I rarely splurge on dining out. So, when I do, I try to pick restaurants that have excellent buzz and have proven their point for at least a year.
It is unusual that I will review a higher-end shop before a year or two goes by, but Twelve Restaurant and Bar was recommended to me so often, I felt I had to try it. I have since been to Twelve three times with friends since it opened a few months ago. I’m happy to say that I have had really good food and service every time I have been there.
The appetizer house smoked salmon with toast points and tarragon remoulade is delicious. The buttery salmon was beautifully hot-smoked and the crunchy toasts and zingy sauce (I added a spritz of lemon juice) were perfect together.
The crab cakes were pure crab, no filler, very fresh, crunchy, and tasted of the ocean, in the best possible way.
The Twelve chicken salad, with almonds, dates, goat cheese, bacon (or not), and honey balsamic vinaigrette was sort of bland the first time I tried it, but really great the second. Every new kitchen has to tweak, so that was a good change in a vibrant direction.
The BLT was killer, with so much thick-sliced bacon, great tomatoes, lettuce and bread that I took half home.
The shrimp and corn risotto appetizer was almost too rich, but the spicy shrimp balanced the sweetness well.
If you are looking for upscale casual dining on the west side of town, Twelve is new and working hard to be amazing. But even as a baby restaurant, it won’t disappoint you.
12111 W Maple
Wichita, 67235
(316) 440-2812
