Valentine's Day 2016 showcase

Happy Valentine's Day! Whether you've spent today cuddled up with someone very special or have politely ignored the heartfelt shenanigans, I urge you to join me on a journey full of love. Because, ladies and gentlemen, it's showcase time!

Coming up are glimpses into the restaurants of five of my great neighbours, including three showcase debutants. Before we profess our love for one another, I'd like to apologise in advance for the lamp posts overlaying the walls in the images. This is something which has been plaguing my in-game photos for a good while now, and I think it may originate with the horrid 1.7.6 iOS update which was full of glitches. So rest assured, the lamp posts aren't really there!

That's enough of the lamp post banter. Let's get this show on the road with an episode of 'The Dating Game' ('Blind Date' for UK readers!) at Nibbles and Noms.

Nibbles and Noms

Nibbles has a real knack for coming up with totally original themes, as was demonstrated gloriously at Halloween. And this is another which not only breaks new ground in Restaurant Story, but also provides a plot to go with your romantic meal.

The customers are essentially audience members, settling down to enjoy an evening of thrills and spills hosted by Hanbok Phoebe. She's presiding over proceedings as Cashier Lee searches for the perfect partner. My Fair Gran-Gran is also in attendance, as are the Jock and Ice Skating Girl who have a chequered history at Nibbles and Noms.

To get into the mystery mood there are rows of Question Tables and Question Chairs in place, and a Love's Eternal Flame will make sure the temperature is kept hot-hot-hot!

But it's on the stage where all eyes will be trained.

Stage section of Nibble and Noms

Lee is separated from the contestants by a screen of White Dividers which is probably for the best. The Swedish Server, Playful Parasol and Mexican Dancer have all put their names forward in hope that the finest chef in all the lands finds his heart aflutter in their direction.

Over the course of several weeks, Nibbles told quite the story about how the show developed, with more familiar characters putting in an appearance as Lee had the chance to impress each of the contestants in turn on a date. Complete with a customary twist, I highly recommend that you head over to the Storm8 Forum to take in the tale in all its glory (I dare not spoil the outcome here!)

It's quite the adventure, and another fantastic display of the wonderful creativity that has lit up Nibbles and Noms time and again!

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Creativity is also never far away at our next diner, Fleet Street.

Fleet Street

Owned by regular commenter Jantiene Witzen, there is so much going on here that I don't know where to start! There's a really classy feel right across Fleet Street, from the Modern Roma to the Telephone Box. You're never far away from something really interesting, be it the queue for the Ice Cream Stand or the Banjo Player hoping to emulate his idol, the Rock & Roll King, who is immortalised in a statue.

A little like my place (but so much more organised!) there are several different sections on the road, and they all have their own unique charm. The modern pub has a really homely feel thanks to all the woody brown tones, and the pie makers give a real sense of productivity courtesy of the rows of Meat Pies and organisation of the Loose Spices. Both are solid choices for your Valentine's date.

Then there's the musical shop at the front. Whether it's an Upright Piano, Harpischord or Organ you're after, they're all to be found here! And with the Violinist and Lyre Performer both giving samples of the beautiful music that can be made I reckon you'll have no trouble finding love!

Despite the magnificence of this section, it's what's going on behind it that I want to focus upon.

Florist and market sections of Fleet Street

The colour on display is quite incredible. The Farmers Market Stand, Produce Stand and Apple Vendor marry together perfectly to create a truly gorgeous market scene. It's so bright and cheery, and the scattered Barrel of Apples ensures that there's still an element of disorder in an otherwise pristine setting.

Once you've got your fresh ingredients for that special meal all that remains are a bouquet of flowers for your Valentine. Arbor Day Phoebe and the Rose Seller have quite the selection to choose from! Once more there is such vibrancy with plants of all shapes and sizes squeezed in. What impresses me most here is the ingenious use of the Valentine Candy - I've never quite worked out how to utilise it but Jantiene has managed to blend it into the array of colour.

I've never visited London so haven't experienced the real-life Fleet Street, but I seriously doubt it can be any more impressive than this version!

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If the stylish ambience of the modern pub at Fleet Street isn't your cup of tea you could always try something a little more traditional at Erdmännchen.

Erdmännchen

Erdmännchen has been a neighbour for a long time now and has provided countless contributions to the Suggestions Box. She has the same general layout all year round, with what is surely the greatest saloon themed restaurant anywhere in the Wild West! Whether it's the Pool Table, the Mechanical Bull or the Open Mic, every aspect of a classic Western tavern is covered.

There are so many rare items on show, not least from the Cowboy Crate which has played a huge role in making Erdmännchen the Wild West trove that it is. There are so many clever combinations in place, with one of the most effective being the placing of the Western Wagon behind the Hitching Post - this makes the horse look like it's pulling a carriage, and has been used brilliantly in three places.

And as far as Valentine's goes, there seem to be a few potentially toasty meetings depicted, mostly involving the Cowboy Greeters tipping their hats. The Parisian Waitress, Billiards Party players and bot at the host table are all being eyed up, and I reckon things could get hot very quickly!

There's no better place for us to zoom in on than the bar section.

Bar section of Erdmännchen

With the Mad Scientist and Mad Chemist in charge of pouring drinks I'm having second thoughts about visiting Erdmännchen! They're well into it though, and the Jock is transfixed. Or is it the Parisian Waitress his gaze is locked upon?!

Whatever the situation, this is a really well designed bar. The symmetry achieved by having the Wooden Pillar, Kitchen Hutch and Hanging Rake repeated on both sides is pleasing, and the Frontier Tables and Caboose Stools are well chosen.

With the Treat Trolley and Pilgrim Waiter also working diligently to provide the best possible service you can be sure that this saloon is a must visit for any passing travellers. Just watch out for those keen Cowboy Greeters!

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At Garden party all you have to keep an eye out for are passing Parade Cars!

Garden party

Making a third appearance in the showcase, Garden party has yet again come up with the goods. This Valentine's she's giving us an elaborate street scene, complete with pavements and a Valentine Mailbox! The central area is where the magic is happening thanks to the Romantic Lounge. With so much décor spotted with reds and pinks you can't fail to get into the Valentine's mood here!

The Ruby Award Booth offers a family option, and the use of the Valentine Candelabra alongside gets a mighty thumbs up from me - it's got the same grand feel and matches the content of the 4x4 decoration nicely, especially the funky lamp in one of the corners. The Pink Couch surrounded by Potted Plants and the Romantic Pond ensures that despite the hustle and bustle of the road there's still some tranquillity to be had.

 Previous showcases

 27/12/15 Christmas 2015
 02/11/15 Halloween 2015
 27/12/14 Christmas 2014

Out in the street there are some really cool themed shop fronts. On the left is the ideal place to pick up your Valentine's chocolate gift, and there's no shortage of goodies to choose from. The Valentine Candy is again employed smartly, this time in a more natural habitat, with the Candy Stand and Gumball Machine ensuring a wide selection of treats are on offer. The Chocolate Counters and Chocolate Stools leave me hungry just from looking at them, and the Elegant flooring completes the zone excellently.

But not every lover is a lover of chocolate. So let's consider heading up the road to the boutique and florist.

Boutique and florist sections of Garden party

We've already seen a florist section in this showcase, but that doesn't mean we can't get another bunch of flowers! And the range of blossoms for sale at Garden party is largely different anyway - you won't see a tower of Piled Plants anywhere else! The blasts of colour at this shop front is mesmerising, with the Floral Tier and Rose Display being particular highlights. I love how both are so packed with detail and they really are perfect for this set-up.

But there's serious competition from next door! You can get something really special for your loved one this Valentine's Day from the boutique. The Rose Columns give an immediate sense that this is a very fancy store, and that is echoed by the products on display. From Apple Aprons to Derby Hats this is a dwelling of extravagance, and that's only emphasised by the Derby Display. It looks like prospective customers get a glass of something boozy when they arrive - now this is my kind of shop!

In all it's another fine success story for Garden party. I reckon she and Fleet Street should link up and keep innovating - they'll have a whole city mapped out before long!

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We conclude this extravaganza at the home of the last of our debutants, in bittersweet.

bittersweet

We've been neighbours for almost all of eternity, and bittersweet has on occasion provided some insightful comments on the blog as well as great feedback in-game. Like some of the earlier restaurants, bittersweet has opted to install a cobbled street, but in contrast has chosen to deliver a catalogue of cultures across the various themed areas.

Perhaps the most striking section is the Asian zone, where the Korean Garden looks rather formidable, not least thanks to the Lion Statue standing guard. This area is actually a mainstay of bittersweet all year round, and has a really refined quality to it. What really impresses me is how there is décor from all manner of Asian themed updates included, which is always a sign of strong creativity.

Across the street is a very green section which makes me feel relaxed just looking at it! The Gondola Date sits proudly in the centre, and there's lots of happy stuff all around it, none more so than the number of couples. The Cruise Deck Chair girl and Lake Fisher are a brilliant pairing, while there's also the Jock-Rose Seller combo and Romantic Park bench couple.

But if you want a truly romantic Valentine's Day the place to be is the City of Love: Paris!

Parisian section of bittersweet

Whether it's the Eiffel Tower, Bourbon Street wallpaper or French Tile flooring, there can be no doubt about where in the world you are here. Throw in the gorgeous Heart Piano alongside the Violinist and you may just have the most romantic spot in all of Restaurant Story! The Belle Tables and Floral Ratten Chairs only heighten the lavishness of the scene, making this the place I'd want to spend my Valentine's Day.

Indeed it appears that there are plenty of couples have flocked to bittersweet for a Valentine's weekend away. There are some really cute and clever pairings as I've already touched upon, but it's only when you look closely that you get a real idea of the thought and care that's gone into this diner and its couples.

The highlight for me has to be the Drizzly Bear and Playful Parasol over on the right. he's clearly miserable from the rain after his umbrella broke, but she's restored some colour in his cheeks by offering to share her brolly. Love comes in many ways, and this is one of the most charming arrangements I've ever seen.

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What a lovely showcase! I really enjoy bringing you a glimpse of what's going on in my neighbours' restaurants. It's somewhat liberating to describe and discuss the works of someone other than myself for a change, especially when the inventiveness and talent displayed is so profound. So well done everyone! More showcases will undoubtedly be coming your way in the future!