The rooftop pool at The Laura
With floor-to-ceiling views of the city, the bar offers an extensive barrel-aged whiskey program with fun twists on whiskey-favs. The making of the banana old fashioned is as impressive a show as it is a cocktail: While the whiskey smokes in a barrel, bananas are caramelized on the spot as a flavorful garnish. The final product is a semi-sweet, boozy summer dream.
Meanwhile, at Hull & Oak, expect fine dining with a Texas-comfort-food twist. The hummus, for example, is made with hatch chiles and topped with jalapenos, and the country-fried chicken is plated for two, and comes with fixins like pickled peppers and collard greens.
Ready to detox? The Texas flair continues in the spa with massages utilizing oils made with local wildflowers and berries. And don’t miss the Meditative Massage, which calms the vagus nerve — responsible for the regulation of internal organ function — via steaming compresses and specialized massage therapies. All guests of the hotel also get a pass to LifeTime Fitness, located across the street.
The pool overlooking Downtown is adorned in sleek, all-white pool furniture and usually features pretty people and hip vibes. Get a late checkout and stay for the summer’s final Sunday Funday on Sept. 3, boasting a DJ and drink specials. Pro tip: no room reservation needed, as cabanas are available for rent to Houstonians, and include a bottle of bubbly. Cheers!
The Laura Hotel
Bloody Marys at Hull & Oak
Fried Chicken for two at Hull & Oak
Inside Hull & Oak
Peas in a Pod cocktail
Inside Hull & Oak
The Laura Bar
Inside The Laura Hotel
Inside The Laura Hotel
Featured bartenders will present an original cocktail using any of the following spirits: Grey Goose Vodka, Patron Tequila, Bacardi Ocho Rum, Bombay Sapphire Gin, or Teeling Whiskey. A panel of beverage experts — including 2022 winner Lightfoot, Southern Smoke’s Catarina Bill and EZ's Liquor Lounge co-owner Matt Tanner — and event attendees will taste and vote for the winning cocktail. The gold winner will be featured on the Bayou & Bottle menu for one year. Special prizes from Four Seasons Hotel Houston will also be awarded.
"After the rousing success of last year’s event, we are very much looking forward to welcoming back great bartenders from across the city for some delicious competition,” says Johnathan Jones, the Four Seasons’ beverage manager. “Bringing these talented drink makers together always makes for a festive evening — inspired, spirited, and most importantly, fun.” The evening includes three-ounce samples of each featured cocktail, signature small plates from Bayou & Bottle and Toro Toro, and musical entertainment provided by BELLOSOUND DJ Flash Gordon. Proceeds benefit Southern Smoke Foundation and the Houston Chapter of the Bartenders’ Guild of America. Tickets ($35) are limited for this special event.
For those looking to make a night of it and stay at Four Seasons Hotel Houston, which is always a treat, the Residents Retreat package includes 10 percent off the room rate, breakfast for two, and overnight valet parking. Or stick around for a staycation with more fun. Toro Toro’s special Houston Restaurant Weeks dinner menu ($55) is still on offer until Sept. 4. The three-course menu features delicacies such as bison tartare with salsa macha; salmon with achiote marinade or a prime center cut filet with chimichurri; and dessert. The Paloma cake laced with grapefruit and tequila is the perfect palate cleanser. (If you’re looking for another deal, try Burger Wednesdays. Bayou & Bottle’s famous brisket burger is just $6 for lunch!)
Rather take a dip? Hotel guests and visitors are invited to reserve a day at the rooftop pool. Unwind at this urban oasis or snag your own private poolside cabana with friends and family, complete with a patio, seating area and full bathroom. The poolside café offers flavorful dishes and drinks. Other programs to add to your radar include Latin Live: live musical entertainment every Tuesday from 6:30-9:30pm, alongside exec-chef Rafael Villalpando’s dinner menu. Expect a twist on the contemporary steakhouse experience with Pan-Latin influences, Asian dishes and elevated spirits. Salud!
Toro Toro
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