RASTAOPEN -- Full service restaurants are becoming more common in Second Life, as a new restaurant called The Arbor Restaurant opened last month catering specifically to romance. The Arbor sits in a tree house in the ocean off of Rasta beach. TributeTim Kwak is the owner of the sim and a silent partner in the restaurant. Opal Proctor is the owner/operator of the restaurant.

Sublime, the other full service restaurants with a reservation service and paid wait and bar staff, has bee open for a year. Proctor, who in real life is a teacher in Georgia, says opening up another restaurant in SL was a risk worth taking. "Any business in SL is a gamble. There are so many dance bars, clubs, clothing stores, etc. I was amazed to see how many restaurants there were here. I set goals and try to keep things in perspective, remembering everything has highs and lows.”

The Arbor's mission is to bring romance to SL in the form of little keepsakes and details that mean a lot, starting with quaint little tables, heart-shaped wooden chairs and candlelight, soft music, prim food and a personable staff who make the regular dining experience a night to relax and remember.

In this virtual world where many people are trying to make a quick buck, Proctor lives for providing love and romance to the residents of SL.

“I think romance is important to those trying to find love in SL, and The Arbor is one element that will help them,” Proctor, who lost her real life husband to cancer, explains. “I want to make a place where couples can start their romance and continue it throughout their relationship.”

In trying to make something different and memorable, Proctor has focused on catering to couples. The Arbor offers a wide array of dining packages starting with the common room package at $L200 for two people. For that, a couple gets a scenic window table in the large room with the full service staff and a dance floor.

If the couple is looking for privacy, two private, glass gazebos offer an endless supply of love champagne and a private waiter or waitress. Dancing and cuddling animations are included, and prices start at $L400-$L1500.

In the higher range, couples can receive a framed photo of their date, complimentary bottle of wine with their names on it and two wine glasses. The rooms can be custom decorated. The Platinum packages also comes with a private room at the residence of Club Rasta.

Newly added is the "Under the Sea Box” which is a private box in a vacant sim. Couples can dine under the sea with a variety of fish, whales and sea turtles next to a sunken ship. For the next three weeks, the price is $L1500.

A few other ways Proctor is helping the romance of SL to flourish is by partnering with Avadate, an SL dating service. The Arbor also offers “Speed Dating” and “Singles Night”. Each event is $L50 and takes place on alternating Thursdays. Gift certificates are given to charities throughout SL and benefit auctions also help SL Relay For Life.

Avatar Nikolaides waits tables at the Arbor and enjoys the atmosphere. “The Arbor is a great place to work and make friends.