Similar to our yellow phase experiences at The Four Dogs Tavern and The Whip Tavern, we wanted to support another one of our (and hopefully yours as well) local favorites, Twelves Grill & Cafe.
We made reservations in advance and secured our table. Since it’s a BYOB, we brought a couple bottles of wine from a vineyard we really like, 1723 Vineyards. We didn’t realize they served beer now, or we may have brought less wine.
As there were with the other restaurants we suspected there would be time constraints, so we checked out the menu before we arrived.
Per the customary rule, we wore our masks up to and into the establishment.
The Service
Their check-in was just inside, like it was with The Whip Tavern. Liam met us at the door. He then guided us to our table on the front porch area. Once seated we were able to take our masks off and relax.
Mary has been serving at Twelves for as long as we can remember. And she’s pretty amazing. We’ve dined with Mary as our server for regular dinners at Twelves, The Wine Pairing Dinner at Twelves, and now through the COVID-19 PA Yellow Phase – How Restaurants Work. She always greets us with a smile and we enjoy our friendly banter. Having seen here in different scenarios, nothing seems to faze her.
They brought us the classic paper “one use” recyclable menus which we’ve grown accustomed to. Along with the Rosé from 1723 Vineyards that we requested Mary uncork, we ordered soda water with a squeeze of lime to get us started.
The Food
Through this whole COVID-19 period, Twelves continues to be on top of their game with their food. In both selection and preparation.
We each had a salad for starters. Dianne had the Twelves Caesars and Gary the Iceberg Wedge. They are proportionally size, not overly large. As usual, they were spot on.
For our main course, Dianne ordered the Twelves Jumbo Lump Crab Cake, with Parmesan risotto, grilled asparagus and caper aioli. Lots of crab, not much filler. Gary decided on the Roasted Duck Breast, which was complimented with smashed potatoes and grilled asparagus. The duck was cooked medium per the chef’s recommendation.
We even saved one of the crab cakes for leftovers. Call Gary crazy, but he had it 3 days later for lunch and enjoyed it! (and did not get sick)
Our Drinks
We’ve previously mentioned that Twelves is a BYOB – “bring your own bottle” (wine). When we were there last, we got a tour of their micro-brewery operations as it was just getting started.
As we mentioned earlier in this article we’re very exciting that they are serving their own beer now!! Blonds and Brunettes micro-brewery has an opening selection of Brown and Blonde pale ales.
Being a beer lover, Gary ordered the brown pale ale as he thought it would go well with the duck he ordered…and it did.
The Place
It did rain pretty hard at one point. Fortunately the direction the storm was headed in, the rain barely affected those of us who were dining.
Unfortunately they only have room for 3 tables outside – one 4 top and two 2 tops. For patrons, that means that reservations are integral. It also means that time limit should be strictly adhered to in order to allow the restaurant and servers to maximize their evening. And it’s important not to forget to tip appropriately, remembering that things are not back to normal yet.
Finally, don’t forget they still have call-in ordering takeout and curbside pickup, so you can still get your favorite meals if you can’t get a reservation!