Twelve Restaurant in Denver’s Ballpark neighborhood has gained a loyal following for its seasonal menu–one that lists 12 dishes and changes monthly (or 12 times a year—get it?). You can count on chef-owner Jeff Osaka to deliver fresh, innovative takes on dishes like Dungeness crab beignets, cioppino with shrimp and monkfish, and creamy fettuccine carbonara made with fresh cremini mushrooms.

The ever-changing menu means an item you enjoy in March will be long gone by May. But there are two notable exceptions: A spectacular salad and Twelve’s chocolate trio (pictured). The dessert brings together a trifecta of winning treats: a cupcake-size bittersweet chocolate cake, a shot glass of dense pot de crème, and a cylinder of Mexican chocolate ice cream laced with cinnamon—all of them united with a drizzle of salted caramel sauce. The flavors, textures, and varying degrees of richness complement one another beautifully. One bite and it’s immediately obvious why this dish has become the lone mainstay on an otherwise mercurial menu.

Bonus: Twelve is now open seven nights a week. Try the you-design it prix-fixe $38 menu on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday nights.

2233 Larimer St., 303-293-0287

THIS STORY WAS PART OF 5280’s 20 DAYS OF GIVEAWAYS!

Additional comments do not enter you into the giveaway, which ended March 26, 2013.