Christmas 2017 goals content report

Time for one last goals content report in 2017! The Christmas goals expired on Thursday, and so now is a good time to look back at what Santa got us this year.

Introduction to Christmas 2017 goals

The structure of this full length quest wasn't out of the ordinary, but the choice of content to include most certainly was. The green Father Christmas decoration that was part of the release and readily available to purchase gave an early insight into what we could expect - Christmas around the world was explored. Although an interesting concept, this did give me concerns since I do have rather traditional tendencies when it comes to Christmas in Restaurant Story.

New Year 2018 goals (in full)

Please note that this set of goals expired on Tuesday 2nd January 2018. For details pertaining to the second New Year goal set released at the start of 2018, see here.

The year is almost out, and therefore we should ring in the New Year in style! A fresh set of goals odd to do that!

This latest update is a flash quest, meaning that there are only five days on offer to complete them. The Food Replicator is at the centre of proceedings, with three new recipes unlockable as well as a classic New Year decoration up for grabs. Expect these goals to expire for good on Tuesday 2nd January 2018.

Here is the complete list of steps:

• Part 1
• Part 2
• Part 3
• Part 4

It is noted that Part 4 calls for four batches of food that require 22 hours of preparation. Therefore you need to ensure that you get to Part 4 with at least one day left on the clock.

Game update: 28/12/17

Just when you thought we might be done for 2017, the game's developers have managed to squeeze in one last update before the year is out.

Notification for New Year 2018 goals and sale

Unsurprisingly New Year is the theme, with a short goal set lasting five days giving players the opportunity to unlock three new recipes on an existing appliance - the Food Replicator. This is very much like the recent quests that involved the Popcorn Maker and Turkey Cooker in that they are centred upon the one appliance, with batches of both the old and new dishes needing to be cooked.

Christmas 2017 showcase

Merry Christmas one and all! I hope Santa has treated you well and your belly is fit to burst after an overindulgent Christmas dinner! What better way to burn off some of those festive calories than with a traipse around the neighbourhood? And I'm not talking about any old neighbourhood here - this is my neighbourhood!

The showcase is in town, with five of my brilliant neighbours opening up their doors and beckoning us all in for a Christmas bonanza.

We commence the proceedings with a showcase debutant, Sugar and Spice...

Sugar and Spice

Christmas fun at The Garlic Tree

Christmas decorations up? All the shopping done? Presents wrapped? Then you're ready to come round to my restaurant, The Garlic Tree, for a hot drink and a treat to eat! My staff are working through the festive period in order to ensure the perfect Christmas experience for everyone who chooses to spend some of their holiday season indulging at my place.

Among those who have been staying during these cold times are the Ice Skating Girl and Santa's Helpers. Their Christmas won't be complete without the missing member of the family...

Snowy train station and foyer at The Garlic Tree

And there he is! The Train Conductor has whistled in the last Locomotive on Christmas Eve, and off steps the Snow Suit, clearly prepared for the blast of cold winter air when stepping off the carriage. But his loved ones will soon heat him up, and a Taxi Cab is waiting to take them home just in time to hear the bells of Christmas. It's a classic Christmas scene which truly warms the cockles.

Game update: 22/12/17

We've been waiting patiently for a Christmas sale, and just when it looked like Santa had forgotten us there was a pop-up last night indicating a small but nevertheless notable selection of deals on the market.

Notification for Christmas 2017 sale

It is purely a box sale, with a range of crates reduced by at least 50% - we've been given instructions to get our business done 'before the new year'. That's not the most precise of statements with regards to a deadline for the sale, but the orange frames surrounding the boxes in question suggest that it may be the 30th that the discounts expire.

Suggestions Box (Dec 2017)

Every month I list five things I'd like to see added, altered or abolished from the game. Because even though my long time of playing Restaurant Story clearly shows I love it, that doesn't mean it's perfect. Some of the ideas I'll air will be significant game changers while others will be low-key and irrelevant in the eyes of many of you readers.

You can share your own suggestions too via the comments. If I like them, I may even include them in the next instalment!

In no particular order, here are this month's entries...

Christmas 2017 goals (in full)

Please note that this set of goals expired on Thursday 28th December 2017.

This year's Christmas goals were launched in tandem with the most recent update. If you haven't already it's time to get your diner decked out for the festive season, and this quest can help enhance your decoration even further.

That's because there are four floor decorations up for grabs as well as two appliances and six recipes. You've got 15 days from the outset to unlock them, so expect Thursday 28th December to be the day that the goals expire.

Here is the complete list of steps:

• Step 1: Holy Jolly
• Step 2: Here He Comes!
• Step 3: I Believe!
• Step 4: The Man With All the Toys!
• Step 5: Must Be Him!
• Step 6: He's Coming To Town!
• Step 7: Donde Esta Santa Claus?
• Sidestep A: Is He Watching?
• Sidestep B: All Dressed Up In Red

Bonus goals 'Ho Ho Ho!' (unlocks after Step 4):

• Part 1
• Part 2
• Part 3

Game update: 14/12/17

Christmas has arrived in Restaurant Story!

Introduction to Christmas 2017 goals

It's been a while in coming, but you can now break out the mince pies and mistletoe. As always this update comes with goals - for more on them check out my dedicated post here. For now, here is the complete list of additions:

Tables:

• Sleigh Table - 10,000 coins

Game of Thrones goals content report

The winds of winter have been howling over the past couple of weeks in Restaurant Story, with players all over taking on the Game of Thrones.

Introduction to Game of Thrones goals

It's the first time that the game has taken on a TV or film series, and it certainly makes for an intriguing goal set. The likes of Harry Potter, Star Wars, The Hunger Games and indeed Game of Thrones itself have been covered previously in the sequel title, Restaurant Story 2, but it's a novelty to have one take the spotlight in the original game.

RS2 News (Dec 2017)

Four weeks on from the last round-up, here's my breakdown of the latest events in the sequel title, Restaurant Story 2. Up for discussion are three cruises, two sets of goals from Lani and a partridge in a pear tree (also known as a Black Friday damp squib!)

The Thanksgiving cruise event was just getting under way at the time of my previous report, with plenty of familiar decor up for grabs.

Notification for Thanksgiving cruise event

Even the character who we were battling to unlock was a familiar one - Tommy the Turkey was supposedly the cousin of Timmy the Turkey who was the special guest unlocked at the climax of the equivalent cruise back in November 2015.

Thanksgiving fun at The Garlic Tree

What with Black Friday being strung out as well as a release of new goals and a bout of flu, only now have I got round to preparing a tour of The Garlic Tree at Thanksgiving. And with Christmas set to sprinkle its magic over my place this weekend I better get this exhibition done!

Upon entering my restaurant you'll be met with a bustling farmer's market:

Farmer's market at The Garlic Tree

This year's harvest has certainly been a good one, with a vast range of goods and chattels on display. Will you fill a bag at Bell Beekeeper's Produce Stand? Maybe pick a tasty marmalade from the Jam Stand? Or just be a cheapskate and dive into the Yard Sale before joining the Apple Festival?!

Game of Thrones goals (in full)

Please note that this set of goals expired on Tuesday 12th December 2017.

You're in the great game now. But it need not be terrifying! The latest update brought with it a Game of Thrones theme, complete with a quest.

The goals had 15 days on the clock upon release, which means you should have until Tuesday 12th December 2017 to complete them. After this time they can only ever return as Wights, and we wouldn't want that would we?! There are at least three floor decorations awaiting discovery along with two appliances and six recipes.

So here is the (incomplete) list of steps:

• Step 1: Winter is Arriving
• Step 2: Of Spice and Fire
• Step 3: We Bake Together
• Step 4: Oats of Fealty
• Step 5: For the Long Nights
• Step 6: Hear Me Cook!
• Step 7: Snow Falls and the Wind Blows
• Sidestep A: Hold the Door Open
• Sidestep B: Children of the Restaurant

Bonus goals 'Beyond the Wall' (unlocks after Step 4):

• Part 1
• Part 2
• Part 3

Game update: 28/11/17

When you play the game of Restaurant Story you win, or you end up with lots of spoilt food. Game of Thrones has landed!

Introduction to Games of Thrones themed goals

The TV phenomena previously made an appearance in Restaurant Story 2, and ever since I've wondered if the gamemakers may one day put together an update for the original title in the same vein. That day has arrived, and brings with it goals. Here's the full list of additions:

Black Friday 2017 analysis

After four days Storm8 finally lowered the shutters on Black Friday. This year's event has been a very interesting experience, with the drama spread out over the entirety of Thanksgiving weekend. So get yourself a hot mug of cocoa and settle down - here's my overview and analysis of Black Friday 2017...

The fun and games commenced as early as Tuesday when everyone received a pop-up window which teased that 'something special' was on the way come Friday:

First notification for Black Friday 2017

This is a fairly standard notification in the lead-up to Black Friday, but nevertheless it is always a source of great relief - confirmation that the game's developers will be getting involved in the shopping mayhem and hopefully sending us all to the nearest cash machine wallet in hand. This was compounded by a second teaser on Thursday, perhaps designed as a reminder for anyone who since Tuesday had forgotten about what was coming (as if!)

Turkey Cooker goals (in full)

Please note that this set of goals expired on Tuesday 28th November 2017.

On Thanksgiving Day the game's developers saw fit to pull us away from the feast and indulge in a new update which includes a flash set of goals.

This is a five day special, with the Turkey Cooker from the 2014 autumn goals returning and three new recipes added to it. On top of that there's a large floor decoration to be gained, so abandon your turkey and hop to it!

Here is the complete list of steps:

• Part 1
• Part 2
• Part 3
• Part 4

Please note that Part 4 requires a 22 hour recipe to be prepared. Therefore you will need to make sure to get to that final step with at least one day remaining on the clock.

Game update: 23/11/17

What a busy couple of days we've had! My dissection of Black Friday (so far!) will be with you a little later - for now the focus is on a flash goal set which was released late on Thursday.

Notification for Turkey Cooker goals

This is a five day quest much like the popcorn themed one which was released in October. That means that an old appliance is at the hub of things, and in this case the machine in question is the Turkey Cooker. Originally introduced as a goal prize three years ago, now everyone has another opportunity to utilise it. But even if you already have it there's something to play for, since there are three new recipes have been added to it and a large floor a decoration is also up for grabs.

Thanksgiving goals content report

This year's Thanksgiving goals expire on Thursday, so time is of the essence if you haven't yet completed the numerous tasks. I have (sort of - more on that later!) so thought I'd offer up some of my thoughts on the content which was available exclusively through the quest.

Introduction to Thanksgiving 2017 goals

First up, a comment on the cost of the various items which need to be bought along the way in these goals. This is becoming a recurring theme, but it has to be said - the goals are getting very expensive. Costs are escalating to a point where players are struggling to see much profit, largely because their counters are overflowing. I've still got over 15,000 plates of Boiled Lobster and 9,000 plates of Baked Scallops stinking the place up from the second set of Halloween goals.

It all comes to a head with the appliances, which are serious coin guzzlers. In the case of this quest, the Harvest Oven comes with a 42,500 coin price tag, while the Leaf Oven is a 57,500 coin buy. The latter is the fifth most expensive cooker of all time, and the most expensive since the Lemonade Fountain was added in June last year.

Suggestions Box (Nov 2017)

Every month I list five things I'd like to see added, altered or abolished from the game. Because even though my long time of playing Restaurant Story clearly shows I love it, that doesn't mean it's perfect. Some of the ideas I'll air will be significant game changers while others will be low-key and irrelevant in the eyes of many of you readers.

You can share your own suggestions too via the comments. If I like them, I may even include them in the next instalment!

In no particular order, here are this month's entries...

Black Friday is closing in

We've reached that most wonderful time of the year when the talk of the town is Black Friday. Marking the beginning of the holiday shopping season, this sales event originated in the US where it is celebrated on the fourth Friday in November - the start of Thanksgiving weekend. The event has become a brand, with many household names participating around the world, and Storm8 are no exception.

As far back as 2011 the developers of Restaurant Story have made Black Friday a special day in the game, with various different sales and events which have led to delirium and despair down the years. And although there can never be any guarantee that 2017 will take up the reins, you should be preparing for the possibility.

 Previous special sales

 26/11/16 Black Friday 2016
 28/11/15 Black Friday 2015
 20/12/14 Christmas 2014
 29/11/14 Black Friday 2014

 30/11/13 Black Friday 2013

And to help you be set for the big day, I've cobbled together a 10-point Q&A outlining some of the goodies that could be coming our way on the 24th...

Thanksgiving 2017 goals (in full)

Please note that this set of goals expired on Thursday 23rd November 2017. For details pertaining to the five day Thanksgiving goal set see here.

The goals just keep on coming in Restaurant Story, and this time it's Thanksgiving which is on the menu.

A 15 day quest, you should expect to see it vanish forever on Thursday 23rd November. Until then you've got an opportunity to unlock six floor decorations, two appliances and six recipes, all exclusively available through these goals.

Here is the complete list of steps:

• Step 1: Leaf It To Me
• Step 2: Better Brussel Sprouts
• Step 3: Victorious Valenykis
• Step 4: Stuffing It All In
• Step 5: Too Kale For School
• Step 6: Pumpkin Pasta
• Step 7: Display of Thanks
• Sidestep A: Harvest Hellos
• Sidestep B: A Leap of Faith

Bonus goals: 'Full of Thanks' (unlocks after Step 4):

• Part 1
• Part 2
• Part 3

Game update: 09/11/17

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the end of the second Halloween goal set signalled the true kick off for autumn in Restaurant Story, marked by another quest centred on Thanksgiving.

Introduction to Thanksgiving 2017 goals

I've made no secret in the past of my passion for autumn in the game - it has been covered beautifully at times down the years, with some really well crafted content and memorable updates. So I have high expectations coming into this!

With that in mind, let's have a look at the full list of items introduced in this update:

Second Halloween goals content report

Around the community Halloween decor has mostly been packed up and sent into storage for another year. So to round off the Halloween season, here is a lowdown of the unlockable content from the second set of goals.

The goals were a surprise in themselves. We'd already enjoyed one comprehensive update which included a quest, so to get another for the same theme was nearly unprecedented. The only previous example of such an occurrence was in January when Storm8 first started tampering with the timeframes for goals. Back then it was winter themes which featured twice in a row.

Everyone's got their own take on the quick turnover of goal sets. For some it's great news because it means there's always something to do and additional stuff to be unearthed. But I'm firmly in the camp that feels this is all a tad too much. My preference would have been to see the latest content introduced via a regular update without the accompanying challenges. There's nothing wrong with goals, but too many leaves us with very little time for freestyle cooking and playing the game on our own terms. This is particularly significant as Black Friday approaches and every last mastery gem that can be earned needs to be squeezed out.

RS2 News (Nov 2017)

It's that time of the month where I throw a tantrum over the state of Restaurant Story 2. Since the Rock Star Life cruise event (which I covered in last month's edition) we've had one cruise, have started another, and endured two more batches of Lani's tedious tasks.

So let's cast our minds back to the Halloween cruise event which arrived late on Friday 20th October. The increasingly late start times for events not only in the sequel game but also the original is frustrating for me. Here in the UK it can be midnight or later before stuff drops, and despite typically still being up at that time I tend to miss the beginning of cruise events.

Main window of Halloween cruise event

Halloween 2017 showcase

There's something scraping at the door. Is it a fearsome wind created by an evil spirit? Maybe a grotesque monster that can smell you a mile off? Nope, it's a Halloween showcase threatening to burst its way into the room!

Four of my wonderful neighbours have well and truly made Halloween their own, and so here I shall provide a hairy tour of each establishment which will leave you unable to recall what it was like not to have goosebumps.

The torture begins at cafe lula, where an entire street has been overcome by the Halloween season.

cafe lula

Halloween fun at The Garlic Tree

It's Halloween weekend and everywhere people are dressing up and getting into the spirit of the occasion. And the same can be said at my restaurant, The Garlic Tree, where the staff have been hard at work making the customer experience as creepy as could be.

It all starts with the shaking fist of the Trick or Treat Ghost.

Haunted House and pumpkin patch at The Garlic Tree

Suggestions Box (Oct 2017)

Every month I list five things I'd like to see added, altered or abolished from the game. Because even though my long time of playing Restaurant Story clearly shows I love it, that doesn't mean it's perfect. Some of the ideas I'll air will be significant game changers while others will be low-key and irrelevant in the eyes of many of you readers.

You can share your own suggestions too via the comments. If I like them, I may even include them in the next instalment!

In no particular order, here are this month's entries...

Game update: 26/10/17

I closed out my post on Wednesday's update by encouraging Storm8 to give us a second sale of Halloween items which includes some of the more 'vintage decorations'. Well, yesterday evening my encouragement paid off...

Notification for second Halloween 2017 sale

A pop-up confirmed that further content had been added to the ongoing sale, which is something of an understatement. There are 31 more items have joined the bonanza which means a total of 73 market entries are currently enjoying the orange frame treatment.

Second Halloween 2017 goals (in full)

Please note that this set of goals expired on Wednesday 8th November 2017.

Halloween is a time for surprises, and the game's developers have certainly came up with one by providing us with a SECOND set of goals for Halloween!

Just as was the case with the first batch, there are 15 days available to complete them from the release date, and that means that the final nail will be hammered into the coffin on Wednesday 8th November. Until then you have the opportunity to obtain four floor decorations, two appliances and six recipes, so get to it!

Here is the complete list of steps:

• Step 1: Welcome to the Scare-a-thon!
• Step 2: Daylight Comes...
• Step 3: The Water and the Well
• Step 4: The Locked Curiosity Door
• Step 5: I Vant To Suck Your Tomato Juice
• Step 6: I Put A Spell On You
• Step 7: Down The Drain
• Sidestep A: Haunting The Neighbourhood
• Sidestep B: Reel Them In

Bonus goals: 'They're Here!' (unlocks after Step 4):

• Part 1
• Part 2
• Part 3

Game update: 25/10/17

Who'd have thought it?! We have a second set of goals this Halloween season...

Introduction to second Halloween 2017 goals

Last night another wave of creepy content scuttled into the market. In all there are 11 additions, of which six are readily available for purchase and five require unlocking via the quest. Here is the complete list:

Tables:

• Reel Table - 25,000 coins

Halloween 2017 goals content report

It's just under a week since this year's Halloween themed goals expired, and although we've all been consumed by the short but sweet popcorn themed quest in recent days, that doesn't mean we can't look back and reflect on the content which was available exclusively via those Halloween goals.

Things were looking good based upon the stuff released in the related update, with plenty of decorations which could genuinely be seen as disconcerting and creepy. After a couple of pretty mellow Halloweens I was really chuffed to see a return to the edgier content.

So let's get on with it, starting with the Creepy Stove which was unlocked by completing the opening step. This appliance called for 6 Fiery Fuses, 6 Wiring and 10 Creepy Gears to build, with the latter of these a new part.

Popcorn goals (in full)

Please note that this set of goals expired on Tuesday 24th October 2017.

What an opportunity this is for players who either weren't around or weren't able to complete the carnival themed goals in July 2013. For five days only, a short goal set gives everyone the opportunity to use the Popcorn Maker, unlock three new recipes on board it, and obtain the Ferris Wheel, a 3x3 sized floor decoration.

With only five days available from the release, this quest is expected to expire on Tuesday 24th October 2017. So get popping!

Here is the complete list of steps, which is entitled 'Feelin Poppy!':

• Part 1
• Part 2
• Part 3
• Part 4

Game update: 19/10/17

On Thursday evening the Halloween goals expired, but Storm8 didn't wait long to bring back the clipboard.

Notification for popcorn themed update

That very same night a new quest was introduced, with this being a short five day event that will satisfy many a request from the players down the years. This is a goal set designed specifically to give everyone who wasn't able to complete a previous challenge an opportunity to get hold of an appliance that was involved as well as the final prize.

RS2 News (Oct 2017)

It's been a while now since my previous round-up of the activity in Restaurant Story 2, so let the discussion commence.

This is perfectly summarised by a new collection of goals from Lani (the 21st edition) which followed the same structure and procedure as always. I am now set in my ways with Lani and her boring tasks - I complete the gold stamp goal and ignore the two silver stamp goals. Strangely the gold stamp goal is typically the simplest of the three, with the difficulty I suppose attributed to the shorter time-frame. But with the flexibility to choose our own start point this is generally an easy gold stamp.

Something needs to change with stamp accumulation. Lani has very much run her course and with more and more long standing players likely to be mastering all the stamp recipes, I think Storm8 need to be thinking about applying some innovation. Stamps can usually be gained from cruise events, but something more substantial is needed to freshen things up. And preferably not involving dear old Lani.

Sunset goals content report

It's been almost a month since the sunset goals arrived in Restaurant Story and let's be honest - with the Halloween goals now in full swing we've all completely forgotten about them! But since I've been on holiday I've not filled out a goals content report... until now.

Yes, where I am summer is nothing more than a distant memory, especially after a vacation which just didn't last long enough, and I must warn you that this may have an impact on my views with regards to the various decor unlocked in the goals.

Let's start with the two appliances which bring with them two new construction parts.

Sun Knob and Sky Knob

Game update: 11/10/17

Late on yesterday there was a lengthy pop-up in the game which will have brought joy to many a heart!

Notification for Halloween 2017 sale

I was speculating just the other day as to whether we'd get a Halloween sale this year, and now we have the answer in emphatic fashion! There's 21 days on the clock to take us right up to Halloween itself, so plenty of time to decide how you're going to spook your place up this October.

Halloween 2017 goals (in full)

Please note that these goals expired on Thursday 19th October 2017. For details pertaining to the second Halloween goal set in 2017, see here.

The Halloween goals for 2017 were released this past Thursday as part of a larger update. Available for 15 days from release, there are four floor decorations, two appliances and six recipes which can be accessed only through completing the numerous steps of this quest, so get moving!

Here is the complete list of steps:

• Step 1: Creepy Pasta
• Step 2: Season. Cook. Plate.
• Step 3: Tall, Thin, and Faceless
• Step 4: You Have to Go Inside.
• Step 5: Dot JPEG
• Step 6: The Legend of the Mask
• Step 7: At The Window
• Sidestep A: You Are Not Alone
• Sidestep B: Typing...

Bonus Goals: 'Final Arrangements' (unlocks after Step 4):

• Step 1
• Step 2
• Step 3

Game update: 05/10/17

I'm back! After two weeks spent at the poolside doing much of nothing, it's back to the daily grind. And that includes catching up on what I've missed in Restaurant Story in the past fortnight. We've only had the one update, but it was a significant one as this year's Halloween goals were released on Thursday.

Notification for Halloween 2017 goals

As we approach the end of what has been a turbulent year in the game, I can't help but feel reassured by the presence of a Halloween themed update in the first week of October. I never doubted it would happen, but with so much unpredictability in Restaurant Story these days it's nice to have something which can be relied upon.

Suggestions Box (Sep 2017)

Every month I list five things I'd like to see added, altered or abolished from the game. Because even though my long time of playing Restaurant Story clearly shows I love it, that doesn't mean it's perfect. Some of the ideas I'll air will be significant game changers while others will be low-key and irrelevant in the eyes of many of you readers.

You can share your own suggestions too via the comments. If I like them, I may even include them in the next instalment!

In no particular order, here are this month's entries...

Animal water park goals content report

Given that the sunset goals kicked off on Friday, the animal water park themed quest feels like a lifetime ago already, but duty calls - this is your goals content report.

Introduction to animal water park goals

Right from the outset this theme promised much given that we had a water park theme only in June. My hope was that this update would essentially top up on what we already had, thus allowing a really comprehensive water park to be showcased in our restaurants.

Sunset goals (in full)

Please note that this set of goals expired on Friday 29th September 2017.

On Friday a new set of goals were released in Restaurant Story as part of an update. They are designed to mark the end of the summer, with a sunset theme.

You've got 15 days from release to finish them, which means that Friday 29th September is the expected deadline. If you do make it to the end, you'll have access to three floor decorations, two appliances and six recipes which cannot be obtained otherwise.

Let's get to business then - here's the complete list of steps:

• Step 1: Summer Sunsets
• Step 2: End of Summer Night's Dream
• Step 3: Panoramic Views
• Step 4: Tropical Nights
• Step 5: Last Light
• Step 6: Sweet Summer Surprise
• Step 7: See You Next Summer
• Sidestep A: Summer's Memories
• Sidestep B: End of Summer Blues

Bonus Goals: 'Onwards to Autumn' (Unlocks after Step 5):

• Step 1
• Step 2
• Step 3

Game update: 15/09/17

Late last night Storm8 surprised us all by releasing a rare Friday update.

Introduction to sunset themed goals

It is only the third time since we moved to irregular updates that one has dropped on the last working day of the week, and the first time since the start of May.

RS2 News (Sep 2017)

Here comes your monthly review of the latest goings on in the sequel title, Restaurant Story 2. When we last convened the Egyptian themed cruise event had just been released, and since has been followed by two more cruises as well as a pair of goal sets from Lani.

The Egyptian cruise was of course a re-release having first appeared in the game back in April 2015. As was the case then, a gem producing recipe was up for grabs as the final prize, with the Pistachio Basbousa situated on the Jubilee Oven.

Unlocking of Pistachio Basbousa

TGT Presents... Nineteen Years Later

At 11 o'clock yesterday morning hundreds of Muggles were congregated at King's Cross Station in London. Why? Because yesterday was the day of the Epilogue - going by the series' timeline, the final chapter of the Harry Potter story took place on 1st September 2017. It's the only event in the bestselling books to take place in the future, and was a moment that so many fans around the world celebrated as only Potter fans could.

To mark this grand occasion, I've cast a spell over my restaurant, The Garlic Tree. The scores of familiar faces who are regular visitors to my place have risen to the challenge and have done a great job of getting themselves into character. So let's start at King's Cross, where there's plenty of hustle and bustle at Platform Nine and Three Quarters.

Platform Nine and Three Quarters at The Garlic Tree

Animal water park goals (in full)

Please note that this set of goals expired on Tuesday 12th September 2017.

As the summer approaches its end, how about a trip to see the turtles and the whales?! The latest update includes a fresh set of goals which take us on a water safari.

With four floor decorations, two appliances and six recipes there for the taking, don't hold back! There are 15 days available from the outset to complete the quest and obtain all of these unlockables.

Here is the complete list of steps:

• Step 1: The Blue Ocean Floor
• Step 2: Nori-nomics
• Step 3: Phytoplankton In My Pastries
• Step 4: Smooth As Seaweed
• Step 5: Blowing Up The Spot
• Step 6: Don't Be Crabby
• Step 7: Tart Of The Sea
• Sidestep A: Deep Sea Exploration
• Sidestep B: Marine Makeover

Bonus Goals: 'Whale Watching' (Unlocks after Step 5):

• Step 1
• Step 2
• Step 3

Game update: 29/08/17

Another update has landed in Restaurant Story, and to the surprise of no-one, it's a 15 day goal set!

Introduction to animal water park themed goals

Seven of the last nine updates - dating back to the start of May - have been quests, with all of them coming with a 15 day window of opportunity. The remaining two updates were both sales, with existing content marked down for a limited time. Believe it or not we've not had a 'regular' non-goals update for more than five months.

Suggestions Box (Aug 2017)

Every month I list five things I'd like to see added, altered or abolished from the game. Because even though my long time of playing Restaurant Story clearly shows I love it, that doesn't mean it's perfect. Some of the ideas I'll air will be significant game changers while others will be low-key and irrelevant in the eyes of many of you readers.

You can share your own suggestions too via the comments. If I like them, I may even include them in the next instalment!

In no particular order, here are this month's entries...

Pirate goals content report

With the pirate themed goals expiring yesterday evening now is the perfect time for us to have a review of this latest event. And with this goal set there's much more to talk about than just the recipes and decor which was unlocked along the way.

Introduction of pirate themed goals

The goal structure was given a much needed facelift, with the sidesteps which usually aid progress in the main strand of the goals being a completely independent entity. Once you reached halfway in the quest a mini goal set entitled 'The Jolliest Roger' opened up, and consisted of three steps. Each called for the cooking of basic appliance dishes which meant a real nostalgic experience for long time players such as myself. It's been a long time since I mastered everything on the basic cookers, and consequently I don't tend to spend much time looking at them. Never did I think the likes of Macaroni Cheese and BBQ Wings would be on the menu at The Garlic Tree again, but there you have it!

App update: 10/08/17

It may be over a week ago now, but I thought it would be a good idea to review a rare app update on iOS for Restaurant Story.

Version 1.8.0 was released on 10th August and reported to include 'bug fixes' and 'performance improvements' which is not the most insightful of descriptions. Having had a good scout of the game since updating, it appears to me that there is only one notable change, but it is very much notable.

A '2x coin boost' feature has been added which gives players the opportunity to earn double the coins for a limited time period. It's an interesting concept and is a change which can only have a positive impact.

So how does this mechanism work? Well, upon tapping the '2x' icon positioned towards the top of the screen, a window will pop up:

RS2 News (Aug 2017)

It's time for my monthly news bulletin for Restaurant Story 2, and there is plenty of water has passed under the bridge since my last update. One cruise has finished, another two have come and gone, and a fourth is now in progress. Add to that three more goal sets provided by Lani, and it's been a bumper month.

But don't get too excited. There's a familiar theme to proceedings, with content revisited and rehashed. We're at a point now where I'm debating whether these reviews are even worth bothering with since new news is actually old news. I guess the question is this - how long can Storm8 go on with this string of re-releases before either killing the game or breathing new life into it with fresh content?

Pirate goals (in full)

Please note that this set of goals expired on Thursday 25th August 2017.

The pirates have landed their ship and need feeding, so I strongly suggest that we complete some goals to fill their stomachs (and earn some exclusive content along the way!)

There are two appliances, six recipes and one floor decoration awaiting discovery from the most recent goals update, and they can only be accessed by progressing through the numerous tasks. You've got 15 days to set your heading and hit the high seas or else it'll be a case of walking the plank. That means that the quest is likely to vanish on Thursday 24th August.

Here is the complete list of steps:

• Step 1: Yo Ho, Yo Ho
• Step 2: Mermaid Mayhem
• Step 3: A Leg Up
• Step 4: Ocean View Seating
• Step 5: Jumping To Conclusions
• Step 6: Beached Cuisine
• Step 7: Ahoy Me Mateys
• Step 8: Don't Be Shellfish
• Step 9: Small Clams Court
• Sidestep A: The Jolliest Roger Part 1
• Sidestep B: The Jolliest Roger Part 2
• Sidestep C: The Jolliest Roger Part 3

Note that the strand of sidesteps begin after the completion of Step 5 and are not connected to the main strand - they offer the opportunity to earn a completely separate prize.

Game update: 10/08/17

Perhaps unexpectedly given that it was only on Tuesday that the Winter in July goals expired, we have yet another quest on our hands.

Introduction to pirate themed goals

We're being invaded by pirates with this update, with a range of new content. As usual when there are goals in the offing some of the decor can be bought straight off the bat, while others are locked away and can only be obtained via the numerous tasks.

Here is your complete list of additions:

Tables:

• Helm Table - 19,000 coins

Winter in July goals content report

There's just a couple more days before the most recent goal set expires. The winter in July themed update did not get much love from me when first released, but have the goals done anything to change my tune?

The long and short of it is that I am still not a fan of this theme, but my coldness towards it has thawed somewhat. That's because there are some aspects of it which are suitable for the summer months, with the recipes in particular ideal for cooling down on a hot day. But generally I'm not all that impressed when looking at the greater picture. Of course you can't like every theme, and in fairness Storm8 have produced some superb goal sets when it comes to content recently, so I guess we were due a less than enthralling one.

On to some of the unlockables then, starting with the first of two appliances. The Snow Machine requires 6 Gears, 6 Magical Snowballs and 10 Cooler Coils to build, with the latter of these a new part.

The Garlic Tree Turns Five

It's only a week ago that I was celebrating one momentous milestone with the blog reaching one million page views, and now I have another - it was five years ago this past Thursday that my restaurant, The Garlic Tree, opened its doors for the first time.

It's been quite a journey since I first downloaded and opened Restaurant Story. I can still remember visiting Stormie's Store for the first time back when it was a gigantic trove of rare decor and having no idea what I was doing when it came to tipping and the like. Five years on I've built an empire and have thoroughly enjoyed meeting so many terrific players who have gone on to become fantastic neighbours.

With this being such a massive occasion I couldn't let it pass by without some razzmatazz. So let's take a trip to my place, starting with the front garden which has been decked out with fun and games.

Thanks a million!

It is with great pleasure that I can reveal that at 6.23am this morning, the Restaurant Story Adventures blog enjoyed its one millionth page view.

Total page view count

It's a rare occasion when words fail me. I've been eyeing this particular milestone for some time, but it still feels surreal to have reached it. I'm under no illusions, in the greater context of the internet as a whole it's not all that remarkable, but that doesn't stop me from being proud of my contribution to what is a fairly niche mobile game.

It's now been a little under four-and-a-half years since I made the decision to start this blog, with enough ideas floating around to keep me going for a few months. Never did I anticipate that I'd still be churning out posts years later, even after the game has started to experience a significant slowdown.

Winter in July goals (in full)

Please note that this set of goals expired on Tuesday 8th August 2017.

I know, I know. Winter in July is just not right (sorry Southern Hemisphere dwellers!) But it's what the mysterious folks at Storm8 have dealt us for the most recent update, and it comes with goals so we should embrace the cold and forge ahead!

This quest is around for 15 days from the kick-off, which means it is due to expire on Tuesday 8th August 2017. So you've only got until then to unlock the three floor decorations which are accessed via these goals, as well as two appliances and six recipes.

Here is the complete list of steps:

• Step 1: Big Summer Blowout
• Step 2: Do You Wanna Build A Snow Machine?
• Step 3: Strawberry Snowfall
• Step 4: Ice is My Life
• Step 5: Blueberry Blizzard
• Step 6: Investigate The Ice Cream Case
• Step 7: Pineapple Ice Bear
• Sidestep A: A Snow Flurry of Activity
• Sidestep B: Frigid Furniture

Game update: 25/07/17

Winter has come.

Introduction to Winter in July goals

You better believe it! Twenty days on from our last update which celebrated the glorious summer, the seasons have been turned upside down, with a set of winter themed goals accompanying a selection of new content. Here's the complete list of additions:

Tables:

• Frozen Table - 19,000 coins

Suggestions Box (Jul 2017)

Every month I list five things I'd like to see added, altered or abolished from the game. Because even though my long time of playing Restaurant Story clearly shows I love it, that doesn't mean it's perfect. Some of the ideas I'll air will be significant game changers while others will be low-key and irrelevant in the eyes of many of you readers.

You can share your own suggestions too via the comments. If I like them, I may even include them in the next instalment!

In no particular order, here are this month's entries...

Mexican summer goals content report

It's goals content report time, and I'm starting out with an apology. Yes, for the past nine days I have been operating with the belief that we were in the midst of a Spanish themed quest. We quite simply have not! Fat Bear has informed me that this is a Mexican themed update, and naturally this is correct.

I am left red in the face, with my assumption that the use of the Spanish language meant we had a Spanish themed update on our hands clearly misguided. I also genuinely thought that enchiladas were of Spanish origin, and so my cultural incompetence has well and truly been outed! However I will defend myself on one front - the Spanish Knob is used to construct the second goal appliance, which does tend to give the impression that we are dealing with Spain. Never mind!

So with my head bowed in shame, I look back upon an update which initially did not excite me. There wasn't enough content that really stood out, but will that view change when we consider the stuff strapped down by goal padlocks?

RS2 News (Jul 2017)

It's been a month since my last Restaurant Story 2 round-up, and there's been a number of events which require some commentary during that time-frame.

First on the agenda is Lani's 14th set of goals.

Three silver stamp goal from Lani's 14th set of goals

The long run without Lani making an appearance is undoubtedly behind us now. After returning from a three month absence in late May we only had to wait a fortnight for another trio of goals. That last batch took a while for me to get used to having present, and consequently I didn't complete them within the time limit. No such carelessness this time. Progress was swift, with one gold and five silver stamps eventually headed my way.

Mexican summer goals (in full)

Please note that this set of goals expired on Thursday 15th July 2017.

The most recent update was of the Mexican variety, with a trip to the coast to enjoy the sunny weather. But there is work to be done - with three floor decorations, two appliances and six recipes up for grabs in a set of goals.

There were 15 days available at the outset to complete the quest, which means that you can expect it to expire on or around Thursday 20th July So make sure to bag all of the unlockables before then!

Here is the complete list of steps:

• Step 1: By The Sea
• Step 2: Bajo El Mar
• Step 3: Gelatinous Gills
• Step 4: Pulling Taffy
• Step 5: Casi El Paraiso
• Step 6: Cool Treats, Hot Enchiladas
• Step 7: Cocina de Camaron
• Sidestep A: Crab Walking
• Sidestep B: Catch of the Day

Game update: 06/07/17

Update: Thanks to Fat Bear for picking up on my atrocious geography - this update is of course Mexican themed, not Spanish!

We're into July and that means long days and hot weather! To mark this we are headed for a holiday at the sea in Spain, and there are goals waiting for us there!

Introduction to Spanish summer themed goals

A summery themed quest is nothing new in Restaurant Story, but rarely do they seem to embrace a non-English speaking nation quite like this. To demonstrate what I mean, let's have a look at the complete list of goodies added with this update: