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The Longboat Observer
December 1994 Dining Out at Hillview
Grill by Dora Walters
In January, a fire in the 1900 block of Hillview Street, Sarasota, severely damaged the Hillview Grill at 1920 Hillview and the restaurant closed for repairs.
Last month the Hillview Grill reopened with a new look both inside and out plus a seating capacity of 150, almost doubling its previous number. There are some additions to the menu but what did not change was the quality of the food and the service.
On a recent weekday we came by for lunch and found, although it was well past the usual noon lunch time, there would be a short wait to be seated. It was obvious many of the patrons were regulars, as warm greetings were exchanged as they came and went.
Our wait for a table was very short and we were seated in the expanded section just to the west of the original part.
Same Menu, Few Changes
One could always find something just a bit different on the Hillvew Grill menu and this has not changed.
For example, the soups of the day were sweet potato-tomato soup and tomato-tomato. At least, I think that's what the waiter called it. We started with one of each. The sweet potato-tomato was delicious, crammed with chunks of sweet potatoes. The tomato-tomato was a bit spicy but not enough to deter my savoring every spoonful.
Our selections this day were from the grill with the chargrilled
fresh fish of the day (it was grouper) and Pine Island Chicken, a boneless breast marinated in tropical spices before reaching the grill. As our sides, we selected the black bean and rice salad and redskin potatoes. Very Lightly pasta was also a choice, but that will be for another day.
Our entrees were beautifully garnished and foretold that good eating would follow, and it did.
The Quality Remains
The grouper was moist and flaky with a contrasting blackened crust. The boneless chicken breast was tender, juicy, and had more than a hint of its tropical marinade.
The black bean and rice, a wonderful blend of flavors, was a tasty complement to my chicken. I noted the menu features a black bean and rice salad served on greens and tomatoes. It definitely would be my luncheon choice another day.
Great Desserts
The desserts were tempting. They included bittersweet chocolate cake and a Bakewell tart; raspberries, almonds, and fresh whipped cream. But we chose an old favorite, the Hillview's very own carrot cake. It was as scrumptious as we remembered.
We chose regular coffee with our lunch but we read with interest the choices offered at the Espresso Bar; cappuccino, café latte, café mocha, and others. Specialty coffees with a bit of spirits added and a selection of wines are also available at Hillview Grill, plus a full liquor license.
Other Choices
The luncheon menu is quite extensive and varied. Salad choices include the Three Salad Sampler of black bean and rice salad, Caesar, and chicken salad on a bed of mixed greens.
A smoked turkey sandwich is served on cracked wheat bread with cucumber, Swiss cheese, roasted red pepper, mayonnaise, and the usual lettuce, tomato and onion, if desired.
There is always a quiche of the day, and one of the most popular lunch requests is the soup and Caesar salad combo.
Healthy Dining
Several of the menu items are marked with a heart, meaning they qualify for the hearts Desire program. On of these is the Szechwan Shrimp pasta, a stir-fry shrimp with snow peas and baby corn in a spicy sauce served over linguini.
The Grillview Hillburger sounds great—fresh ground chuck mixed with their own special picante sauce and stuffed with feta cheese. One can choose it either chargrilled or blackened. Lunch prices range from $4.75 to 6.75.
The dinner menu has additions including New York strip steak, numerous seafood dishes, and pastas. Prices are slightly higher.
The Hillview Grill at 1920 Hillview St., Sarasota, is open for lunch, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Dinner is 5:30 to 10:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and Sunday 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.
There is a no smoking section and all major credit cards are accepted. For reservations, call 952.0045.
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