Un-Granola

The only problem I have with Hillside Farmacy is that it isn’t in my neighborhood. Pout.

Hillside is in an old building that has been stylishly fixed up. Old pharmacy cabinets have a selection of groceries for sale. Glass cases hold a gorgeous selection of cheeses and pastries from Elizabeth St Cafe and La Patisserie.

There’s a raw bar (oysters) and a bar bar. The cocktails look good.

Hillside focuses on fresh, quality ingredients, so that even simple dishes like sandwiches stand out. There are a couple of vegetarian sandwiches and salads, as well as cheese selections and small plates.

We had the Dough Well Done, a grilled cheese with tomato relish and nutmeg. I’m picky about grilled cheese, and this one was tasty. Our server said the tomato relish was a family recipe – it’s pretty great.

In terms of small plates, we loved the gigante beans with olives and the marinated mushrooms, which had a rich aioli on top.

We also had a nice panzanella salad with a poached egg.

They have Stumptown Coffee — I can so imagine coming here some Saturday morning for coffee and a pastry and hanging out in this lovely space.

But this place is from Sonya Cote of Eastside Showroom. There was a two hour wait (!) last time I tried to go there.

So go to Hillside Farmacy right now, before it’s absolutely mobbed.

Tags: Dough Well Done, farmacy, grilled cheese, pastries, pharmacy, small plates, vegetarian sandwiches