Island Time

Beach price hike: Galveston is ending its free parking (for real this time!)

Island life may mean fresh salty air and daily boogie boarding, but it isn't exempt from parking woes — a fact that is coming to light as parking signs go up along Seawall Boulevard in Galveston.

Voters approved a measure for paid parking in May 2011, and KHOU Ch. 11 News is reporting that the signs are currently being installed for the PayByPhone system that could go into effect as early as August.

The meter-free system will charge visitors $1 per hour to park along the beachfront street for up to eight hours at a time, with proceeds going to pay for beach clean up and public restrooms. (For reference, that's half the price of a full day in the lot across from the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier.) Galveston Police chief Henry Porretto told KHOU that frequent beach-goers may also opt to purchase a $25 parking pass.

Residents who live on nearby streets are concerned that visitors may drift into the neighborhoods to find free parking — or worse, skip Galveston's beaches altogether.

Watch KHOU's full report below:

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Smoke on the Thames

2 Michelin-starred Texas barbecue joints fire up monthlong London pop-up

InterStellar and La Barbecue at The Ned London

The Ned London/thened.com

Even in Austin's home scene, these restaurants are considered the cream of the crop. Abroad, this is an extra special treat.

Two of Texas' best barbecue joints are are firing up their smokers in London. Austin-based InterStellar and La Barbecue are in residence for one month a London hotel called The Ned.

Service started on September 4, and guests have until October 4 to see what great barbecue tastes like on the other side of the pond.

Each restaurant sent its best representative: John Bates of InterStellar BBQ and Ali Clem of La Barbecue, the two pitmasters who led them to barbecue's first Michelin stars. Both are somewhat traditional with a few signature twists, making them a good match beyond their similar levels of prestige.

Proteins on the menu include pork ribs, pulled lamb shoulder, chopped cheese sausage, and InterStellar's famous peach tea pork belly burnt ends. Brisket will be available as an add-on. The team is also cooking up sides and pairing the bites with cocktails made for the occasion by Jack Daniels.

The exclusive sharing tray is available for $75 per person, with a minimum of two people per reservation ($150). A 14.5 percent service gratuity is also being added.

Many barbecue fans understand that a smoker plays a huge part in the final product, and being away from home could dramatically change the cooking process. An Instagram post explains (and seems to lightly promote) that the pitmasters are using Ironbrand smokers, which are custom-made in the United Kingdom.

The residency is happening at Electric Bar & Diner, The Ned's all-day American diner. The 248-room hotel is located in Poultry, on the north side of the River Thames near St. Paul's Cathedral. It is also very near to the Bank Station, a connecting station for four rail routes, making it easy to get to from many parts of London.

Booking is already going fast, so guests who want to snag a space should commit soon.

barbecue international michelin michelin guide pitmasters pop-ups travel