Umbrellas are so 20th century. So, in a sign of the times, a Texas hotel now offers a simple perk that ensures their guests capture the best possible selfies.
The concierge at the Four Seasons in downtown Houston has been handing out selfie sticks that attach to smart phones, providing a wider-range view of a subject when taking a photo. "Especially when you travel, it's important to get a good photo," says Laura Pettitt, the hotel's director of public relations.
The Associated Press mentioned the hotel's newest amenity in a recent story titled, "Selfie Sticks: Tourist Convenience or Purely Narcissi-Stick?," and since then the response has been overwhelming, Pettitt says, with stories on the NBC Nightly News and in publications as far away as New Zealand.
"We try to keep ahead of trends of what our customers need when they stay with us," Pettitt says. "And with social media, it's important to them and to us that they're enjoying their stay."
In addition to the selfie sticks, the hotel concierge does continue to keep a supply of umbrellas for rainy occasions. Some things never go out of style.
Four Seasons staffers point out proper use of a selfie stick.
Photo courtesy of Four Seasons Houston Hotel
Four Seasons staffers point out proper use of a selfie stick.
Franklin Barbecue pitmaster Aaron Franklin meets British Airways executive chef Mark Brega.
The question of Austin's favorite barbecue joint will always be up in the air, but Franklin Barbecue is bringing things to new heights.
British Airways customers flying from Austin to London throughout March will enjoy a barbecue meal onboard, and some will get a limited-edition take-home bottle of Franklin's Original Sauce.
This is in celebration of 10 years of flying between Austin and Heathrow Airport, and the offer only seems to be valid from here to London. In fairness, as much as some good barbecue would be a great prelude to landing in Austin, it'd be pretty hard to cook it up across the pond.
The limited edition "BA-B-Q sauce" (as in "British Airways," ha ha) is being bottled up for Club World customers — that means those flying in the long-haul business class cabin. Not saying a bottle of sauce is worth hundreds of dollars in upgrades, but it would be a good comedy bit to visit London and drench everything in Texas Juice.
Franklin's sauce is mostly tomato and apple cider vinegar, combining for a pleasant and light product that really represents the simplicity of Texas barbecue. If fans aren't planning a trip to London this month, they can also check out this helpful tutorial from the pitmaster himself.
"Franklin Barbecue is a legendary establishment in Austin," said British Airways executive chef Mark Brega in a press release. "Known for its long lines and mouthwatering brisket, it has earned a reputation as one of the best barbecue joints in the world. We are always looking for culinary inspiration in the cities we fly, so it was a delight to meet Aaron Franklin and learn from his passion and expertise and share Franklin Barbecue's Original BBQ sauce with our customers."
Speaking of videos, British Airways documented a trip Brega made to Austin to learn and develop the in-flight barbecue meal. That will be available to the rest of customers on the flights mentioned above, regardless of what type of ticket they have.
Brega toured the back-of-house at Franklin Barbecue and discussed his plans for "a nice little slaw...a couple of nice slices of short rib, corn pudding, beans, and a couple little sides." According to the release, World Travellers will also be able to order a smoky chicken alternative with rice and beans.
Franklin points out that on an airplane, flavors will have to be heightened to avoid tasting bland. He doesn't mention what they'll do behind the scenes to turn up the heat, but suffice it to say, this meal will taste best in the air, and the sauce should stay sealed until safely on the ground again.
"We had such a good time hosting Mark and the team from British Airways," said Franklin in the release. "It's an honor to help represent Austin as we celebrate ten years of a straight-shot between these two great cities, and all kinds of fun to share this special sauce with British Airways travelers!"