'Best Breakfast USA': Tracy Gillick's Hill-Vue Café & Catering

by Joshua Maloni

GardenFest is this weekend in Lewiston. The annual event is a time for residents and visitors to get out and explore different gardens and to take notice of the Garden Club's work in beautifying the village.

In keeping with that idea, why not venture out a little further this weekend when in search of breakfast? You might find a new morning favorite food.

Located at 1439 Ridge Road, on the other side of Center Street, Tracy Gillick's Hill-Vue Café & Catering has become a popular dining spot for neighbors. Owner and chef Gillick said she has patrons that dine as many as three times each day, thanks to her eatery's selection, service and prices.

"It's for the people that we serve," she said. "There's a lot of elderly people that really can't afford a lot of things. We try to keep (prices) low. ... They know all the girls. We've got great waitresses."

When it comes to breakfast, Gillick said customers come hungry for things they might not find at other restaurants.

"The homemade breads. ... We do the eggs Benedict. I'd say specialty dishes. The eggs Benedict; the waffles," she said. "We do our own peameal (Canadian loin bacon). A lot of people come in for that; buy that by the pound."

"A lot of people come in for the scones," Gillick added.

Hill-Vue is set to debut a new menu. Some unique items include peanut butter chip pancakes (two for $4), cinnamon roll pancakes (two for $4.50), a bacon waffle ($6) and build-your-own omelets (one meat, one cheese and one vegetable for $6.50; extras range from 50 cents to $1).

Popular items: "I'd say a lot of eggs, but I go through a lot of pancakes, too," Gillick said. "It's actually a pretty good mix."

"There's a lot of specials we do that people come in every week for," she said. That extends to lunch, where she'll offer dishes such as chicken and biscuits.

Hill-Vue is known for its soups and burgers, too.

Chef's choice: Blueberry pancakes and waffles.

Writer's choice: The breakfast bowl with eggs, home fries and biscuits covered in sausage gravy ($6) is a hearty, rich, delicious start to the morning.

Tracy Gillick's Hill-Vue Café & Catering is located at 1439 Ridge Road, Lewiston.