NORTH HILLS

When they changed their name from Mission Acres to North Hills, this north-central SFV community went all out with their cardinal directions and split themselves off into North Hills East and North Hills West. Hopefully, the 50+ international student host families in the area provide a compass for those kids upon arrival.

Architecture fans will appreciate the Sepulveda Unitarian Universalist Society’s building, known as “The Onion,” designed by Frank Ehrenthal, a student of modernist guru Richard Neutra. You can read all about them at the Mid-Valley library, one of the largest libraries in the SFV. Foodies will flood their Instagrams of dishes from a variety of ethnic flavors at Manila Sunset, Eagle Russian Armenian Cuisine, Dos Arbolitos, and Prem’s Thai Kitchen.

GRV LOCAL EATS

TAQUERIA LOS TRES HERMANOS (9504 SEPULVEDA BLVD.)

The three brothers on Sepulveda Blvd used to have me coming in three times a week. The tacos are a bit lacking in size, but the burritos more than make up for this. If you’re scouting the area, stop by and get outdoor seating at a busy North Hills Intersection. Come on a weekday afternoon and check out the Sepulveda Middle School frenzy.

HORSELESS CARRIAGE RESTAURANT (15505 ROSCOE BLVD.)

This restaurant is actually surrounded by car dealerships. I’ve sat through a long car purchase process and this place was a very welcome bright spot in my otherwise dull (and expensive day). They’ve got the whole gamut of great American food, but I keep coming back here for the banana cream pie and the lobster linguine. Sure, I’m a in a food coma by the end of the meal, but it helps with the car buying process.

PREM’S THAI KITCHEN (9048 WOODLEY AVE.)

You were born with only one digestive system, so if you can’t handle spicy, it might be best to avoid this place. For the rest of you, I’ve been to Bangkok before, and I still recommend this joint. Whether you’re stopping by for quick milk tea, or going in on the Drunken Noodles, you’ll leave satisfied. If you’re not familiar with Thai food, start with anything with the word “Pad” in it.

VERDICT

Chatsworth isn't for everyone. It's mainly for those with horses, cash, and several decades of years under their belt. One of the quietest areas in town in terms of traffic and home value appreciation.