Restaurant Impossible

Claytopia pieces will add to the decor of the new restaurant

What a crazy first day we had!! We got to Corry and checked into the beautiful bed and breakfast, Victoria On Main. After that we headed over to Michele's around noon. We signed release forms, got wristbands and got to work! Taniya gave us a crash course in wall papering and we wall papered 10 panels that will go on the walls in the restaurant. We are now experts at it and will be offering it as a service at Claytopia....lol..JUST KIDDING!

The whole set was relaxed and fun, at least outside the building. From what we heard there was a lot going on inside that was a little more stressful. Tears were already flowing and we heard that a certain chef might have flung a can of corn! We'll have to wait and see when the show airs.

Speaking of everyone's favorite chef, we did see him on set, and we got to watch him film a few scenes, but the atmosphere when he's around must be similar to the atmosphere around royalty! He did come over and give us a hard time for laughing :) and he kept calling Suzanne "Jane" and "Samantha" and finally just "Blondie"! I don't know if anyone's gotten his picture or autograph, I think most of us are too intimidated to ask!

On the other hand, Taniya and Nicole and Tom are SO friendly and really fun to be around! Taniya is so patient with all my design questions and Nicole ( who I personally think works the hardest out of everyone keeping everything on track!) has been really encouraging and sincerely impressed with our wallpapering skills! This show is definitely for real. These designers are hands-on, getting dirty and working hard. We've watched Taniya film a couple scenes and she quickly powders her nose and gets down to business. The girls are constantly on the computer checking the layout and design plans ( and I'm peaking over their shoulders!)

Tom Bury owns the construction company D9 and they are a great group of guys who just get in there and go to work. They take the time to show the volunteers what to do and then they get right back to work. We have been really impressed watching them work. Around 10:00 last night while we were all working in the bar, Tom turned on the new episode of Restaurant Impossible and we all stood around watching Tom and Taniya watching themselves on tv- love it!!



Michele's staff has been working around the clock! Folding these napkins and silverware was taking forever, and someone from Robert's staff had to come out and show them the "right" way to do it! (according to Robert)

Today we'll be working from 10-6. I really can't say a whole lot about what changes will be made, but I will say that the restaurant was completely stripped down and the new look will be lighter, brighter, and a welcome change from what it was a few days ago.

Michele's is set to re-open tonight at 7. 180 reservations have been lined up and it sounds like there is no wiggle room for anyone else! I cannot imagine the stress Michele and her hard-working staff will be dealing with trying to pull it all together, but you can bet I'll be there to check it out!