i’m not talking about a soulless cup of coffee at starbucks, but a rich, extravagant cup of coffee at one of the many coffee houses that have sprung up all over houston. i realize that personal tastes vary, but for me, i don’t just want a great cup of coffee. i want a pleasant environment as well. not long ago my husband took me to a place that he and his cycling friends like. although the coffee was very good (as was the gigantic chocolate scone we shared), the place was run down, and the furniture looked like beat up dorm furniture that had seen a fair amount of sexual activity. the predominant style of dress was only a notch above pajamas. so happy with his coffee, my husband exclaimed, “isn’t this great” to which i replied, “no, it is not. this is my worst nightmare — to be sitting around unemployed in the middle of the day in a t-shirt and gym shorts, on crappy furniture, surfing the internet for a job and having people snarl at me.” here is a picture of the place (which shall remain nameless): i’m not trying to be a scrooge, it’s just that i’m looking for something different at this stage of my life. so here, in no particular order, are 4 coffee houses that i really enjoy, with great coffee, a nice variety of sweet and savory items, and slick surroundings. if you are feeling stressed by the holidays, take a coffee break and refresh at one of these places. blacksmith blacksmith is located at 1018 westheimer, in an industrial-looking brick building.