffee. Pro tip: Morningstar doughnuts are also served at Prelude, Coral Sword, Inversion, and Blacksmith. I'll save the doughnut pics/reviews for later though. I keep telling myself I'm going to order some of the other breakfast/brunch options sometime, but that never actually happens. Try the brisket kolaches if you get a chance though, they are excellent! My very favorite thing about Morningstar, however, is the door.