For true coffee lovers in the Houston area, any old grocery store beans just won’t do. That’s why so many area residents adore Katz Coffee, a micro roaster that consistently churns out fresh coffees, some of which are only a few hours old when you purchase them.

Stop in to this off-the-beaten-path roaster and you’ll instantly get hit with the intoxicating aroma of premium beans roasting right on site. Katz sources coffee beans from responsible, sustainable sources all over the world, and once received, they roast them in their Houston warehouse and ship them to coffee shops all over the area.

If you go straight to the source, however, you can meet the knowledgeable, coffee-loving minds behind the brews and even pick up bags of beans in bulk. Check out delicious batches like the popular Jumping Mouse blend, Bavarian Chocolate for those who prefer flavored coffee and even Velvet Espresso to make your own latte at home.

Katz Coffee
1003 W 34th St
Houston, TX 77018
(713) 864-3338
www.KatzCoffee.com

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr jonathan mcintosh

Although losing weight is one of the most common New Year’s resolutions, this year might be the year to stop worrying about your appearance and start working toward a more positive mindset. You just might find that bettering yourself from the inside will have positive effects on your body as well!

1. Devote more time to loved ones. If you don’t get to see your family and friends as much as you'd like, aim to fix that in the upcoming months. Cut back on work, schedule a visit, or simply ask a loved one out to dinner—and leave your phone in your pocket!
2. Butt out. Giving up cigarettes does just as much good for your body as dieting, so toss out your pack after the clock strikes midnight.
3. Improve your finances. From paying off your credit card bills to setting aside money for savings, getting out of debt can make you feel a bit lighter in a completely different way.
4. Volunteer for a cause. Even if it’s only once a month, donating time to a cause that you believe in is a great way to improve yourself in the New Year.
5. Get active. Instead of making a New Year’s resolution to improve your physique, vow to simply get outside more and become more active. You just might shed a few pounds along the way.

Top 10 New Year's Resolutions [About Travel]
10 New Year’s Resolutions You Might Actually Keep [How Stuff Works]
Popular New Year's Resolutions [USA.gov]

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/markheybo

Just like a painting in an art museum, the dishes at Artista Restaurant are picture-perfect and exceptionally creative, diner say. This artistic eatery is located in Houston’s Hobby Center for the Performing Arts, and it offers sweeping views of the city skyline from any table in its spacious dining room.

Here, guests can dine on New American classics and signature dishes from Michael Cordúa, one of the most inventive and renowned chefs in all of Texas. The lunch and dinner menus include wild Scottish salmon, calamari tempura appetizers, and premium filet mignon steaks served with complementary sides, including the restaurant’s almost-famous mascarpone mashed potatoes. The dessert menu includes crème brulee, tres leches cakes, and other decadent sweets, and there is even an expansive wine list for of-age guests.

If you’re going out to see a show in the area, be sure to make reservations beforehand for dinner at Artista!

Artista Restaurant
800 Bagby St
Houston, TX 77002
(713) 278-4782
www.artistahouston.com

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr jeffreyw