Story Kitchen + Bar Brings a Unique Narrative to Anaheim Hills

Having gained much attention for their concept, Benny & Mary’s, restaurateurs Cynthia Vigil and Chad Reinhardt reveal a unique narrative with Story Kitchen + Bar, now open at Anaheim Hills Festival (8150 E Santa Ana Canyon Road). Story Kitchen + Bar gives diners the opportunity to step into their own culinary adventure, which his meant to unfold into a full-sensory experience.

“The way in which the community has embraced Benny & Mary’s is a telling sign that Orange County is ready for the adventurous dining experience that we seek to present,” explains Vigil, who co-owns seven restaurants in Orange County, including Benny & Mary’s, Toast Kitchen & Bar, and Julep Cast Iron Kitchen & Drink in a statement. “We are confident that diners will be able to create their own ‘story’ in our latest concept, which is a neighborhood restaurant with energy, style and sophistication that Anaheim Hills will appreciate.”

Story Kitchen + Bar currently offers lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch service under the watchful eye of Executive Chef Christy Gray. With offerings as varied and full of interesting accents as the setting itself, Story’s menus focus on community and togetherness with an extensive selection of elevated comfort food presented as shareable plates. Short Rib Loaded Fries and Short Rib Tacos feature melt-in-your-mouth braised short rib, while dishes like Garlic Shrimp and Goat Cheese Tomato Crostini are served warm with toasted baguette to sop up a blend of enticing flavors. A selection of oven-fired pizzas serve to round out starters, with the Story Margherita as the must-try with its star ingredient, pistachio pesto.

The flavor and quality of seasonal ingredients, shine through in thoughtfully composed, fresh salads. Bright, flavorful offerings meant for every palate include a Stacked Caesar Salad, Spicy Thai Salad, and Mediterranean Chopped Salad, all of which can be enhanced with chicken, shrimp and salmon. Vegetables also play a leading role in sides, including Miso Mushrooms, Blistered Garlic Green Beans, and Pomme Purée, which can also be shared.

For its main entrée offerings, Story Kitchen + Bar highlights proteins from land and sea accented with authentic global flavors. Chef Gray’s Short Rib is red wine-braised before being topped with crispy fried onion strings and a demi glace, while her Chilean Sea Bass is miso-glazed and roasted before being plated alongside ginger-carrot purée, wasabi pearls and sautéed spinach.

The restaurant also offers weekend brunch beginning at 9 a.m. every Saturday and Sunday with an eclectic menu that offers a mix of elevated takes on brunch favorites, benedicts, and skillet scrambles. Brunch cocktails showcase the bar’s focus on unique spins on classics, with mimosa offerings featuring Strawberry Thai Basil, Cucumber Lavender, and Hibiscus Pineapple to complement champagne. Zero-proof cocktails, or “mocktails,” are also offered to accommodate diners.

Story Kitchen + Bar is now open daily at Anaheim Hills Festival (8150 E Santa Ana Canyon Road). Current hours are Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Friday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Happy Hour is offered Sunday through Friday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

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