Houston: Blacksmith


Blacksmith
1018 Westheimer
Houston, TX 77006
(832) 360-7470

A new coffee shop in Houston just popped on the Montrose grid. I was in Houston for a weekend recently and eating buddy and photographer, Thomas Chen suggested we try it out. I had already eaten a homecooked meal with my mom so meeting at a coffee shop was great for both of us. I can satisfy my perpetual cravings for chocolate croissants and coffee while he try one of their sandwiches.

When I made my order for a latte, Queen’s “Bicycle Race” was playing on their sound system and the barista informed us that whenever Queen plays, Freddie Mercury pays. Freddie paid for my latte!

They even have an official sign.

It was a great way to spend a rainy Sunday morning.


Chocolate croissant, $4; latte, comped by Freddie Mercury

Thomas and I have eaten with each other for over ten years. Normally I’d be helping myself to tastes from his orders without batting an eye. However, this particular Sunday was Lunar New Year. Vietnamese tradition is that we are vegetarians on New Year’s Day for good luck. This did not stop me from looking longingly at Thomas’s ham and cheese sandwich. One of my favorite things in this world is runny egg yolk.


Ham, Gruyere, Egg, Bechamel sandwich, $11

Thomas said it was finger licking good. In other words, I’m going to have to go back.

P.S. The pickles were da bomb.