Before the curtain is raised, I have to give a special shout out to Creme who recommended two of the players featured in this edition of the showcase - both are making their debut so let's give them a heartfelt welcome!
Right, let's get this show on the road, starting with a beautiful Easter theme at cafe lula.
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| cafe lula |
This is Lula's third appearance in the showcase, and she's come up with a really cheery scene. Spring really washes over you when perusing this diner, which is full of freshness and tranquillity. This is perhaps most well illustrated by the garden area which contains a number of clever combinations and touches. Take the Charming Park Bench which has been paired so smoothly with the Lovebird Tree. It's a seamless transition between the two, and gives the peaceful couple some privacy as they enjoy a swing.
Further long we have the always impressive Swan Pond matched up with the Moss Statue, while the Lovely Swan Pond shows that the swans are not necessarily tied down to that one spot. Perhaps they fancy a cuppa and a cake from the Tea Party!
Then we have the Spring Garden which is made all the more special by the two decorations accompanying it. The Sunflower Dog with his hanging tongue looks on in awe at such a leafy paradise, while My Fair Gran-Gran is about to get a proper hug from one of her many fans.
Inside Lula has made excellent use of pastel colours on a Whitewash flooring, including a very blue kitchen area. The Hot Air Stoves, Swedish Stoves and Krona counters all match up nicely, and the two tables of Easter Treats are tantalising.
Now let's focus in on the remainder of the section.
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| Easter shopping and marshmallow areas at cafe lula |
The entrance corner is a bundle of fun with my lack of confidence in the Sweetheart Tile being shattered thanks to some beautiful surroundings. Whether it be the Spring Chick, the Easter Basket or the Chocolate Bunny, this is a super cute zone. The Pile of Gifts and Valentine Candy are a great partnership too - there's no doubt about it, cafe lula was the place to come for your Easter shopping!
And it's all made in-store. Because just along the way is a coveted Restaurant Story box first prize - the Marshmallow Maker. I think Lula may be the first player I've come across who owns it, and wow am I jealous. it's the hub of all Easter activity, with its products fantastically showcased with the Marshmallow Fountain. Combinations of decor don't come much sweeter than this, and in more ways than one.
Finally, there's a right good set of Easter eggs to be had in this wonderful restaurant. No, not the Basket of Eggs, but the Pink Bunny Waiter. There's one watching on with hunger at the Marshmallow Maker, but there are three others as well have been hiding out. The two taking charge of the Easter Treats are obvious, but what of the other? I'll leave you to figure it out...
Our second showcase stop also features the Pink Bunny Waiter, although this time they're not making themselves hard to find!
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| Snowbun Cafe |
Snowbun Cafe is one of our esteemed debutants, and what a way to introduce yourself! An entire family of the bunnies are making their way into this prosperous establishment having verified their reservation with the Light Dancer and Heart Rabbit. They're entering a truly magnificent place, with so many attractive sections which look so appealing to eat in.
One one side we have the Spanish Fountain as the focal point, with some really creative flooring choices around it. The Cabin Floor, Aboriginal Tile and Spring Glass are all smart matches for the fountain and wind their way round the area. At both ends of the path you will find a Grape Pergola which is perfect for any customers who don't fare so well in the sun.
And next to one of these massive and entwined wooden structures is a small garden run by the Scarecrow. She has her very own Carrot Patch and Apple Tree (going by the Barrel of Apples she's been busy at work!) and two Christmas Reindeer. We won't get too close as the reindeer are currently munching on their lunch - a luscious Juicy Apple!
Over on the other side there are bunnies lining up for a refreshing smoothie from the Juice Bar, while the Poppy Princess witnesses the hatching of a Spring Chick. It's a really friendly and relaxing environment, headlined by a band consisting of a Trumpet Player, Lyre Performer and Banjo Player. They're in perfect harmony and who knows, they may provide the backdrop to the start of something special between the Hip Techie and Fancy Waiter. Well, that's if she can take her eyes off the glasses of sparkly he's holding!
In the middle of all this is an exquisite centrepiece:
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| Central garden at Snowbun Cafe |
The Wooden Pillars' use for marking out the centrepiece is a tool I'm very familiar with, but the Wall Hedges around the perimeter are something a little different, and help keep this area from being completely isolated as it would if the usual dividers had been utilised.
The Flower Fairy is a commanding and iconic decoration to have placed at the centre, and her presence is only heightened by the surrounding Sunflower Gardens and Flower Trophies. You don't get many more enchanting scenes than this - when I visit Snowbun Cafe I will undoubtedly be reserving a seat within this gentle surrounding.
We've had two placid places now, so I think something else is in order. Safe bet then has to be Fat Bear!
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| Fat Bear |
Rawring us into her humble abode for a sixth time in a showcase, Fat Bear has chosen to ignore the general trend of Spring themed diners of late, and instead has produced a bustling street scene with lots of esteemed entertainment. The Jazz Band can't be found performing at many locations in the Restaurant Story community, so make the most of their show. Then there's the Irish Band and the Swing Dance Floor accompanied by Flamenco Dancers, both a great watch. But it's the Singing Sisters and Crooner I'll be going to see. They are a high quality quartet whose vocal cords are unrivalled.
In between all the fun is a Concrete street where a number of sellers are providing delicious homemade goodies. Thankful Chef Lee is cooking Steamed Dumplings to order (apparently they contain popcorn?!) and Manager Phoebe is flogging ice cream and cotton candy. Then there's the Hot Dog Vendor and 50's Chef who are in close competition and Hanbok Phoebe whose lemonade and kettle corn is the best in town.
There's one other entrepreneur out there too, that being the Werewolf whose Eyeball Stew is not for eating - instead it is a tourist attraction since it holds the record as the longest standing spoilt dish in Restaurant Story history. Unfortunately the Werewolf hasn't taken great care of it, but why was he even stationed there in the first place?
The answer lies behind him - a graveyard which is Fat Bear's nod to her favourite event of the year... Halloween! If you're not scared off by the Monster on Ice or the Floor Ghosts then there's actually some great outdoor entertainment to be had from the Monster Band. Under a Carnival Light lit Haunted Clock Tower, the band make quite the noise, even if they appear to have just the one fan dancing along at the moment (the Trick or Treat Ghost is quite the mover).
Let's head back to brighter surroundings for a close-up:
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| Arcade at Fat Bear |
You'll have to search far and wide for an arcade as comprehensive as the one currently pitched up at Fat Bear's. The Skill Shot Derby and High Striker are always a good laugh, but let's be honest, the Bumper Cars are the real favourite for the punters. Lots of healthy competition in there as the kids smack into one another at speed.
And yet the aspect of this arcade that catches me eye most is the much more subtle Fortune Teller Machine. Alone this piece isn't much to look at, but Fat Bear has applied some ingenuity to place the Photo Booth alongside. So learning of your future is no longer as simple as a penny in a machine - here you need to draw the curtain and be taken on a ride into your future. And I guess you may be able to get photographic proof of what's to come!
The final entrant in this showcase takes us back to the great outdoors, as Rose Petal Cafe opens its doors to the showcase for the first time.
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| Rose Petal Cafe |
Constructed over two tiers, this restaurant is packed with so much wonder that I can't possibly cover it all. The Jazz Band have hotfooted over from Fat Bear's to be part of it, although some of their spectators appear to have been distracted by some other stars - The Jock and Mexican Dancer are peering through a Bronze Telescope at the wonders of the night sky. Given how good the view is over the Bourbon Street, I struggle to comprehend the beauty of the wider galaxy they must be seeing.
The wider section is a heck of a sight, with rich browns and oranges complementing one another to excellent effect. The Leaf Torches positioned on either side of the Cabin Couch give a cosy feel and that is only added to by the Indoor Fire Pit.
In the opposite corner Bella Beekeeper has her Camp Tent set up for the weekend, and her kind nature seems to have attracted a large number of friendly faces. The Honey Bear was easy to pull in given that he probably thought Bella would have pitched up in the vicinity of some honey, but attracting The Lovely Swan Pond, Pink Bunny Waiter and Wooden Bears is impressive.
Upstairs we go, and a competitive market awaits. It's a hive of activity, with the Apple Vendor able to boast the biggest stall. However don't count out the Bagel Gal and Arbor Day Phoebe who have teamed up on the Organic Stand and Veggie Stand. However I must admit, those must be unusual tasting bagels!
From this upper level we have the optimum view of the majestic sight below:
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| Park at Rose Petal Cafe |
Feast your eyes on this. It's a parkland which is full of happy faces and adorable features. The Central Picnic fits snugly in the corner, and bisects a curvy Stone path which works its way around the likes of the Leprechaun House (complete with rainbow) and Lovebird Tree. You've also got a Romantic Swing, with its occupants enjoying the cutest sight of all - the Pink Bunny Waiter having a chirpy chat with the Spring Chick.
Meanwhile a Lemonade Stand is stationed immediately next to some Lemon Trees - you can't get fresher lemonade than this! Hanbok Phoebe is on hand to squeeze them lemons, and I encourage you to take your tasty drink to the Ocean Floor where Sea Turtle Tables can be seen paddling in the shallow waters. Good luck finding a more blissful spot to chill out this Spring!
Oh I do love these showcases! When you set out to write them it is daunting and you fear that having seen so many restaurants over the years, there's not much to see that hasn't been done before. However every time I am floored by the sheer creativity and inventiveness that is shared with us all.
Be it skillful placements of related (or seemingly unrelated) decor to fit a wider theme or brilliant uses of colour and characters, you guys quite simply rock.
Recent showcases
It's also great to have been able to include a couple of first timers who bring something new and unique into the show. Although neither Snowbun Cafe or Rose Petal Cafe were neighbours of mine prior to this showcase, they have followed this blog for some time and so it was the least I could do to reward their loyalty with a slot.
Following on from this, if any of you previous showcase entrants have a creative neighbour you know to be a dedicated follower of Restaurant Story Adventures, feel free to let me know and maybe we can give them the spotlight in future editions.
Until then, I'm off to grab a lemonade and a box of marshmallows so that I can keep myself hydrated and nourished whilst I wait in the queue of bunnies to purchase a ticket to see the Jazz Band!
Spring is here! Especially I love the new friends' places, and had to go check em out myself. Lovely.
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