Celebrating 25 years of premium casual dining for all, Milestones busts out its retro menu favourites along with some help from Kim Crawford Wines.

We were in for a treat, as Milestones teamed up with New Zealand’s Kim Crawford Wines to create an elegant evening of gourmet escape to kick off their 25 years of irresistible palate-pleasing plates and handcrafted cocktails. Inspired by a large range of eclectic and international flavours, Executive Chef Jason Rosso has put together a wonderful addition of dishes that reflects Milestones’ authentic repertoire. Sourced from the freshest ingredients, the new menu brings unique twists to gourmet classics. Aptly titled, Bringing Tasty Back, this menu re-introduces old classics voted by guests through social media and makes its appearance all summer long.

Featuring memorable dishes like Cajun Shrimp Diane and Grilled Mediterranean Chicken and Thai Noodle Salad, we had a chance to sample the delicious retro menu with a selection of wines from Kim Crawford. The Cajun Shrimp Diane appetizer was my favourite of the night, which paired brilliantly with Kim Crawford Spitfire Sauvignon Blanc. Served over jasmine rice were sautéed Louisiana style shrimps, with scallions and mushrooms in a lightly spiced garlic cream sauce – this humble dish was a marriage of East meets West flavours. The crisp acidity of the Spitfire Sauvignon Blanc and its refreshing tropical and peachy aromas were a terrific complement to the seafood dish. I can see myself sipping on this white all summer long.

Cajun Shrimp Diane

Cajun Shrimp Diane

 

All the way from New Zealand, Matt Deller, Kim Crawford Wines’ Brand Ambassador joined our dinner to introduce the array of wines served and shared his passion for wines. He spoke about the 2015 Kim Crawford harvest and vintage and graciously guided us through the Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, and Fizz Sparkling showcased for the night.

The Pinot Gris is another outstanding white from Kim Crawford, which went well with the luscious Smoked Chicken Bucatini Carbonara. The intense fruity aromas of Pinot Gris and its subtle spiced finish brought out the savouriness of the double-smoked bacon from the pasta, and cuts through the decadence of this dish.

Chicken Bucatini Carbonara with Kim Crawford Pinot Gris

Chicken Bucatini Carbonara with Kim Crawford Pinot Gris

Other notable underdog winners of the night for me were the zesty Thai Chicken Bites canapés and the simple Brussels Sprouts (with Bacon and Pine Nuts) side for the Roasted Beef Tenderloin.

Available nationally and offering competitive price points, Bringing Tasty Back is can’t-miss for this summer. With trip-down-memory-lane favourites such as the Classic Meatloaf and sophisticated wines from Milestones’ Signature Celler, this not-your-average chain crafts the perfect combo of exceptional food and drinks in a laid-back and accessible setting.

In the spirit of celebrating good wines, Milestones is offering $5 off bottles of Kim Crawford Wines until September 7th, 2015.

Visit www.milestonesrestaurants.com

To learn more about Kim Crawford Wines, visit www.kimcrawfordwines.com.

Photos by Nick Lee
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