There’s a new “night out” option on Hamilton’s East Mountain and from the look of things it’s already etching it’s way into the fabric of Hamilton’s dining and nightlife scene. We arrived at 7 pm for our reservation at Milestones Grill and Bar on Paramount Drive of Hamilton’s east mountain and were greeted by two lovely ladies who welcomed us and directed us to our table on the left side of the restaurant with a wonderful window view. Looking around we could tell that it was going to be a busy night for the kitchen and wait staff, so what better time to see how they handle the pressure of a full restaurant.
We had been here a couple weeks ago for a quick drink and dessert, but at that time it wasn’t about a review so I didn’t have the camera or in that frame of mind. During that visit I had glanced at the open concept kitchen at the rear of the restaurant and was dying to have a peek. Separated by huge etched glass windows, the kitchen is a buzz of organized activity as would be expected and as someone who loves to cook… exciting to see.
After a warm welcome by our waiter for the night, we decided on drinks and started to work our way through the impressive menu. I’m not really into beverages, but I do huger for a good cup of coffee and since I don’t drink the regular stuff, finding a good cup of decaf can be a bit challenging. Not tonight! The coffee was superb and I especially like that a small container with cream is provided and not those little creamers you usually get, that’s never enough. Caron started off with a Bikini Martini (Smirnoff Vodka, Blue Curacao, peach liqueur, cranberry juice $8.49) which was recommended by our helpful server. Caron raved how delightful this and the White Grape Cosmo (Smirnoff White Grape Vodka, Triple Sec, cranberry juice and lime $8.49) were and was quite happy that our waiter suggested them.
I try my best to try new things at the different restaurants we visit, so I decided on the Kobe Style Classic Beef Sliders (Three Kobe style classic beef mini hamburgers, simmered in a roasted garlic au jus and topped with pizza Mozzarella and crispy onion strings. Served with mustard sauce, splash of basil oil and toasted sesame seeds. $10.79) and Caron opted for the starter size roasted garlic Caesar (house made Ciabatta croutons, Reggiano cheese, signature Caesar dressing,.. topped with shaved Asiago cheese and roasted garlic – 5.99). WOW! Those little beef sliders actually melted in my mouth, and if I didn’t pace myself I could easily have been full with these (though they looked small). The starter size salad that Caron got was a huge portion and to be quite honest, these two starters could easily count as our meal. Though Caron didn’t care for the roasted garlic pieces she got with her salad, I devoured then. The sweetness of perfectly roasted garlic is not to be wasted and it complimented the crisp pieces of lettuce and just the right amount of creamy Caesar dressing.
After pretty much filling up on the starters, we decided to slow down a bit before the main course. It was at this time we really took time to look around at the interior of the restaurant which had a sort of contemporary design. The lighting and overall setting had a very calming and somewhat romantic feel to it and it was nice to be in an establishment that didn’t have some sort of theme. With cowboy, sports and outdoor/wilderness motif the restaurant in the area seem to adopt. We liked that it was casual, but still felt kind of fancy. As I pointed out, the kitchen was at the back of the restaurant and from the upper level where we were sitting, we could easily see across to the right where there’s a lower level. Past that lower level is the main bar area where there were people enjoying beverages, conversation and whatever game was on the two fairly large tv screens. Seemed like a good spot to hang out after work with friends!
Again the suggestions by our sever were on point. Our dinner was everything we expected after the wonderful starters and more. Caron had the New York striploin (New York Striploin – cut from Canada AAA beef. With a trio of signature steak sauces – house made Worcestershire, Spiced Mustard and Gaucho sauce. Served with choice of side and seasonal vegetables – $29.99) with fresh cut fries and the seasonal vegetables were asparagus and what seemed like grape tomatoes. I don’t recall any complaints from Caron other than “how do I finish all of this”. Yes, the servings were large and beautifully presented. With my choice I didn’t realize that it also came with a side roasted garlic Caesar, so when it arrived I was quite surprised, but I worked my way through the divine roasted garlic dressing.
If I had one complaint during this night, is that for some reason the steak I got didn’t really stand out (Fire grilled NY Striploin (Angus beef), with Chilean Crab and tiger shrimp, in a lobster butter sauce. Came with mu choice – garlic mashed potato and asparagus and grape tomatoes. $31.99). But that could be attributed to the fact that I found out that I didn’t like the taste and texture of the of the crab meat which was used as a topping on my steak and I did find that the shrimp had a texture that had be believing that they were sitting in liquid for quite some time. The steak itself was perfectly grilled to my request and quite tasty (must be aged). The star on my plate had to be the garlic mashed potato. With a rich creamy and buttery base, followed by the perfect balance of garlic flavor… I was in my personal nirvana.
It was time to order dessert, something I normally had a problem with, especially when you get a menu with items that all sound magnificent. We finally settled for the cheese cake after once again consulting our waiter for his input (White chocolate cheesecake – Italian style, rich white chocolate, espresso creme Anglais and whipped cream – $7.49) and Caron had the apple crisp (caramel gingered Apple crisp – Slivered apples stewed with brown sugar, ginger and spices, topped with walnut crumble and house made caramel sauce. 7.49) By this time we were bursting from the seams, but these decadent desserts were not going to be wasted. Tip – if you’re on a date, get one dessert to share. Once again, you’re getting large portions.
With top notch service complimented by wonderful surroundings and food which can only be described as delectable, Milestones Hamilton location scores high with us. Even if it’s just to hang out at the bar and enjoy some appetizers and beverages or have a romantic dinner with a loved one, you can’t go wrong. Our waiter (still can’t remember his name) was quite honest in giving his opinion on the menu and even pointed out what he think we wouldn’t like after hearing our likes and dislikes. With a constant smile, polite service and an overall attentive and professional nature, he was an excellent reflection of the service we’ve now come to expect at Milestones.
Location:
787 Paramount Drive, Hamilton, Ontario, L8J 0B4 (Red Hill and Mud St.)
Hours: Mon-Fri 1130 am open/Sat-Sun 1130am open/Sun-Thurs 11 pm cls/Fri-Sat 12 am cls
Tel: 905-573-7317
Be sure to check their website for specials they run, which include “Girls Night Out”, “Date Night” and many drink and dessert specials. As luck would have it, this night there was a special price on all Martinis and from the way Caron now speak about the Bikini martini she had, they must be very good.
