Ladies and gentleman, I am proud to present the fifth showcase post in which I offer up a glimpse at the glorious diners my great neighbours have put so much time and effort into shaping. On this occasion there are six participants, including two budding debutants. So let's turn on the spotlight and get straight into the first act...
We commence this spectacle with a seasoned player who will have no fears in kicking off the show. Fat Bear is in town once again, and has got a very busy layout at present.
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| Fat Bear |
There's so much to see in here! Fat Bear has a real eye for detail, and although her general set-up doesn't change much, the contents do evolve over time, and right now it's all looking very bright and cheery (apart from the sinister Haunted Clock Tower in the corner which is unmovable!)
Perhaps most striking are the four Marshmallow Fountains, all of which Fat Bear procured from the Easter Chest. That's rotten luck, but at least she's made the most of it and constructed a marshmallow slalom for the bots - truly unique!
Elsewhere there's a really organic feel, be it the huge Apple Vendor with all that delicious fruit or the Farmers Market Stand with all that tasty veg. The customers are queuing up for some fresh food and there's plenty of scenic spots for settling down to tuck in. You can sit under a Fallen Tree, overlook a tranquil pond or, if you're feeling dangerous, station yourself at a Tombstone Table beneath the eerie clock tower.
Personally that's a little too adventurous for me - I'd rather chill out next to the stage.
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| Outdoor music section of Fat Bear |
This is a really relaxing corner of Fat Bear, where you can grab a snack from the Hot Dog Vendor and enjoy the sound of the Irish Band. And there's additional entertainment courtesy of the Flamenco Dancers who are prancing around in front of the stage.
I love how Fat Bear has brought music to the outdoors and still maintained some real classiness. The Lamp Signpost and Party Banners do the trick, and the Stone flooring is an excellent choice as well. There's a real feel good sense to the area, and it's definitely somewhere I'd love to pause and unwind after a long day.
And there's music to be heard at our next stop too, with Rubys Palace making a first appearance in the showcase.
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| Rubys Palace |
There are three tiers to the palace, with the top corner being the place where the all kinds of tunes are emanating. And I mean all kinds! There's a trio of Crooners and Singing Sisters, all playing to the sound of the Violinists, Trumpet Player, Grand Piano and Gran's Phonograph. This really is a complete orchestra, and they're obviously well harmonised as the Mexican Dancer is twirling and the Swing Dance Floor is, well, in full swing!
Heading down the stairs we arrive in a retro diner, with lots of rare décor on display. The Sock Hop Server appears to be running the place, with the 50's Chef standing obediently awaiting orders. No retro design would be complete without the Jock, and he is checking out the Vintage Jukebox.
Meanwhile at the other side of this section the focus is on gaming. There's a Billiards Table which is looking crowded with keen players, and there are also two Pinball Machines poised for action. As if this wasn't enticing enough there's also plenty of scope for snacks from the Popcorn Cart, Gumball Machine and Vintage Soda Machine. Fun and a full belly are guaranteed here!
But it's the third segment of Rubys Palace which I wish to zoom in upon.
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| Outdoor section of Rubys Palace |
Here we have a lively outdoor space, headlined by Phoebe's Stand. She's flogging lemonade with ease thanks to the warm weather, and among her customers are the Grease Boys. The inclusion of these guys and their mini barbecue is a lovely tie-in with the retro area, and this is only added to with the Teal Vintage Motorcycles. I've never seen anyone bring the retro content outside, so this is pioneering stuff!
And as well as lemonade, you can cool off with a dip in the water. The Tubers are doing exactly that, with their colourful costumes looking the part. Not everyone wants to get wet though, with the Deck Reader satisfied with a good book and the lads Down At The Dock having a hopeful fish. Notice that they are in possession of glasses of lemonade - another very clever connection!
Water is also present at our third destination, with A Chilly Corner having a river flowing down the western side.
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| A Chilly Corner |
But it's the array of tables from all manner of themes I wish to start with. A Chilly Corner used to be called A Quilted Cafe, and although the name has changed, the famous quilt still stands. For those of us who are familiar with this establishment this quilt is rather iconic!
Alongside the quilt is a small but productive kitchen, where the Chef's Station is hectic with numerous dishes being prepared. The Gourmet Chef Santa and Wedding Caterers are also offering a hand, meaning that production is smooth in this restaurant. With a state-of-the-art Woodburning Stove and Aromatics Display also in the room, you can be sure of some succulent flavours!
In the near corner is a rather whimsical scene, with the Flower Fairy from the Magic Bouquet box very much a free spirit. Alongside her is a Heart Statue, and all around is the grace of nature. Arbor Day Phoebe has taken a ride over on her Bike, and is ensuring the various plants and flowers are well tended to. And not forgetting the Spring Cow as well!
The great outdoors is well represented at A Chilly Corner, but it's in the garden that it really gets special.
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| Garden section of A Chilly Corner |
Here we have a flourishing garden all centred around a Petal Pond. This is a decoration I have admired since the day it was released, and it makes for the perfect centrepiece to this most beautiful of sections (I reckon My Fair Gran-Gran agrees!) There's so much delightful stuff to look at, ranging from the Rose Seller's Giant Rose Basket and Floral Tier to the couple on the Romantic Park Bench with a backdrop of the Amethyst Heart. I've used the phrase once already in this showcase, but this is a truly feel good setting.
A Chilly Corner's creativity is there for all to see, but I'd like to return to that strip of water I mentioned earlier, where that creativity reaches new heights. The positioning of the Frog Log among River Lily floor tiles is genius, and the Riverside wallpaper's presence on the last wall panel is not far behind. Quality!
Lush greenery is emerging as a recurring theme in this showcase, and that isn't changing with our trip to Creme.
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| Creme |
Before we go green once more, let's just take in the many other sights. There's another bustling kitchen, with Creme having a large workforce ensuring that service is tip-top. And at the forefront of this are the Pizza Toss and Panini Corner where you can actually go and place your orders while taking in the yummy smells emanating from the kitchen.
Elsewhere Creme has done an excellent job of merging the marvellous Juice Bar with the Veggie Stand and Produce Stand. The range of colour on show is glorious, and the items have been placed perfectly to form a terrific scene. And I warn you - we'll this merging technique again shortly!
Next door is an Asian section which is relatively simple and yet comes together seamlessly. The Panda Fountain from the Asian Fusion Chest is the headliner, but Cashier Lee and his trinkets are not far behind. The Himalayan Cat is a minor inclusion and yet takes on quite the character as it looks up at the little panda - longing for a new friend perhaps?!
Now let's smell the fresh air in Creme's outdoor area.
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| Outdoor section of Creme |
So much green! it's another lovely landscape, with lots of fresh décor that works nicely together. I particularly like the use of the Espalier Divider around the border - it splits the place up as intended but does it in a non-intrusive way which is mighty difficult to achieve.
And what of the Spring Garden and Butterfly Garden? In their own right each of these 4x4 behemoths is a top drawer piece, but Creme has taken them to the next level by blending them together. Connected by a Stepping Stone floor tile, the path of the Spring Garden matches up flawlessly with the bridge of the Butterfly Garden. Ultimately we are looking at a 9x4 decoration here, and it is a sight to behold.
Another neighbour of mine with a kitchen section is Monkey House.
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| Monkey House |
Our second debutant, Monkey House is an unusual neighbour for me in that he is still climbing the levels, although at level 91 is approaching the ceiling. As a newer player he also inevitably has a smaller place, but that doesn't mean it isn't stuffed with quality.
The kitchen is a hive of activity, with expert connoisseurs such as the Culinary Artist and Classic Chef in full flow. Meanwhile the Dishwasher has been presented with an ever-growing stack of Pots and Pans to scrub - poor guy!
In the main eating area the Kissing Swans stands tall and proud at the centre. I've used this major decoration as a focal point before, and think it looks really nice at Monkey House. The elegance of the swans and the pale surrounding brickwork really lend some sophistication to the scene, and this is only furthered by the Violinist and Treat Trolley manned by a waiter adorning a bow tie.
The overall colour scheme is well chosen too, with the Wood Panels wallpaper and French Wood flooring marrying up really successfully. Add in Gran-Gran's Tables and Cozy Chairs and you've got a rather warm and inviting restaurant.
And as is proving standard in this showcase, it's time to go outside!
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| Garden section of Monkey House |
Monkey House might be the only player I've ever seen with the Gardener's Shed from the Gardener's Chest, and what an item it is! Perhaps it's the pastel yellow walls or the sunflowers, but there's a really cute feel to this piece which makes it so inviting. But it's the way Monkey House has integrated the shed which truly makes it.
There's a path of Garden Stones lead to a Rainy Deck Table at the front, where the Playful Parasol is taking cover from the April showers. Out here there's also Arbor Day Phoebe tending to the Sapling Display along with the many other plants. Then out the back we have a Spring Cow quite possibly munching on a Sunflower Garden! The way everything is positioned again gives the impression that the Gardener's Shed is actually part of a larger decoration. Such cleverness!
Our traipsing around the great outdoors continues at our final stop, the Ali Cat Cafe.
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| Ali Cat Cafe |
Like everyone else, Ali has designed a lush outdoor scene, but when you enter the diner you'll first be met by an inviting pizza parlour. The Pizza Toss looks right at home surrounded by Aged Brick walls and French Tile flooring, with the deep tones creating a really warm atmosphere. That warmth also comes courtesy of the tension around the Pool Table where the Pool Shark and Lounge Lizard are vying for the affection of the Mexican Dancer. If it gets too heated the Train Conductor will no doubt intervene.
As you descend the steps to the fun and games below, you'll pass the Playful Parasol and have great views of the flowery meadows. The way that Ali has alternated the Round Hedges and various Potted Plants is magnificent. You really get the sense that you're looking at a long stretch of shrubbery, whereas such decorating usually results in the individual components remaining singular in appearance. Here there's almost a woven quality.
Previous showcases
14/02/16 Valentine's Day 2016
27/12/15 Christmas 2015
02/11/15 Halloween 2015
27/12/14 Christmas 2014
27/12/15 Christmas 2015
02/11/15 Halloween 2015
27/12/14 Christmas 2014
Once you reach the bottom of the steps there's an opportunity to chill in the pool. The girl in the Innertube is already relaxing in there, and even if the water isn't for you there are Cruise Deck Chairs for spreading out. Ali's done a fine job of creating a three-dimensional effect not only with the steps but also with this pool - the Tranquil Waters tile has been placed intelligently to make up the sides of the pool whose water is actually composed of Ocean Floor tiles.
Now let's put some emphasis on the party breaking out.
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| Party section of Ali Cat Cafe |
It's not often you see a proper party layout in the game, but the Ali Cat Cafe has it in its entirety. The Birthday Box has been opened a few times, and every element of the party checklist can be ticked off no problem. Do we have presents? Check out the Pile of Gifts! Do we have entertainment? Get a custard pie in the face from the Birthday Clown! Do we have a cake? Have a slice from the massive Maypole Cake!
This really is a proper birthday bash with so much amusement to be had. And that's before we even get to the main attraction. For a very long time Ali has craved the first prize from the Birthday Box - the Birthday Bounce - but it has always eluded her. So just imagine the jubilation when it was available as a limited time offer earlier this month! Ali was straight in there, and the bouncy castle with its vibrant colours and happy punters looks perfect in this festive setting. What a party!
And so the curtain falls on another showcase. Initially this edition wasn't intended to have any specific theme, and yet it appears that my lovely neighbours have all got into the spirit of Spring with some really refreshing and luscious outdoor areas.
Until now it is Autumn which has always been my preferred season in Restaurant Story, and yet in the process of composing this post my thoughts have swung towards Spring! I guess that just goes to show how brilliantly my neighbours have decorated their places as we enter the warm months. Superb job folks!
love all the gardens!! look how unique and ingenious they all are!!
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