The Provisioner's Tale offers American cuisine for lunch and dinner, including items such as bison stew with crusty bread.[/caption]

Clay Alling wants his new Old Town Spring restaurant, The Provisioner’s Tale, to tell a story about food and to inspire his patrons to exchange ideas over satisfying and tasty fare.

“You see everyone out on their phones and tablets, and no one really talks anymore,” Alling said. “The theory is that the two things people talk about most are what they ate and what they read.”

The restaurant’s bookshelves—which are made of wine cases—will offer patrons a free library to choose from and stimulate conversation, he said.

The restaurant opened in November, serving lunch and dinner as well as offering catering.

Alling calls his dishes “American cuisine with a twist.”

For example, Kate Chopin’s Cajun Chicken Pasta draws from the author’s Southern themes and settings. Lady Macbeth’s Meatloaf evokes the image of the blood-stained Shakespearean heroine, while Homer’s Hummus references the author of the classical “Odyssey.”

The children’s menu continues the literary themes, with “Good Night Mac and Cheese” referencing the childhood favorite “Good Night Moon.”

The restaurant’s next-door neighbor, Envy Wine Room, partners with the establishment to provide wine and beer.

Alling said the eatery will expand in February and plans a grand opening, as well as a refurbished patio area in the spring. Future plans include book signings and cooking classes from cookbook authors.

The Provisioner’s Tale

317 Gentry St., Ste. D2, Spring

832-904-5029

www.facebook.com/theprovisionerstale