The following menu tasting was complimentary.
Each time I walk into Twelve Eighty Inspired Dining I know the experience is going to be exceptional. It’s a good thing when you know your meal is going to be delicious and that you can enjoy it in a creative environment with friendly service. The restaurant is located on Sifly Piazza between the Memorial Arts Building and the High Museum making it convenient to plan a Dinner with the Arts night out.
I attended the media tasting event with Steeler Fan. We were warmly greeted by our host with a glass of champagne which is such a pleasant way to enter a room. Our evening would would include pairings of cocktails with the chef driven menu. The best way I know of to demonstrate food is with pictures so here we go!
We started with one of my favorites; the Skinny Ginger Margarita, a blend of Hurradura Reposado, Lime, Ginger Syrup and Agave Nectar. It’s so refreshing.
This beginning was paired with…
Pimento Deviled Eggs | Pimento Cheese, Apple-Wood Smoked Bacon, Fresh Herbs and Smoked Chili Cream, and
Shrimp & Andouille Skillet | Logan Turnpike, Jalapeno & Sweet Corn, Stone Ground Grits, Spicy Andouille, Shrimp and Pickled Okra. I get so caught up in presentation; they had me at skillet. FYI… chef knows his way around some grits.
Up next was the Blackberry Mojito | Bacardi Light, Muddled Mint, Blackberry Syrup, Fresh Lime and Fresh Blackberries paired with
Crusted Ahi Tuna Nicoise Salad | Field Greens, Peruvian Purple & Fingerling Potatoes, Tiny Beans, Blistered Grape Tomato, Fresh Radishes, Egg, Nicoise Pesto, Citrus Vinaigrette and
Roasted Beet & Burrata Salad | Red & Yellow Beets, Fresh Burrata, Quinoa, Baby Arugula, Pomegranate, EVOO.
Third, was The Twelve Eighty Signature Cocktail | American Harvest Vodka, St. Germaine, Aperol, Lemon, Orange Bitters, Splash Soda (oh yum!) paired with
Roasted Turkey & Pepperjack | Golden Farms Organic Turkey, Apple-Wood Smoked Bacon, Sundried Tomato Aioli, Arugula on Ciabatta Bread – – a very tasty choice, and
“High Museum” Pastrami | Shaved Pastrami, House-Made Slaw, Gruyere Cheese, 1000 Island Dressing and Marble Rye. I can’t even begin to explain how much I enjoyed this sandwich. There was such a balance of flavors. I hope to revisit this one very very soon.
Finally there was this Pom Collins | Tito’s Vodka, Pama Liqueur, House-Made Sour Mix, Mint, Pomegranate Seed. This drink was as delicious and refreshing as the first. It looks like a great holiday option too! It was paired with
Scallion Crusted Atlantic Salmon | Quinoa Fried Rice, Oyster Mushroom, Baby Bok Choy & Hong Kong Sauce, and
Seared Jumbo Sea Scallops | Spaghetti Squash, Tiny Green Beans, Candied Pecans, Cranberry Fresh Sage and Blood Orange Beurre Blanc.
For dessert with tried an Almond Tres Leches Cake | Warm Almond Sponge Cake Infused with Three Milks, Chocolate Toffee, White Wine Poached Pear and Coriander Dulce De Leche Sauce. Loved it! It was deliciously moist with just the right amount of sweetness. This is the one I’ll order with that pastrami sandwich on my next visit.
Creme Brulee | House-Made with Madagascar Vanilla Bean and Crispy Sweet Crust. Always a sure thing.
Pots de Creme | House-Made Chocolate Custard, Chantilly Crème and Espresso Lace Shortbread Cookie. This dessert seemed to make everyone swoon. I don’t know; maybe it’s the chocolate? You can’t really go wrong with chocolate.
This new Fall Menu has a little something for everyone. There are new dishes along with a couple modified menu items. All seem to work just fine for Steeler Fan and I.
For more information about Twelve Eighty – Inspired Dining
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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.
