July 2016 showcase

Can we have a drum roll please? Because it's time to pull off the velvet cloth and unveil another collection of wonderful restaurants put together by my even more wonderful neighbours.

This edition of the showcase features five players, including a whopping three debutants who are making their showcase bow. So let's hear some appreciation for these creative gurus who I can assure you have come up with the goods yet again!

Our travels begin at bittersweet, who participates in a showcase for the second time.

bittersweet

You may recall the Asian section from her previous appearance - this is a long standing area which has picked up a rich range of content over time, with the Korean Garden the most prominent and impressive of them. The cobbled street has not shifted either, although the areas on the street most certainly have.

Occupying a fair space along the left side is a thoroughly pleasant coffee shop. Barista Phoebe's warm refreshments from the Expresso Bar are as authentic as could be having been plucked from the Bean Bag, and are delivered with a wide smile. The Bean Stools will help get you into a coffee mood, and Gran's Phonograph will help ensure that coffee mood is a soothing one. What I really like here is the use of the Vintage Cameras on the wall alongside the Chalk Menu and Multiple Frames - the wooden shelving really fits in well with the rest of the surroundings.

Next door is a library full of fascinating reads stacked in Bookshelves. Most frequent readers including the Playful Parasol but anyone will find this to be a great place to leave behind the stresses of life and instead get lost in another world manufactured by the imagination. However the Jock is an exception - he's looking decidedly grumpy, not because he doesn't enjoy a good book, but because the Bookworm has already checked out the title he wanted!

Let's now train a closer eye on the remaining area, where there's an excess of fresh air.

Outdoor area of bittersweet

The outdoor zone at bittersweet has a really inviting quality about it. There's many contributors to this, including Arbor Day Phoebe and the Nature's Dream Bench she weaved herself, the Nature's Dream tree with all it's gleaming decorations, and the Wishing Tree where children have the opportunity to hang their hopes from the branches.

But it's the Wooden Bear and Wooden Wolf that attract my attention the most. Alone these are nice items, but nothing special. However bittersweet has elevated them to another level with her clever inclusion of some Tree Tables and Tree Stump Stools nearby. This makes the wooden sculptures that bit more homely, and brings the section together really satisfyingly. There's no doubt about it - for a peaceful and tranquil restaurant experience head to bittersweet!

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Sections with different themes is also the layout of choice at our second stop, The Pick Up.

The Pick Up

Making a showcase debut, The Pick Up has so much going on that this is one of those diners where you can spend ages just looking around. And looking around is exactly what Detective Phoebe is doing in the mystery crime area on the left. The Question Tables confirm that the nature of the crime committed here is yet to be deduced, but given the shear number of Footprints dirtying the floor, I suspect Phoebe is trying to solve the mystery of who walked in with dirty feet! There's no shortage of possible culprits, with a whole Dinner Party apparently oblivious to this most heinous of crimes, but it could all be an act...

Down a corridor of packed out counters we arrive at a more serene outdoor space headlined by the Reflecting Pool. This beautiful 4x4 sized item tells a story of tranquillity all on its own, with the grazing deer, perching frog and rabbit all taking it easy around a pool occupied by pretty lotus flowers. The Spring Picnic and Blossom Tables and Chairs only serve to add to the sedate atmosphere.

It's less sedate and more fiery in the top corner where much of the decor from the recent Father's Day update is in attendance. Notice how there's hints of blue and grey throughout the area - this really helps tie all the stuff together, and the combination of Hightop Seating Area, Crystal Fire Pit and BBQ Island is especially eye-catching.

Let's now focus in on three adjacent zones all worthy of a close-up.

Retro diner, fruit and chic sections of The Pick Up

The bots first enter into a retro diner section where the Jock is in charge at the Cash Register (that's worrying!) Some classic retro content is in place including the 50's Chef, Teal Vintage Motorcycle and Malt Shake Maker, but there are some unusual choices have been made by The Pick Up too. Chief among which is the Photo Booth which slots in amazingly well - the Black and White flooring and Musical wallpaper blend really smoothly with it, and leave me wondering how else the Photo Booth (which I originally questioned in terms of its usefulness) could be exploited.

Some other recently introduced content is on show in the next area, with a very fruity feel. The Lemonade Fountain and Lemon Delivery bike characterise a very bright and cheery surrounding. I can almost smell the freshness of the ripe fruit inside those Organic counters!

But if you want a more contemporary dining experience then the Chic Cafe is for you. This is a second prize in the Chic Crate, and The Pick Up is the only place I've seen this rare item to date. It has been positioned smartly on Garden Pavers flooring - this is a floor tile I've not seen much either, and yet this seemingly unpopular flooring has been implemented really successfully. It's one of many innovative touches in this fascinating restaurant.

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In contrast our next maiden showcase participant has focused on one theme throughout, and what a job she's done!

Dingo Diner

Dingo Diner is decked out for those customers on vacation, with plenty of opportunity here for relaxation and unwinding. The golden beach is ever so enticing, whether you wish to swing in the Hammock or shelter under a Beach Parasol. There's no shortage of Cruise Deck Chairs for sunbathers, and of course the Hut Bar will keep everyone nicely topped up on drinks. Key West Gran-Gran can be seen hanging out there, and although I can't summon the strength to part with so many gems for her, she remains one of my favourite decorations in the game.

But now one of my favourite combinations of decorations in the game - take a closer look at the waterside and you will see a Sea Turtle Table. In itself this is rather cute, but then there's the magical inclusion of the Dino Nest - the turtle is protecting her babies! Such a wonderful shot of creativity, and something which is so easy to miss if you're not looking closely.

Behind the bank of Smokers are the Fire Dancers who provide the seaside entertainment. They've got the Island Drummer and Luau Dog as support acts, and with Tropical Torches and Crystal Fire Pits injecting even more heat this is a show not to be missed.

But the place I want to visit most is the crystal clear Ocean Floor stretching beyond the wooden boardwalk.

Indoor Island area of Dingo Diner

Tucked in behind the Magic Dividers is a picture perfect paradise. The Private Tiki Booth comes at a premium but rightly so given that it comes with unlimited drinks and your very own space Down At The Dock. It looks like the kids have been left to cause chaos in the wooden boat here, with the mother playing the role of Deck Reader - she deserves to de-stress!

When you leave the pier, you'll have to negotiate the Glass Tables and Chairs. I really like how Dingo has utilised these in the middle of the water to simulate some moderate waves. Most players (myself included) tend to just have the floor tile and nothing more when designing open waters, so it's great to see some originality applied. And once you weave in and out of those waves there's an Indoor Island waiting. I've always adored this first prize from the Island Chest but have rarely seen it in action. Until now I never knew it had a cool drink resting on a large starfish. What can I say, that hammock is mine!

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There's also a summery sense at the Ali Cat Cafe, but this time we find ourselves enjoying the warm air by night on our third showcase visit.

Ali Cat Cafe

The light comes from Crescent Moon tables and French Lanterns lampposts. The lower tier looks so elegant - the cobbled Stone floor plays into this, and I've never seen the Bourbon Street Wallpaper better used than here. Service down there comes from the Fancy Waiter and Fancy Waitress, who are the best in the business. Their high end outfits match the splendour of the Patio Drink Cart which ensures the guests are kept well refreshed. However, the water flowing out of the Spanish Fountain is so enticing don't be surprised if some folks (who have probably had a tipple or two!) lean in over for a large gulp!

Next to the fountain is the bottom of the splendid staircase that has become a mainstay of the Ali Cat Cafe. But they've changed in style since the last showcase, with the deeper tones of the Brick and Spanish Terracotta now present. I think they are an excellent choice as they keep the three dimensional effect quite subtle and also work well with the Mahogany Dividers.

All around the steps the flowery meadow remains unchanged. I've eulogised before about the quality of the pattern Ali has developed here, but it's worth gushing about it all over again. It's just the way that the Round Hedges and Potted Plants appear to be packed in that gets me, since it brings it all together as one sweeping decorative effort.

Once we mount the stairs there's the small matter of a magnificent sight on the upper level.

Upper level of Ali Cat Cafe

This is undoubtedly the VIP area for the privileged few, such as Larry the Lounge Lizard. He's never far from the Fine Drinking Station which looks just brilliant, not only for the vibrant bouquets of flowers perched at the front, but also for the black and gold colours up against a backdrop of Sparkly Wallpaper.

And living up to his name, Larry will no doubt be doing plenty of lounging around on the Sapphire Chaises. Content from all manner of themes has been married together quite marvellously here. The Bombay Tables and Mandalas flooring (modelled perfectly as a rug) are from the Indian update in 2015, and match so cleanly with those Sapphire Chaises. Even the Mexican Dancer with her patterned dress looks just right amid this decor.

But the best of all is the Deluxe Birdhouse stationed on the corner. The Wood Logs wallpaper makes for the perfect backdrop, and somehow Ali has made it work alongside the more contemporary Modern Fireplace, with one flanking each side. Such a dazzling area, and definitely one that will attract punters with prestige.

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On to our final showcaser, and it's none other than Ali's sister, Chef Camz Cafe.

Chef Camz Cafe

Another making a showcase bow, Camz has quite the creative mind. There's stairs again at play here, with the darker shades of the Sandy Brick and Rainy Deck floor tiles again helping convince viewers of the multiple tiers. On the top there's an Irish Band banging out some tunes, with the Mexican Dancer showing off her moves. The Spanish Knife Wall blends so smoothly with the backwall of the Irish Band - I'm usually quick to dismiss items if they include a backwall but this example will have me thinking twice before doing so in the future.

 Previous showcases

 30/04/16 April 2016
 14/02/16 Valentine's Day 2016
 27/12/15 Christmas 2015
 02/11/15 Halloween 2015
 27/12/14 Christmas 2014

Across from the raucous Irish is the kitchen section, where the girl operating the Fine Drinking Station can do her mixing in peace. But if this is where the drinks are made then what about the food? Simple - the rest of the staff are working on the level below! Brilliantly portrayed through windows built using Mahogany Dividers, the Swedish Server, Bagel Gal and Hot Dog Vendor are all dealing with the recipes of the day. Riverboat Railings ensure that any passers by don't try and steal a bite. Instead they can view the food longingly, before inevitably climbing the steps into the diner itself.

Those passers by have a lovely Stone path to walk down. There's even Rainy Deck Tables arranged if any customers wish to sample the placid surroundings while they eat. Dessert is provided by the bloke on the Ice Cream Stand, and the Fancy Waiter with his Patio Drink Cart will offer after-dinner drinks.

For the climax of this showcase, I'm homing in on a feat of architectural greatness.

Bridge at Chef Camz Cafe

I've tried putting together a bridge over water before, and at least in my opinion had decent results. But my efforts are put to shame by Camz who has constructed a bridge so sturdy that every player in the game would want to cross. The Rustic Italian tiles and Haunted Floorboards have been used to guarantee a slight creak underfoot, while Magic Dividers give definitive edges to the structure without carrying too much emphasis.

With the Tubers each positioned slightly differently (in that they're not confined to set 1x1 spaces), they're the ideal bots to have crossing in this snapshot. Whether they're heading to or from a dip in the lake is unknown, but they certainly don't look concerned in any way that the bridge could fail to hold their weight! Throw in the Spanish Fountain to one side and you have a wonderful way for customers to approach and depart a splendid eatery.

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And with that bridge (which I just can't get enough of!) we reach the conclusion of another showcase. Thanks to all five of this edition's participants who have once more demonstrated the immense creativity and imagination that characterises the players of this brilliant game. And they're all great neighbours too which is an added bonus!

The next showcase is likely to be around the end of August, with another selection of my lovely neighbours being paraded to the masses - can't wait!