Twelve Eighty Inspired Dining does it again! Their new menu has been revealed and it’s just as inventive and enjoyable as the one we tried in the Spring. Steeler Fan and I joined members of the Atlanta Food Bloggers’ Society for a tasting of the menu crafted by new Chef de Cuisine, Andreas Z. Georgakopoulos and Executive Chef, John C. Metz. As expected, the night was fabulous. We enjoyed a wonderful meal in a spirited environment thanks to the outgoing Twelve Eighty team. I considered this visit to the restaurant a treat. Here are four reasons why:
1. Steeler Fan and I were able to have an up close and personal experience with the chefs and learned what their inspiration was behind each dish. The words simple, classic, locally sourced, fresh and artful come to mind. Each dish we tried could be described by most, if not all, of these terms.
An example is the “Orchestrated” Fried Green Tomato Napoleon which is Seared Old Bay Shrimp, Crispy Green Tomato, Crumbling Goat Cheese and Spicy Pickled Remoulade. This was my favorite shareable dish. When I think of the food I enjoyed as a child, fried green tomatoes prepared by my mom and my aunts ranks high on the list of good memories. Not everyone understands them or prepares them well. This creation by Chef Andreas is another good memory.
Another shareable dish was the Ahi Tuna Poke which Steeler Fan convinced me to try for the first time. I’ve said before that I’m not into raw but I like to keep an open mind for the times that I’m feeling adventurous. I’m glad I let my guard down if only for two bites.
Finally, there were Pastrami Spring Rolls made with House-Cured Pastrami, Swiss Cheese, Oyster Mushroom, Pickled Red Cabbage Slaw and Spicy Green Peppercorn Aioli. You know they’re good when someone says just take a bite but then you eat the whole thing.
From the salad menu, we tried the Roasted Beet Panzanella Salad constructed of Red & Golden Beets, Brioche Toast, Crushed Burrata, Sweet Onion, Baby Arugula, Caper Berry and Lemon Thyme Vinaigrette. There was just enough of everything in this salad to keep you satisfied.
The portion of the menu called “Peachtree Favorites” includes several mouthwatering, savory creations.
We sampled Chefs’ Grilled Chicken Paillard – Prestige Farms Grilled Chicken served over Sauteed Quinoa “Pilaf” with Seared Brussel Sprouts, Baby Carrot, Shaved Asparagus, Grape Tomato and Caper Piccata,
Seared Jumbo Scallop & Shrimp – Jalapeno & White Cheddar Logan Turnpike Mill Stone Ground Grits, Sauteed Peppers and Oven-Roasted Tomato Buerre Blanc, and
The Woodruff Burger, served with House-Made Tomato Bacon Jam on a Toasted Brioche Bun.
2. The second reason this visit was a treat are the Crafted Cocktails.
We tried five of Twelve Eighty Inspired Dining’s offerings from the bar. They were all pretty tasty. The drinks paired with our meal included the Twelve Eighty Cocktail,
an Old Cuban, the Zelda Fitzgerald, a Strawberry Caipirinha and
the ‘High’ Kick Mule made with Medley Brothers Bourbon, Cardamaro, Ginger Beer and Fresh Lime. What I learned about this particular drink is that the high kick comes from Fever Tree Ginger Beer. I love a good, extra strong ginger beer so of course this take on the Moscow Mule is right up my alley.
3. The Desserts are amazing!
It’s no secret that I love a good dessert. You can have your candy; just pass me the cake. Pastry Chef Derrell Lawery has come up with a nice selection to complete the new Twelve Eighty Inspired Dining menu. They’re simple, delicious finishing touches to a meal. They can also stand on their own with coffee or beverage of choice.
The desserts our group sampled included a Warm Butter Pecan Rum Cake,
Molten Chocolate Cake,
Pumpkin Spiced Cheesecake, and
Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee. The big surprise was the Pumpkin Cheesecake. One would think it would be dense as most cheesecakes are. This one was actually much lighter – almost mousse-like. The creamy, airy texture made it easy to enjoy. Creme Brulee is one of my all-time favorite desserts. I love that it’s still on the menu.
4. The final reason I considered our visit to Twelve Eighty Inspired Dining a treat was the company we kept.
It’s been a while since I’ve seen many of my blogging peers. It was nice to be in the mix again. The folks who are working hard to make Twelve Eighty one of Midtown’s premier dining destinations get cool points for the love and passion they showed us as well. What a great night!
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Disclosure: The meal I enjoyed at Twelve Eighty – Inspired Dining was complimentary. I received no monetary compensation for this post. All opinions are based on my own personal experience. You can view my full Disclosure Policy here.
