The Hill Restaurant has been a staple of fine dining in our town for over 50 years. Nestled on top of a hill overlooking the river, this restaurant provides not only exquisite cuisine but also spectacular views. The purpose of this article is that, we’ll explore the rich history of The Hill Restaurant, what makes it so popular, the food and atmosphere customers rave about and what the future looks like for this local gem.
A Rich History Spanning Over 50 Years
The Hill Restaurant first opened its doors in 1968 when it was founded by Margaret Williams. Margaret had a passion for hospitality and creating delightful culinary experiences for guests. Though she had no formal training as a chef, Margaret taught herself how to cook by studying cookbooks and taking inspiration from her grandmother’s recipes.
In the beginning, The Hill Restaurant was nothing more than a small bistro with just a few tables. But word quickly spread about the delectable dishes Margaret was crafting in her tiny kitchen. Within a few years, people were flocking to The Hill to get a taste of Margaret’s cooking.
By the mid-1970s, the little bistro had turned into one of the most popular restaurants in town. Margaret brought on more staff to keep up with demand. The restaurant also underwent major expansions to accommodate all of the eager diners lining up to eat there.
In 1980, Margaret decided to step back from managing daily operations, though she still kept ownership over the restaurant. Her daughter Emily took over as head chef and manager. Emily had inherited her mother’s passion for the culinary arts and hospitalilty. She continued churning out the well-loved dishes diners expected while also putting her own spin on things.
The 1980s and 1990s were periods of immense success and growth for The Hill Restaurant. Emily’s leadership took the restaurant to new heights. She expanded the wine list, incorporated more fresh, local ingredients, and revitalized the menu. Emily also oversaw a full renovation of the restaurant, opening up the floor plan and upgrading the furnishings to give it an elegant yet inviting ambiance.
By 2000 when Emily retired, The Hill Restaurant had become an award-winning establishment and a dining hotspot in town. The reins were passed to Ron Walsh, an up-and-coming chef Emily had mentored over the years. Ron carried on the traditions and quality dining The Hill was known for while slowly putting his mark through subtle menu changes and new approaches to classic dishes.
What Makes The Hill Restaurant So Popular
There are many excellent restaurants in town. Yet none are quite as revered and consistently popular as The Hill Restaurant. So what exactly makes this restaurant such a favorite with locals and visitors alike?
A huge draw is no doubt The Hill’s hilltop location with its unmatched views. The restaurant’s floor-to-ceiling windows provide panoramic vistas of the river and the town. Dining while taking in these idyllic scenes creates lasting memories for guests. The Hill’s outdoor patio further capitalizes on this beautiful setting.
Of course, the food also goes a long way towards The Hill’s popularity. Everything is made in-house with high quality, fresh ingredients sourced from local producers whenever possible. The menu features classic fare like steaks, seafood, and pastas prepared to perfection through decades of honing recipes. Signature dishes customers rave about like the seared scallops appetizer and the tableside flambé desserts always impress.
The service also enhances the dining experience at The Hill. Many staffers have worked there for years and give extremely attentive, polished service without being overly stuffy or pretentious. The veteran staff have an encyclopedic knowledge of the menu and wine list. Their expertise helps guide customers to stellar food and beverage pairings.
Beyond food and service, The Hill provides an overall ambiance conducive to special occasions and celebrations. White tablecloths, low lighting, and rich wood furnishings make it feel elegant yet cozy. Live piano music on weekends adds to the atmosphere. The Hill truly offers guests a fine dining experience from start to finish.
Of course, a major factor in The Hill’s popularity is its consistency. Diners know exactly what they’ll get each visit – beautiful views, scrumptious food, and excellent service. The Hill delivers quality and care without fail, cementing itself as a trustworthy locale.
With all these elements aligning perfectly, it’s easy to see why The Hill Restaurant remains such a popular destination year after year. It nails all the facets of a stellar dining experience.
Mouthwatering Dishes and Carefully Curated Wine List
A huge appeal of The Hill is the mouthwatering cuisine crafted under the leadership of Ron Walsh and his talented team. The restaurant strikes a careful balance – it pays homage to traditional dishes diners expect while also keeping offerings fresh and updated. The Hill has perfected customer favorites but isn’t afraid to put new spins on classics either.
On the appetizer menu, one standout is the seared sea scallops. These plump scallops arrive beautifully seared with a whisper of caramelization. They sit atop a puree of butternut squash and are garnished with pancetta crisp and sage oil. It’s a flavorful starter bursting with savory sweetness.
Another popular appetizer is the burrata caprese. Creamy burrata and vibrant heirloom tomatoes are paired together for a simple yet stellar combination. Aged balsamic vinegar and olive oil, fresh basil, and crunchy sea salt flakes perfectly balance and enhance the flavors.
On the entree side, one signature dish frequently ordered is the bone-in ribeye for two. This massive, 28-ounce steak is oak-smoked giving it a hint of wood-fire flavor beneath its seasoned crust. carved tableside and served with options like truffle mash potatoes or wild mushroom risotto, this sharable steak makes for an indulgent meal.
For seafood lovers, the standout is the cedar plank salmon. This tender king salmon filet is roasted on a smoldering cedar plank that infuses it with subtle smoky notes. The crisp salmon is served atop a mound of lemon and dill risotto then topped with a refreshing gremolata relish.
In terms of dessert, diners shouldn’t leave without trying the bananas foster flambé prepared tableside. Caramelized banana slices are soaked in sweet rum then dramatically set aflame before being spooned over vanilla bean ice cream. It’s a classic dessert executed perfectly.
An Elegant Space for Special Occasions
In addition to mouthwatering food, The Hill provides an elegant, celebratory atmosphere that makes it a popular choice for hosting special occasions.
Inside the restaurant’s intimate dining room, guests are greeted by warm wood accents, white linens, and flickering candles. Hints of green foliage from plants and floral arrangements provide pops of color and life to the space. Soft piano music fills the background, setting a refined yet welcoming environment.
The Hill’s staff helps customize each visit whether it’s an anniversary dinner, birthday celebration, or milestone event. From fresh flower arrangements at the table to complimentary champagne to mark the occasion, the service team adds thoughtful touches to make visits memorable. They handle custom cakes by the restaurant’s pastry team and other special requests with ease.
The outdoor patio extends The Hill’s sophisticated vibe, with cafe lights strung overhead and a stone fireplace crackling during cooler months. When the weather cooperates, it’s a delightful spot for an al fresco meal against the backdrop of the river and city skyline.
Since it first opened, The Hill has played host milestone events, weddings, graduations, retirements and more. Its blend of old-world charm, highly personalized service, and hilltop views combine to create the recipe for celebratory dining. Guests regularly rely on the restaurant to act as the backdrop for marking special occasions, knowing The Hill’s teams will help execute events flawlessly.
Whether popping a bottle to commemorate an anniversary or hosting a larger private event, The Hill offers the ideal upscale setting. It allows patrons to focus on the reason for their gathering amidst exquisite food and hospitality.
Unique Architecture & Design
The Hill Restaurant building itself has an interesting history. It was originally constructed in the 1920s as a private residence. When Margaret Williams bought it in 1968 to open her bistro, she kept much of the original architectural details including crown molding, wainscoting, and arched doorways. Updates over the years like new windows and patio additions blended seamlessly with the existing facade.
Inside, The Hill features unique design elements like its showstopping crystal chandelier hanging from a domed ceiling inlaid with decorative woodwork. A stained glass art nouveau piece made by a local artist adds flair to one of the private dining rooms. And the antique mahogany bar at the lounge whispers of old-world glamor.
Beyond aesthetics, large party rooms with custom modular wall dividers allow staff to configure spaces to accommodate events of all sizes. State-of-the-art kitchen upgrades allow more efficiency for high volume meal services. So The Hill couples historic charm with modern functionality.
Growing Art Collection
Over the past 15 years, The Hill has focused on expanding its already impressive art collection featuring painters and photographers from the region. Landscapes, street scenes, and still lifes adorn the walls in rich frames. Many regular diners have favorite works they look for on each visit.
Recently, The Hill has specifically concentrated on building an exhibit of images captured around town to better connect with the local community. Photos of the riverfront, the town square, and even The Hill itself remind guests of iconic landmarks just outside its doors. Supplementing this collection are steel sculptures, pottery, and textile weavings from area artists.
Giving Back
The Hill has also prioritized charitable community efforts through its “Hill To Go” program. Each week, the restaurant packages up nutritious leftovers or unsold ingredients into takeaway meals for local outreach organizations to distribute to those facing food insecurity. Since launching Hill To Go last year, The Hill has donated over 5,000 meals to neighbors in need.
The restaurant also participates in fundraising drives and sponsors local causes like the children’s hospital, humane society, and arts programs. Owners and staff recognize The Hill’s deep roots in town and aim to continually give back.
What Does the Future Hold for This Local Gem?
After over 50 years as one of the most revered fine dining establishments in town, The Hill Restaurant continues going strong. But what does the future hold for this local gem?
Third generation owner Emily Walsh recently took over management of The Hill from her father Ron. Trained as a chef in Paris and New York, Emily brings global experience and a passion for modern cuisine to the table. She respects the legacy her grandparents created but also looks to gently refine aspects of the restaurant.
Some subtle changes are already underway – an updated interior now boasts accents of black and gold hues contrasting nicely with existing wood and white elements. Service steps have also been elevated to provide guests an even more polished dining experience. And the menu has seen slight shifts to incorporate more seasonal ingredients in familiar dishes.
In terms of major changes on the horizon, Emily envisions elevating the patio space to allow al fresco year-round dining. This could involve installing heat lamps or fire pits and enclosing the space with glass paneling. She also hopes to expand private dining options as business meetings, family gatherings, wedding parties and the like frequently book out the restaurant’s existing private rooms.
That said, most core elements guests have loved for 50 years will remain untouched. The Hill’s hilltop views aren’t going anywhere. Customer favorite recipes will still fill menus. And generations of hospitality expertise will continue to serve diners with excellence. The Hill Restaurant may gradually evolve under Emily’s leadership, but its foundations will stay grounded in quality and care.
The next 50 years look bright for The Hill Restaurant. With a new generation taking the helm, both returning patrons and first-time visitors have exciting new chapter in this restaurant’s enduring legacy to look forward to. This town treasure seems destined to continue delighting diners with its signature blend of panoramic views, culinary excellence, and wine-paired hospitality for decades to come.
