Prior to last night I had not set foot in a Milestones for over 3 years! Unlike many other restaurants in the very competitive mid-end chain restaurant space, it seemed like they did not do much to adapt to the ever changing climate over the past few years. I can’t even remember anyone telling me they had even been to a Milestones in the last 3 years. Regardless, when I was invited to a chef-tasting menu inspired by their new menu, curiosity got the better of me. After all, it had been far too long since I had enjoyed one of their signature peach bellini’s!
I arrived at the Milestone’s Yonge and Dundas location around 6:30 last night. For those who don’t know, their restaurant is situated high above Dundas Square and is known for it’s incredible patio in the summer time. We were greeted with several hors dourves and an elegant take on their popular bellini that used bubbly instead of slush.
Shortly after we were brought to their beautiful private dining room to try some items inspired by their new menu. We got to hear from their new head chef Jason Rosso as well as the winemakers from Kilikanoon. I was told that Chef Rosso has created his own “swat team” that goes around to different Milestones restaurants to ensure they are up to his standards.
The meal itself was excellent and much better than what you would expect from a chain restaurant. My personal favourites were the peruvian burritos (lots of flavour as well as a nice kick!), the salad served with the crab cakes and the braised lamb ragout which was combined with the New York dish. Though these weren’t exactly the same items that will be on the new menu, I am very curious to try these items when they launch on February 19th. I am most looking forward to trying the braised lamb shank, the Moroccan inspired prime rib tangine and a larger portion of the peruvian burritos.
Here are some pictures from the evening:
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- Coconut Shrimp
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- Hors Dourves
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- Milestones Yonge & Dundas
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- Milestones Washroom
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- Milestones Private Dining Room
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- Milestones Chef Menu
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- Milestones Chef Jason Rosso
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- Kilikanoon Wine Maker
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- Miniature Lomo Saltado Peruvian Burrito
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- Ultimate Seafood Chowder
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- West Coast Crispy Crab
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- Mini Fish And Chips
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- Blue Cheese Crusted New York “Turnedo”
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- Apple Fritters And Chocolate
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- Kilikanoon Wines We Sampled
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- Milestones New Menu Sneak Peak
To keep with the “cheap dude” theme, here are some specials that Milestones offers that may be of interest to you:
Girls Night Out! – (Monday nights) – 4 bellinis & 4 appies from this menu for $40. (*NOTE: Same offer can apply to guys and sub in coronas for the Bellinis, they just don’t advertise this.)
Wednesday Date Night – (Wednesday nights) – Dinner for 2 from this special menu for $50! The meal includes:
– Your choice of shareable appy (one per couple)
– Choice of entrée (one per person)
– Choice of shareable dessert (one per couple)
5$ off all Wine Bottles Wednesdays!
We’re in the same boat. I haven’t been to Milestones in just under 3 years. I remember when it launched in Yorkdale maybe 8 or 9 years ago you couldn’t get a seat to save your life.
Their “Girls Night Out” promo does draw though. I know many women that use it as an excuse to get caught up with friends. I had no clue about the guys version of it but Corona’s hardly a drawing drink.
I’ll likely pop in to their Burlington location and see what’s up. The Turnedo looked interesting.
Thanks for the comment Justin! I think they may be able to swap Coronas if you ask possibly.
Let me know how it goes!