So let's crack right on with it, starting with a fifth showcase appearance for Cafe Lula.
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| Cafe Lula |
This Valentine's Lula has her place split three ways, with each being distinctive and full of character. The Glow Party forms the focal point of one of these areas where there's a seriously groovy feel about proceedings. Not only are the range of faces in that particular decoration having a boogie, but so are others on the Infinity Dance Floor as well as the Lava Girl and Mexican Dancer. These items have all been integrated really neatly and are only added to by the Party Hipster and Key West Gran-Gran who are standing over a Phosphorescent Table with their drinks.
It gets a little more refined further along where the girl running the Fine Drinking Station is pouring drinks for both the family feasting in the Ruby Award Booth and the pair enjoying a Classic Date. But this is nothing compared to the adjacent section where it all feels very intimate. There's such colour coordination here with deep reds prevailing from the curtains of the Romantic Lounge right down to the Teddy Bear's bow.
The contrast in tone is stark when compared with the last component of Cafe Lula.
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| Sweet corner at Cafe Lula |
Pastel colours rule the roost and make this what must surely be the cheeriest corner of Restaurant Story. My Fair Gran-Gran has dressed appropriately for the occasion in pink and is flogging Valentine Candy. But sweet treats are also available from the Sweetheart Cafe where there are free cupcakes and other goodies if you are able to grab the prime table.
But where do all these treats originate from? That's where the Marshmallow Maker comes in, with its complex machinery and long conveyor belt churning out no shortage of delicious samples. The poor cook must be on overtime given that she's also been getting the Sundae Station set up and the Marshmallow Fountain flowing!
Lula isn't the only restaurateur hosting a party this Valentine's Day. So is the first of two showcase debutants, Sandy's Cafe.
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| Sandy's Cafe |
Glow Parties are all the rage here too, and Sandy even has live music to keep the troops entertained. The Singing Sisters are leading the way alongside the Crooner, with the performers on an upper tier looking down upon the chaos below. That chaos includes a weird and wonderful Underglow Fountain which has the Party Hipster and Hip Techie transfixed, and a Drink Lab where your cocktail may not be fully tested (not until you've had one at least).
Then there's some glitzy dining in the top corner where pink and black are the prevailing shades. Between Amethyst Hearts the Date Night Diners are sharing a very intimate meal, with the only light provided by the Date Night Candles and a Fireworks Celebration outside.
The large open area at Sandy's Cafe is less glitzy and more grandiose. The Heart Piano stands tall at the centre of it, and Lava Girl Love looks like she's about to sit down and give us a tune. Whatever she plays it will always rekindle fond memories in the Cowboy Greeter and Poppy Princess who are experiencing that wonderful thing that is love at first sight.
They are one of many couples depicted here, with a large proportion of the others settled on the river.
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| Romantic river at Sandy's Cafe |
You can take a Little Love Boat trip or embark on a Gondola Date, but the majority of visitors prefer to relax on the riverside. This shouldn't exactly be surprising given how many places there are to go, such as the Rose Garden, Love Boat Cafe or the Charming Park Bench. Sandy has done a terrific job of uniting a plethora of content here which I wouldn't have ever considered together.
There's a real colourfulness to this fraction of Sandy's Cafe which actually leaves me wanting to have a go at my own river scene. I can't provide any more praise than that!
The outdoors also feature at Monkey House, who is making a second showcase appearance.
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| Monkey House |
But before we take a romantic stroll in the fresh air, a bite to eat is in order. There's no shortage of options in the main dining section, with the Eucalyptus Koala watching over the array of food (well, at least when she's not sleeping!) Entertainment is provided by the Crooner who has cleverly been placed so as to be playing the Harpischord.
For those feeling a little more adventurous there's an area dedicated to Valentine's which is not for the faint of heart. Rose Petals litter the floor, with the Valentine Robot spreading the love from the Table of Romance. The Sweetheart Cafe has been the venue for many a date, with those more successful ending with a cuddle up on the Pink Couch accompanied by the strings of the Violinist.
Outside there's lots of activity, with the Playful Parasol, Jock and Tandem Bike riders all hanging around the Kissing Swans searching for love. Some are lucky enough to have already found it, including the pair on the Romantic Park Bench (I really like how they have a corner all to themselves) and the Romantic Swing couple. The Rose Seller has clearly seen a sale opportunity!
Meanwhile the near corner deserves a closer look.
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| Garden at Monkey House |
Love comes in many forms, and here we see Arbor Day Phoebe's love of gardening. Her Gardener's Shed is the central hub, but there is so much more packed in. You've got various Potted Plants aligned and at the same time an uncontainable Container Garden. There's also Lemon Trees and Potted Apple Trees providing shelter at the rear of the shed, and some brilliantly placed Piled Plants which could be viewed as a chimney for the shed.
It's a delightfully colourful scene, and is viewed with admiration (and perhaps a hint of jealousy?!) by the Lake Fisher and Party Hipster who are peering curiously over the Sunflower Gardens.
There's yet another depiction of the great outdoors at our next venue, although Bittersweet (making a fourth showcase entry) puts a different slant on it.
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| Bittersweet |
This time it's twilight, that odd time of day when it's neither day nor night, light nor dark. There's something very otherworldly about this diner, and this is rooted in the use of the Infinite Possibilities. This flooring gives the place a spellbinding feel and therefore ensures that the punters have a great stay.
The Romantic Lounge is the VIP area, with a Fancy Waiter dedicated to the lucky couple who are sat here. The Bean Bag Counters are a nice colour-coordinated way of cordoning off this segment of Bittersweet's indoors space from the rest without it feeling too restrictive.
Outside there are so many couples have been brought together. The Travel Couple are headed to the Heart Statue, the Jock and Ice Skating Girl have stepped off their Teal Vintage Motorcycle to stand over the Romantic Pond and the Grandfather Frost and his partner are admiring the Snowy Fountain which comes complete with a Light Dancer perched on top. But the Love Pug is the highlight in all of this, as he longs for a kiss from the pooch in the Kissing Booth!
Swinging round to the other side, there are yet more happy couples.
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| Romantic corner at Bittersweet |
The Rose Seller has hotfooted over here to make the most of the occasion, with the Sweetheart Cafe a prime location for making a quick buck on those roses. The Winter Couple are also seen here, and merge in with the cafe really smoothly.
And as if the glittering stars of the Snowy Night wallpaper aren't enough in and of themselves, the Heart Piano is situated nearby for extra ambience. Slotted between Rose Columns, this piano has been strategically located so as to carry it's beautiful music both across the indoor area and into the Wild Cobble street outside. This is such a peaceful and carefree scene - it's certainly somewhere I'd like to spend Valentine's evening.
We've got one last stop to make in this showcase and it's for another debutant, Lyrics.
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| Lyrics |
Lyrics is the place to go if you've got yourself a date but are not sure just how serious it may prove to be. Best to at least have some fun, and that is pretty much a guarantee here. I mean just look at the Trampoline! Two kids (under adult supervision of course!) are bouncing around without a care in the world, and have all manner of balloons for company. Just next to this is the Ferris Wheel which is a must for any Valentine's lovers out there. Manager Phoebe is in charge of its operation so expect an incident-free ride.
There is some scope for a serious date and in a big way. Cupid's Arrow is pointed towards a hand-holding couple who are seated at the centre of a properly Valentine's scene - a column of Red Poinsettias is flanked with gallant Valentine Candelabras and Love Birds. Those less willing to fork out for Cupid can still grab a Love Table and stay warm next to Love's Eternal Flame.
But I promised things to do on a more casual date, so it's off to the arcade!
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| Arcade at Lyrics |
I don't think I've ever seen a more complete arcade anywhere in Restaurant Story than here at Lyrics. There's all manner of appliances and machines waiting to be played, ranging from the Alley Ball and Restaurant Racer through to the Claw Machine and High Striker. But there are also one or two ingenious inclusions, these being the ATM and Space Console which are not specifically arcade themed but slot in perfectly. I knew someone would find a use for the ATM!
There's snacks to be had too of course, with the Hot Dog Vendor manning the Boardwalk Dog Stand. He's got a Vintage Soda Machine as well so both your hunger and thirst are covered. The Ball Pit floor runs through the middle of the arcade and helps bring it all together, and I daresay makes Spendthrift the Clown feel right at home.
What has struck me with this showcase is the positivity that is generally emanating from these cracking restaurants. It's a nice side effect of Valentine's which extends beyond the usual lovey-dovey settings I alluded to at the beginning. It turns out there is much more to Valentine's Day, and that has been demonstrated in the grand manner by my superb neighbours.
Recent showcases
26/12/17 Christmas 2017
31/10/17 Halloween 2017
02/07/17 July 2017
30/04/17 April 2017
14/02/17 Valentine's Day 2017
31/10/17 Halloween 2017
02/07/17 July 2017
30/04/17 April 2017
14/02/17 Valentine's Day 2017
As ever thank you to each of you for not only opening up your doors and allowing me to showcase you to the world, but also for being terrifically loyal neighbours who it is a pleasure to visit, tip and gift. I love you all! Happy Valentine's Day everyone!
Happy Valentines Day to you! You did a marvelous job with this showcase, Very fun to read! Thanks for including my place!
ReplyDeleteThank you Sandy, it was a pleasure to bring everyone a glimpse into your restaurant! :)
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