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.

Front garden fun and games at The Garlic Tree

Right from when you enter the garden there's a call of 'roll up, roll up!' from the girl running the Game Booth. Cuddly toys are hanging from the stall, and are just begging to be won. If you do come away with one in arm, then I suggest popping across to the Petting Zoo since the horse and goat residing there always favour those sporting a cuddly toy. Failing that some hay wouldn't go amiss, and the princess sitting in the pen at the moment is offering exactly that.

It's a little less tranquil at the Pool Party where there's a real rowdiness as the kids keep cool on a hot summer's day. And it's about to get even more manic as the Tubers arrive to join in proceedings. Worry not though - the Lifeguard has her whistle to her lips and is about to give any mischievous souls a firm telling off. Having said that, maybe she's more concerned that the barbecue is a little close to some Carnival Balloons, or even worried that the Picnic Painting is going to be splashed!

You'll certainly stay dry in the Ferris Wheel which stands tall in the corner. You'll get a great view of the Rockets when they are set off after dark, although the youngster in the Leaf Pile may inadvertently set them off early! The Leaf Pile girl doesn't tend to visit The Garlic Tree outside of the autumn months, but she's among a fair few seasonal guests who have received an invite to attend this special event.

Some of the others can be found as we step onto the Red Carpet.

Time Machine photoshoot at The Garlic Tree

It's now been over a year since the Chemist and his Lab Assistant concluded their epic adventure through time and space, and they are the guests of honour for this anniversary shindig. Alongside their loyal Robo Dog, they are getting their photo taken in front of the Time Machine. Unfortunately I put the Mad Scientist in charge of the official photos, which is looking like a poor move considering that he's determined to use a bottle from the Patio Drink Cart to operate the Old Fashioned Camera. Mad indeed.

We'll leave the time travellers to it, and strut our way down the Red Carpet to the Chic Waiter's Stand. There we have the duo who keep The Garlic Tree rolling. Action Chef Lee and My Fair Gran-Gran have worked so hard to make the place look the part for the occasion, and are delighted to welcome us in.

They have some less positive work to do as well though, since the Lounge Lizard is, well, doing what he does best. The Midnight Glasses is almost a table made just for him, except it wasn't. Should Lee and Gran-Gran throw the drunken reptile out of the party? Of course not! He's not so much a guest at The Garlic Tree as a resident - he's part of the family no matter how sozzled he gets!

Past the Lounge Lizard we go, and into the party itself.

Singing and dancing at The Garlic Tree

There's a lot of singing and dancing going on. We've got the Flamenco Dancers, Ice Skating Girl and Mexican Dancer all busting some moves. We've got the Crooner, Carolers and Elf Carolers all providing some quality vocals. We've got the Violinist, Island Drummer, Drummer Drumming, Trumpet Player and Queen's Guard creating some rhythm with their range of musical accompaniment. And it's all happening under an immense Dragon Dance.

The spectrum of entertainers attending the party is remarkable, and that's before we even get to the Holiday Choir! They're projecting their voices more than anyone, and we all love a Christmas carol so who cares that it's August?! The Mistletoe Kiss couple certainly don't as they enjoy a cheeky smooch, and the Little Helper is getting into the swing of it with a Santa hat. She's surrounded by a collection of dogs who are all waiting for an opportunity to try out the Santa hat. Even the Ring Barker wants a go and he's already wearing a fancy hat!

You hungry yet? Let's duck and dive our way over to the party buffet.

Party buffet at The Garlic Tree

There's all manner of party food lined up, be it Halftime Snacks, the Winter Spread or the Ice Cream Dream. There's something for everyone, and the Parisian Waitress is getting stuck in. Meanwhile the Clown has eyed the balloons on the Party Cart - is he really going to nick them to bolster his bunch?!

The Honey Bear has also made an early start to the buffet, and is dripping sticky honey everywhere. However there's no need to fetch a mop as the Christmas Reindeer has stopped by to lick up any which escapes.

Now that we're all well fed, we have to get ourselves back into the hustle and bustle, with a conga!

Staff and guest conga at The Garlic Tree

There are so many familiar faces from down the years at The Garlic Tree joining the line, and who else but Captain Phoebe to lead the way. The Train Conductor is doing what he can to break up what he views as a ruckus, but there's no stopping them. Regular guests such as Bella Beekeeper, the Rose Seller and the Snow Suit are joined by some of my staff who are taking some well deserved time out to help make the conga line all the longer.

The Fancy Waiter, Fancy Waitress and the guy pushing the Treat Trolley are among them, and you may also spot the Lake Fisher and Playful Parasol together halfway down the train. Yes, they're still an item in these parts, and are having great fun. In contrast the Jock is at his sulky best, refusing to join in. C'mon, lighten up mate!

 Want to visit The Garlic Tree?

 Invite the Storm8 ID 'lorettasapron' and visit the wall

And what's this?! With the party buffet all set up, even my kitchen staff have abandoned their stations, led by Manager Phoebe and with the Chic Chef bringing up the rear. I should dock a week's wages and give them all written warnings, right? No chance! You guys labour so much round the year and deserve to let your hair down!

The party has been going on for more than two days now, and is set to continue for some time yet. So get yourselves over to The Garlic Tree and join the conga!