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Discover unique treats and treasures in Mission Hills
Having lived in and around Mission Hills her entire life—except for a “brief stint” on the East Coast—interior designer Margo Porras is familiar with the ins and outs of her neighborhood. And not just in terms of streets and buildings, but personality as well. She’s heard it described as “a place where people wear the labels on the inside of our clothes”—an assessment she wouldn’t argue with.
Porras, with designer Michael Caeg, heads Mission Hills–based Arthur Porras Associates. Established 30 years ago by her father, the late Arthur Porras, the firm largely designs custom homes but has been known to undertake commercial and retail projects.
The Mission Hills area—which Porras describes as upscale but low-key—is home to a cluster of designer boutiques and one-of-a-kind restaurants and cafés. These businesses, as well as a Mayberry - esque personality, make the neighborhood an ideal destination for an extended shopping trip.
One way to begin is to order a hearty steak-and-eggs breakfast at The Huddle, a Mission Hills landmark serving up good ol’ favorites since the 1940s. “It’s not a salad place,” Porras says, but “as far as I’m concerned, it’s the best greasy spoon ever.”
For those with a lighter appetite, Espresso Mio is a good alternative. The coffee shop is a hub for neighborhood gossip, shared over frothy lattes.
The next stop for shoppers is right next door at p.s., Porras’ boutique store featuring furniture, bedding and home accessories in a variety of styles. Of course, design services are also offered—along with a bridal registry. If customers don’t find the gift they’re looking for, Porras sends them around the corner to With Love, a boutique that carries small gifts that please even the pickiest hostess or bride. She also recommends Maison en Provence for shoppers seeking the rustic coziness of the French countryside.
“No matter what your personal style is, this shop has the perfect touch of Provence for your home,” Porras says.
Le Bel Age, on the other hand, is her recommendation to friends preparing for a night out. “If you want to go to the party wearing something no one else has,” she says, “Le Bel Age is the place to go.” It’s one of a collection of fashion- forward boutiques in Mission Hills. Firefly is another top choice, according to Porras; offerings include chic active wear for the person who “wants to go from the gym to the grocery store without looking like a slob.” Christie’s—a “very San Diego store”—carries fashions suited to a trendy workplace.
A visit to Mission Hills is an alluring ofprospect, considering the ample opportunities for fine dining and entertainment. Porras’ favorite intimate restaurant is Parallel 33, which draws on food from other cultures located—as is San Diego —on the earth’s 33rd parallel. The result is a rich menu fusing flavors from Morocco, Lebanon, India, China and Japan with local specialties.
Shoppers who choose to head home for dinner should first drop by Venissimo for a selection of artisanal cheeses. The knowledgeable staff can point out the right one to pair with almost any wine. Venissimo also carries items for a wellstocked cheese pantry, from cheese board to cheese markers to a cheese-theme recipe book.
After a day of work and play in Mission Hills, Porras likes to make a night of it by catching a film at Tops’ Cinema Under the Stars. The intimate outdoor cinema shows a mixture of classic and contemporary films Thursday through Saturday during the summer months.
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