I'd heard good things about this place, but had no idea how fancy it was. I guess I didn't hear the "fine dining" part. In the back of my mind, though-- I knew this was no place I would ever choose to dine if I was paying. Last weekend, I was invited to go to Stories for a dinner training I was pretty excited at the prospect. My employer called ahead to ensure there was something vegetarian on the menu for me.
When we arrived, we were escorted into a private room which is where we dined. It was pretty fancy, yet very comfortable. Our server clearly loved her job-- she was a real pro. Very personable, knowledgeable and thorough. There was only one vegetarian "option" for me on the menu, which isn't really an "option" then, is it? And it had dairy in it, which I don't do. Anyway, the server had a back-up plan in mind-- I had the gnocchi with vegetables. It was super tasty-- and they clearly prepared all the vegetables individually, cooking them to perfection and seasoning them ever so sightly so as to highlight their characteristic flavours. I was really, really impressed that every main dinner selection was served with a selection of beautiful vegetables.
As a starter, I had the butternut squash soup with coconut which was a tiny, piping-hot bowl of one of the best squash soups I'd ever had, peppered with l'il roasted hazelnuts (and minus the lamb bacon). Another server helped bring in our dinner and exclaimed loudly and emphatically, "Oh my god, that smells good!!" as he placed one of the dishes on the table. It was pretty funny. Apparently he was hungry. Everyone in my party really liked their meal. I wonder if I was the only one who didn't even look at the prices on the menu.
I was kind of pressured into dessert (cactus pear sambuca sorbet with house biscotti)-- of which I hardly touched despite it's deliciousness. It came with the liquor laden-coffee I chose which was laced with Grand Marnier and Kahlua. As if the few glasses of wine I had were not enough on a night where i needed to work late then get up early! Anyway, speaking of wine-- I'd never dined in a place where the server would wait for you to look at the wine, pour you a bit, wait for you to taste and also nod in approval before she'd serve you more. My more urbane cohort dealt with this situation seamlessly-- glad it was her not I-- but I will know for next time. I'm really not very fancy.
Stories was A1 in atmosphere, staff, and food. My only issue was their not having more vegetarian options (which I understand), but I must say I was delighted with the dishes I was served after having amended my dishes slightly to my needs. I will be telling stories about this place, and hope that I get a chance to check out their patio during the warmer months. The only thing better than eating this kind of meal is eating it outside, getting a little buzz on in the fresh air. read more