food

The Headquarters at Seaport District

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Thank you so much to The Headquarters for inviting me to this event.

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of visiting The Headquarters at Sea Port Village. It was an evening full of food and shopping… pretty much two of my favorite things.

I took a bunch of pictures to show you how awesome this place is. I’d describe it as hip meets history. There is a really great vibe here and between the shops and the restaurants… you will keep coming back for more!

theheadquarterssd

Let’s start with the history. The Headquarters are home to the old San Diego Police Department. I love all the old photos and the photo opp spots. There are even some old holding cells that you can explore. If you have always wanted to see the inside of a cell block without going the “get arrested” route… this is your chance! I sweet talked my Mom into posing for some pictures!

pizzariamozzasandiego

After we had fun in the holding cells it was time for some food. Our first stop was Pizzeria Mozza.

“Pizzeria Mozza is on every foodie’s list. The Headquarters is the only San Diego location for this highly acclaimed restaurant from top chefs Mario Batali, Joseph Bastianich, and Nancy Silverton. Pizzeria Mozza, first launched in Hollywood, is widely praised for its creative, authentic Italian menu featuring artisanal pizzas, pastas, and salads and a carefully crafted wine list”.

I was really impressed with the pizza. It was some of the best I’ve ever had. The mushroom pizza is legendary. I was talking to some friends that go to the LA location often and the first thing they asked me was if I had the mushroom pizza!

seasons52theheadquarters

Next up Seasons 52…

“Seasons 52 is a fresh grill restaurant offering an upscale healthy lifestyle cuisine – no dish contains more than 475 calories – with an extensive menu that includes chicken, seafood, and steaks. The restaurant features a vast assortment of wines as well as cocktails created with a culinary approach that combines fresh ingredients with high-quality spirits.”

I am really excited about the concept behind Seasons 52. Fresh, healthy and delicious food with no dish having more than 475 calories. This is HUGE, pun intended. There is nothing that takes the fun out of eating out than knowing that you are eating a meal that has more calories than what you need for a whole day. My favorite part were the mini indulgences… at only 250 calories each they are the perfect way to end a meal!

simplylocaltheheadquarters

Simply Local Emporium is a one of a kind place. It’s a one stop shop to pick up a unique gift from a local artist or craftsman. Featuring over 50 merchants there is something for everyone. I loved the handcrafted jams and clothing! I spend quite a bit of time here and I still had more to discover!

dallmantheheadquarters

Dallman Fine Chocolates are some of the finest artisan chocolates on this planet. They are handmade and hand painted and oh so amazing! It’s an experience to eat one and they are so pretty that you almost don’t want to eat them… but then you remember how delicious they are and you can’t stop yourself.

urbanbeachhouse

Urban Beach House really reminded me of growing up in Newport Beach. The beachy style is comfortable and classy. I love the way they share about their store here:

“Boasting coastal-inspired fashion, accessories and gifts for men and women. Urban Beach House offers a diverse assortment of brands like Quicksilver, Waterman, Billabong, Roxy, O’Neill, Rvca, Nixon, Sanuk and Olukai. With seaside inspiration, each item in the store will appeal to all of your senses. Whether you need a gift or simply to refresh your wardrobe, Urban Beach House will give you a memorable experience”

seasidetheheadquarters

Seaside Paper Home is enchanting. Every last inch of it is filled with inspiration, adorable gift ideas and so much more…

“Featuring the finest names in both stationery and home accent, Seaside Paper | Home offers a sophisticated collection of stylish papers, unique cards, modern gifts and custom stationery paired with the casual yet classically elegant ensemble of hand selected home accessories, vintage finds, luxury candles, and other exclusive proprietary lines. In the spirit of coastal living at its best”

venissimotheheadquarters

This is about the time I considered giving up and just moving in. I have never been so excited about cheese as I was at Venissimo Cheese. I was invigorated by how educated and willing to share the Venissimo people are. I loved hearing about where the cheese comes from, what goes into making it and the differences in the cheeses from each animal. It’s also nice knowing that you are pretty much guaranteed to get something you will love when you shop there. Customer service is their top priority along with carrying a well-balanced variety of traditional and artisan cheeses in a boutique setting. Barbara from Barbara Cooks is modeling the cheese in the bottom photo!

 

lulutheheadquarters

LOLO was a very fun shop to stop in. They carry a wide selection of unique clothing and accessories. The prices were very affordable too!

madisontheheadquarters

I felt like Madison San Diego knew I was coming and brought in all of my favorites. The colors were lovely and I loved everything from the bracelets to the home decor items. Really I would have been thrilled to call anything that they sell mine. More about them:

“Featuring a great selection of fine leather goods and fashion accessories. Find name brands alongside emerging designers in handbags, apparel, luggage, and travel accessories, business cases, wallets, belts, and a unique assortment of gifts for men and women. Their award-winning stores are known for selection, exclusive designs, stellar service, gorgeous gift wrapping and the magical touch. “Our products are beautiful, our motto simple: Be memorable.”

 

kitsontheheadquarters

I don’t think I even need to tell you more about Kitson. Just saying the name Kitson screams uber coolness and celebrity hot spot. Every last item that they carry will thrill you! I wanted it all.

“Proclaimed as a celebrity hot spot, Kitson is the go-to fashion boutique dedicated to pop culture and created for fashion enthusiasts around the world.”

Pretty much sums it up!

aaronchangtheheadquarters

If art is your thing you will swoon over Aaron Chang Ocean Art Gallery. It’s funky and energizing. Classic but totally unique. I was in awe over this ocean scene that pops with a surfboard built into the canvas. The colors just speak to you and tell a story and it’s not hard to let your mind wander and feel like you are far away on a deserted island or swimming with sea creatures. I have a list of artwork I will own one day and there are multiple pieces of his on my list.

puestotheheadquarters

I saved one of the best for last! Puesto is a gift to San Diego. It has a fusion feel that is unlike any I’ve ever had before. I almost don’t want to call it Mexican food because it’s so much more than that… and that’s coming from someone who LOVES Mexican food. I’m used to being offered vegetarian food that is normally plainer than the counterpart offered and that was not the case at Puesto at all. The vegetarian offerings were fresh, inspired and creative! The drinks looked awesome too!

“Puesto is a La Jolla locals favorite known for its refined flavors of Mexican street food with an emphasis on fresh, sustainably grown, all natural and organic ingredients. It is opening its second location and first full-service restaurant in 4,500 square feet at The Headquarters to bring exceptional service as well as gourmet Mexican dishes to San Diego. Puesto will also offer an innovative cocktail menu with an exotic selection of handcrafted creations from Mexico’s best flavors, including two new drinks only at The Headquarters: the El Pueblito – a rustic but refined take on an old fashioned with smoky mescal, muddle Luxardo cherry, orange, demerara sugar, bitters and orange flower water; and Espina – rose petal infused tequila, nopales, habanero and fresh lime.”

Heather Reese
the authorHeather Reese
Heather Delaney Reese is the storyteller and photographer behind the lifestyle and family travel blog, It's a Lovely Life®! For the past decade, she has vacationed over 150 days a year with her family. She is a vegan, and loves being by the water, spending time with her children, husband, 2 Shih Tzus and Cat.

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