Edible Apple

Hours before losing track of the next-gen iPhone he was testing, Apple engineer Gray Powell was off having a good time and celebrating his 27th birthday at a German beer garden called the Gourmet Haus Staudt. While enjoying a few libations, Powell let his Facebook friends know about his affinity for German beer – “I underestimated how good German beer is,” he wrote in a Facebook status update. From there, well you know how the rest of the story goes.

But looking to capitalize on the enormous amount of press surrounding the iPhone 4G incident, Lufthansa Airlines is trying to reach out to Gray by offering him a free flight to Germany along with some German beer, also on the house.

Nicola Lange, Lufthansa’s Marketing Director for the Americas, wrote and shared, via Twitpic, the following letter addressed to Powell:

I recently read in the news that you lost a very special phone at a German beer bar in California. We all know how frustrating it can be to lose personal belongings, especially when it is such a unique item.

At Lufthansa we also noted with great interest your passion for German beer and culture. We thought you could use a break soon — and therefore would like to offer you complimentary Business Class transportation to Munich, where you can literally pick up where you last left off. Upon arrival in Munich, feel free to check out our new Bavarian Beer Garden Business Lounge, and experience the best that Germany has to offer.

We are looking forward to welcoming you on board.

What an invite! And maybe Steve Jobs can hop on his private Gulfstream Jet and pop in for a surprise visit as well. Just two Apple employees sharing a few drinks and a few laughs about fun times.