Greer's OC

Restaurateurs Cynthia Vigil and Chad Reinhardt, known for their Benny & Mary’s concept in Irvine, have unveiled Story Kitchen + Bar at Anaheim Hills Festival. This latest venture invites diners to embark on their own culinary adventure, designed to be a full-sensory experience.

"The community's response to Benny & Mary’s shows that Orange County is ready for the kind of adventurous dining experience we aim to offer," says Vigil, who co-owns seven OC restaurants, including Toast Kitchen & Bar and Julep Cast Iron Kitchen & Drink. "We’re confident that our latest concept, a neighborhood spot with energy, style, and sophistication, will resonate in Anaheim Hills."

Executive Chef Christy Gray oversees Story Kitchen + Bar, which serves lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch. The menus are filled with elevated comfort food, emphasizing community and togetherness through shareable plates. Highlights include the Short Rib Loaded Fries, Garlic Shrimp with Goat Cheese Tomato Crostini, and oven-fired pizzas like the Story Margherita with pistachio pesto.

Fresh salads, such as the Stacked Caesar, Spicy Thai, and Mediterranean Chopped, are crafted with seasonal ingredients and can be topped with chicken, shrimp, or salmon. Vegetables take center stage as sides, including Miso Mushrooms, Blistered Garlic Green Beans, and Pomme Purée.

Main entrées showcase globally inspired flavors, from the red wine-braised Short Rib with crispy onion strings to the miso-glazed Chilean Sea Bass served with ginger-carrot purée, wasabi pearls, and sautéed spinach.

Weekend brunch kicks off at 9 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, offering a mix of classic and innovative dishes, benedicts, and skillet scrambles. Brunch cocktails include creative spins like Strawberry Thai Basil Mimosa, Cucumber Lavender Mimosa, and Hibiscus Pineapple Mimosa, while zero-proof mocktails are also available.

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. For more information and reservations, please visit storyanaheim.com.