The Gift that keeps on giving

What’s better than a plate of 1885’s pimiento cheese and fried okra? Or a platter of its center-cut tenderloin filet mignon, seasoned and topped with blue cheese compound butter?

How about having the dish of your choice added to 1885’s list of specials?

The restaurant is currently hosting a contest, inviting diners to submit dishes they would like to see on the menu.

“Maybe it’s chicken piccata. Maybe it’s a chicken jerk bowl. Maybe you wish we did lox and bagels for brunch,” said partner and manager Miguel de Jesus.

Diners can make contest submissions by visiting 1885 Grill’s Facebook page. There, they can enter their name, email address and the suggested dish. On Dec. 20, Miguel said, the staff will tally up the submissions and let social media followers vote on the top contenders.

The winner of the contest will not only see that dish featured as a special, but he or she will also get to name it and enjoy a complimentary dinner for two.

Yes, this season, 1885 is like the gift that keeps on giving — take its holiday gift card promotion, for further evidence.

From now until Jan. 1, for every $100 gift card purchased online, you will receive a $20 bonus card. Spend more than $1,000 on online gift cards, and you will receive 25 percent of the amount spent back on a bonus card.

And while 1885 is helping you make the most of your holiday, the restaurant hopes you’ll help it do the same for those in need. The restaurant is hosting a food drive for the Bethlehem Center, a local nonprofit that strives to empower inner-city families through education and discipleship. From now until Nov. 27, 1885 is collecting donations of non-perishable food items, with the effort culminating that evening with a “giveback night,” from which the restaurant will donate a portion of its proceeds to the center.

There are so many ways to feel good at 1885 this season; better dig in!