MISSION HILLS

If you want to know all about Mission Hills history, just ask your fourth grader. It’s likely they took a field trip to Mission San Fernando for their California history class. They may also tell you about Rómulo Pico Adobe, the oldest residence in the SFV, and second oldest in all of L.A.

Just where the 5 meets the 405, Mission Hills is an urban residential area, whose farmers’ market is actually a market on a farm, dutifully tilled by third generation farmer John Forneris.

GRV LOCAL EATS

THE BEAR PIT BAR-B-QUE (10825 SEPULVEDA BLVD.)

After living in the Valley long enough, you forget about this place. Not because of the food – it’s great – it’s just so darn iconic. Nestled near the 405, everyone in the area has been here. The valley grew up in the 60’s, and this restaurant is no different. Let your waistline grow here too. Don’t get too adventurous. Stick with the BBQ, but do splurge on the coleslaw.

BUON GUSTO RISTORANTE (15535 DEVONSHIRE ST.)

Oh yeah, and the Italian food is deeply satisfiying. As with any Italian food, the first thing I notice is the aroma. Time and time again, my hunger is nearly satisfied as soon as I walk in and smell the pesto.

HOLIDAY BURGERS (15426 DEVONSHIRE ST.)

You either know this place or you don’t. Chances are, you do. No Mission Hills restaurant recommendation is complete without Holiday Burgers. And this saying: Everyday’s a holiday for your tummy at Holiday Burgers – which is only half true. The food’s greasy and certainly not for those inclined toward kale smoothies. If this is alright with you, come order food and sit outside. Holiday Burgers has every burger no matter what cheat day it is. Perhaps a bit surprisngly, their deep-fried mushrooms are a personal favorite.

VERDICT

Mission Hills stands between Granada Hills and San Fernando. As such, it's a solid medium between the two cities. In other words, it's middle class in just about every way.