I love running into clients at restaurants and watching them sneak a peek at my plate.  

I guess they think I may be eating something different than they are. 

I certainly hope not, because following a Paleo lifestyle leaves plenty of room for eating well and with gusto and appreciation.    And because I am a foodie at heart, (and yes, because my clients ask me all the time what I eat when I go out),  I am adding a new feature to my blog….   What would Tina Eat?  (and yes, this is a bit tongue in cheek).

I wanted to start by featuring one of my all time favorite restaurants, Story, located oh so deliciously close to my home in the Prairie Village Shops.   Owned by Chef Carl Thorne-Thomsen  and his wife, Susan, Story is, as described on their website, ‘an elegant, upscale neighborhood restaurant serving fresh, local, seasonal creative American cuisine with Spanish, French and Italian influences.’

There is, of course, a story behind the name “Story”. It revolves around three themes that are a part of Thorne-Thomsen’s beliefs.  “The name story is meant to signify that I’m a chef inspired and motivated by ingredients. I try to source ingredients carefully, local when I can, but whether local or not, I always try to find the best, freshest etc., and the more time I spend looking for ingredients, the more I wind up knowing about them, where they are grown, pastured, fished, etc. Frequently my imagination goes to work on those details and projects or produces a landscape or seascape, people at work in it; a “Story” of sorts about or behind a particular ingredient begins to shape itself in my mind.

The name also refers to the “Story” behind any given dish on the menu, why certain items are paired or not, where the idea came from or how it evolved. Lastly “Story” refers to the meal itself, the diner’s experience. Is it a special occasion, an anniversary or birthday for instance; is that the “Story”? Is it friends in town, a first date etc. Sometimes, if the food, service and atmosphere are good, then the experience itself is the Story.”

I say don’t wait for a special occasion to visit Story.  Make any evening special by visiting this restaurant.  The service is friendly and impeccable and the food nothing short of inspired!  And there’s so much to choose from on the menu even if you are being a 90% Paleo Princess that evening.  Of course, there are a few things I would say are worth that 20% non-paleo splurge as well.

Click here for a printable version of my personal favorites and Paleo friendly choices on Story’s exquisite menu.  (Since I usually visit for dinner, this is the menu I have chosen to feature, but you may upload their lunch, bar and brunch menus via their website at www.storykc.com)

I’d love to hear your feedback once you visit Story.  Leave your comments below or post on our Pilates 1901 Facebook Page.  It takes a Paleo Village!