Elite Event: The Headquarters

I can’t believe I forgot to write a review for this…
#1 this kind of event was cool because I not only got to know a few place a better, but I got to know places I never knew were there, even though I had been past them several times.
Making this a ‘scavenger hunt’ was clever and well played. It made this a win win for the attendees and the vendors and created easy conversation with elites I already knew and elites I hadn’t met before.
I know know that the Headquarters has a cool paper store, a cool cheese store and a great toy store!
I already knew it had a great food places and one of the best gelato places around.
I liked that we could bring a +1 and so I brought my sister Alisa who lives a couple blocks away from the headquarters and we hung out with Unilocal Elite, Alisa M. for awhile.
One other plus, was just having the courtyard to ourselves. I plan a lot events, so I was able to envision using the space for something in the future. Overall, a very successful, outdoor event.

I can’t even think of a better way to spend a San Diego night than to be sipping fine local beers (Stone) while enjoying delicious bites of local food with friends underneath the stars.
Not to mention a wonderful live band! Of course Todd, Katie P and I didn’t dance until the end, but the encore made it worth it! It was too hot /​/​me too sober /​/​to have danced any earlier.
Thanks Chris B for capturing my enthusiasm while chomping into a shot-​glass sized dessert. I always love checking out the photos after the event despite my crazy faces each time.

Boy, was it hot, hot, hot! I’m not just talking about just the weather. I’m talking about the crowd, the food and drinks, and, most of all, The Headquarters.
Overall, an awesome event to be enjoyed. It was nice to sample bites and sips from a variety of restaurants and shops located here, while mingling with my fellow elites. I was also pleasantly surprised by the few boutiques that I dropped into. Most cases, I would never step a foot into them because I have a preconceived notion that they are ridiculously expensive. That is totally not the case! I scoped out a few things that I actually want and will be back for the, soon.
Thank you Brad and Sandra, for another wonderful event. Our gracious hosts from the various shops and restaurants were really friendly and helpful. The outdoor courtyard, where the event was held, was perfect.

One balmy summer evening, I schmoozed with Unilocalers at the Headquarters, where the ambience is as chill and fine as sipping a margarita on vacation. Yet we can enjoy all of these shops and eateries right here at home in San Diego! Luckily I escaped being locked up in the jail for an excess Unilocaling of summer fun. (-;
Venissimo Cheese at The Headquarters let me sample savory cheeses, and I loved the classic Gouda from Holland, «Amsterdam Reserve», with a sweet butterscotch taste. I must return as I’m often feeling cheesy.
Sampling pistachio and espresso flavors at Gelato Paradiso was a sweet chore. Ah, the life of a Unilocaler is filled with such moments!
I forgot how the ambience of Puesto is so relaxing at the outdoor patio at Headquarters. The chicken taco was full of yummy crispy cheese.
Brad B, Unilocal,and all of the businesses, thank you for a fun summer evening at the YEE at Headquarters. I look forward to returning with Vin’s credit card, and doing some seriously gourmet shopping and dining! Shhh, don’t tell Vin.

Such a beautiful under the stars for a Unilocal Elite party. I hadn’t visited The Headquarters since the Puesto Unilocal Elite Event, and was happy to return to check out the rest of the stores/​restaurants. What a treat to have a «passport» if you will, to go out and get stamps at designated stores. Without this activity, I wouldn’t have came to some of the stores. The chocolate store and the women’s clothing store were a couple of the places I was fascinated with.
The event was crowded, which I truly appreciated. It was spread out with bars at separate areas of the event, and there weren’t long lines. In fact, none of the stations I experienced long lines which is unheard of!
One of my fave stops was the gelato. On a warm night, gelato was perfect to indulge in. It was great to walk around the headquarters and to check out the jail as this used to be the old police station.
Our goodie bag had lots of coupons to return and my fiancée and I will definitely return to sue them, especially Eddie Vs.
Thanks Brad and Sandra for organizing this wonderful event. Also to the HQ management team and restaurant and storefront staff for hosting us Unilocalers. Thanks for the validation, too!

Summertime… the livin’ is easy
It was definitely summertime (sweating balls hot) and the living is easy when you’re an elite!
Awesome cool goody bag, complimentary alcohol, and free food, what more can you ask for in a good summers day?
Grab some wine and beer, some of Puesto chicken tacos, some of seasons 52 meatballs, eddie vs tuna tartare and potstickers, and end your night with some gelato from Paradiso or some of the mini indulgences from seasons. Everything was on point and delicious. Our goody bag also include various coupons to the headquarters, which is great because I work 3 blocks down and will definitely be making my way here for lunch or happy hour.
The ambiance was an outdoor intimate, with the sound and fountain in the middle, a Spanish band playing, dim lights and cocktail tables… Reminded me of a small wedding. It was a awesome event and I’m glad your back Brad to host it!

Brad B., committee and The Headquarters and retailers, thank you for yet another amazing Unilocal Elite Event!
A night under the stars was the perfect compliment to the beautiful warm night air, Latin music, delicious drinks and bites and fabulous company. The Headquarters used to be an actual police headquarters and you can explore the landmark within the center to re-​live what it must’ve been like during that time. My Unilocal girls and I had our fair share of prison time and mug shots that night. Ahem.
Upon check-​in, we were given swag bags that includes a Kitson pouch, Unilocal treats, and several other neat little goodies. How lucky were we? The passport idea was genius and we had to go make our rounds around The Headquarters to collect even more swag. We got to chat with each of the retailers, discuss art at Aaron Chang Ocean Art Gallery, pick up toys at Gepettos, chat with the lovely gal at Dallman and sample her delectable salted caramel chocolates, indulged in some Peach Sorbet at Gelato Paradiso plus so much more!
Seasons 52, Puesto, and Eddie V’s certainly shined that night. We sampled delicious potstickers and lobster tostadas at Eddie V’s, shot glass sweet treats (Lemon, Cannoli & several others) plus Okra Meatballs at Seasons 52, and tasty Al Pastor Tacos from Puesto. Thank you for your hospitality and participating in this grand event!

Wow! This was such a fun and beautiful event! I’m so happy I was able to take my husband so he could see what being an Elite was all about. He was just as excited as I was! The food was amazing and the set up was gorgeous!
It was really cool for all the shoppes to be involved in the event. I felt like a kid trick or treating in a shopping center with the passport. But I had never been the The Headquarters so it was nice to go in to all these places and look around. We did come back with toys from Geppeto’s. Now our bedroom has a starry night sky when the lights go out!
The jail cells were a bit creepy… I got in and lasted a few seconds before freaking out a little. How can they use the bathroom when it’s so close to the bed?!? Sorry bottom bunker! Always call tops!
The food was great! The Lobster bites and Ahi Tuna Tartar was so yummy! I had a few! Didn’t get a chance to try the potstickers but those would fly fast. I bet they were delicious. I also had the s’mores dessert. So chocolatey! With a little marshmallow and graham cracker. Great presentation and taste!
Over all, it was a really good night! Thank you ELITE crew for setting everything up-​Brad and Sandra, the lovely people at The Headquarters for participating with the good food and surprises at every stop, and especially to whoever made the goody bags! I definitely needed a new makeup bag! Thanks Kitson!

Oh my, all the desserts. I feel like this event was full of great tastes and great desserts. I must try those Puesto tacos again.
I loved that this event was outside in such an open space. This made it really easy to mingle and find all of our friends. It was nice to get a chance to mingle throughout the little shops and talk to all of the vendors. This event was spread out and still felt like there were a lot of people. The passport was a great idea because we got a chance to go in and sample what The Headquarters had to offer. I would definitely like to go back and spend more time.
The band was great and I wish more people wanted to dance, because I would have boogied the night away. Next time guys! :)
Thank you so much Brad and Sandra. It is aways so great to see you. You always plan a great time for us. And thank you The Headquarters for hosting us. Much appreciated.

The first rule of Fight Club is: You do not talk about Fight Club. The second rule of Fight Club is: You do not talk about Fight Club.
Fight Club
Come here. Let me tell you a secret. Unilocal Elite Events have free food, booze, and swag. Let me show you the wonders of being a Unilocal Elite. They are quite particular and you have to get on the exclusive guest list in order to get into an event. This event was held at the Headquarters at Seaport in a special roped off area.
These are classy events. Often there is live music. The nicest people are here to give you free food and drinks. Sometimes the food looks too good to eat.
Cannoli was a delicious combination of crunchy fried pastry and creamy sweetness.
Okra meatballs were delicious. I’m not a huge okra fan but the light okra flavor was a nice addition to these meatballs. Also I discovered there was a bit of duck which also added to the unique flavor of these meatballs.
Potstickers had excellent flavor from the shrimp, pork, and soy sauce. I was afraid they might be too spicy but they turned out to be just the right amount of spice for me.
In addition to the food booths in the courtyard some of the shops were also providing samples. I tried the mango and plum gelato from Gelato Paradiso. Gelato was colder than ice, thick, and rich. Little pieces of fruit added to the already delicious flavor of gelato. This is some of the best gelato I’ve ever had. :-)
The event was arranged by the Unilocal Community Manager Brad B. and his faithful assistant Sandra. Hopefully I haven’t said too much and they find me sleeping with the fishes in the morning…

How enticing was The Headquarters YEE? Last night, for only the second time in my year of active Unilocaling, my Beloved joined me at an event, enthusiastically mingling with my Unilocal brethren.
Amid delightful company, we enjoyed the lovely setting and pretty, tasty food, and agreed that, across the board, the event was well-​planned and expertly executed.
A number of folks wrangled we participants, so shoutouts are difficult to organize, but I’ll say that Unilocal CM Brad B., and Beth and her counterparts from i.d.e.a., the brand and marketing management firm that represents The Headquarters, offered the open-​air market to dozens of interested guests as an elegant and sumptuous venue that was surrounded by shops and dining spots which enhanced the sensation.
In a moment, I’ll list people I conversed with last night. As I begin, I note that that several of these conversations took place as I waited in one or another line for «sips and bites,» and that, in some cases, I met the same people in more than one line. These friends should probably be ashamed of themselves. I, on the other hand, am a blameless model of decorum and restraint. I was simply gathering samples for the ladies at my table, Your Honor.
The delightful company with whom my wife and I shared a table included Sunny L., Lesley M. and Isabella B. (and via FaceTime from Japan, her No1DP). Many more, including Sandy Y.; Maritess C.; and Marlene J. and her fella, stopped by to say hello.
We were joined by Ace D., international bon vivant and a sweetheart of a guy; and by Sabrina K., who, I note with gratitude, is the woman responsible for my discovery of Niederfrank’s Ice Cream in National City, a favor for which, for last night, at least, Sabrina is my favorite Unilocaler.
As I bopped around the courtyard, I met some famous people… well, Unilocal famous, at any rate… like Bert G. and his wife; Soo H. and Maggie (Margaret A.); and the ever-​dapper Melanio F., and I visited with Mel J. and Vin S., just returned from Paris and Switzerland to make us all regret having stayed at home.
One other note: though for some months I’ve actively sought to reduce the number of Friends in my Unilocal roster, last night, I added a two.
I met Nicole F. and her husband, Tim, a couple with whom I share Friends Mel and Vin in common — a fine recommendation! Nicole and Tim are kind and interesting, and I look forward to seeing them again at future events.
And finally, at Brad’s prompting, I met Lawrence C. Worldly and well-​traveled, he’s a long-​time Unilocaler for whom I suspect the platform functions, as much as anything else, as a tool for recording and remembering where the hell he’s been.
And all of this is why I go to Unilocal Events. Free drinks and hors d’oeuvres are nice, but I can get those at Harrah’s. I dig these people, this Unilocal community, and as the calendar fills, I’m thrilled to imagine the next creative and gratifying manner in which Brad and his cohort will bring us all together.

This was my first Elite Unilocal Event and it was AMAZING. Thanks to Brad (and his helpers) for an awesome night of tasty bites from Eddie V’s Prime Seafood, Seasons 52, and Puesto. The complimentary open bar and music from the Manny Cepeda Trio were a perfect addition to this event.
The event took place in the courtyard of the «Headquarters at Seaport Village». When entering the event you were given a gift bag with all types of goodies: a cosmetic bag from Kitson (sorry guys), an ink pen and dining discounts from Eddie V’s and Puesto, bottled water from Gelato Paradiso and a gift card for a free cup or cone of gelato, a 10% off gift certificate from Aaron Chang, two complimentary offers from the Season 52 and a 20% off card from Urban Beach House. Each table was set with Unilocal Shot Glasses holding a Unilocalstick lip balm and a cute little Unilocal container of sugar free peppermints for minty fresh reviews.
I was excited to meet all my Unilocal friends and to make new Unilocal friends. Having the Passport activity was a great way to visit the local shops and to enter your passport into the raffle to win a $ 250.00 gift certificate to the Headquarters shops and restaurants. Brad (and his helpers) thought of everything to make the night enjoyable right down to the «parking validation ticket» inserted in your passport.
Before, during and after the event you were free to tour the «Jail Cell» a historical site at the Headquarters with pictures and displays of various badges and other related items. You could also go inside an actual jail cell.
I hope I didn’t leave anything out because this was such an awesome Elite Unilocal Event and it was a +l. So my husband was able to enjoy the night as well. Fantastic event, lots of fun can’t wait to do it again.

It’s always awesome to be on the right side of the red velvet ropes; and last night Unilocal SD rolled out the red carpet for the Elite Squad and friends. I waited in line with Marlene, whom I had met at the Taco Libre event. My lovely guest for the night, Sandra H. was running a little late but I saw Lesley M. almost immediately so I knew where I’d be hanging.
Lesley gave me the scoop on the Okra Meatballs from Seasons 52. The line was crazy long so I decided to get a tasty beverage to sip on. I ended up at the correct bar, the right bar was the one with the white Sangria. It was sweet but I liked it.
After grabbing a meatball and the peanut butter dessert option from Seasons 52 I snagged a seat next to Lesley. Both were quite good. Omar S. was seated at the same table with his wife. It was nice finally meeting at an event.
When Sandra made it, we ended up at Venissimo where we sampled some delicious cheese. I love cheese. I love Venissimo. We came back at the end of the event and purchased some of the good stuff to take home.
We made all the stops on the passport. We had some cheese and wine at LoLo, sampled some amazing chocolate caramels, had that yummy gelato, and made some purchases at the most adorable shops. I’ve been a supporter of The Headquarters since they opened up. I love the new dimension it brings to the Seaport Village area.
The lobster tostadas and pot stickers from Eddie V’s were super yummy. I also enjoyed the chicken al pastor taco from Puesto.
The band that played throughout the night was awesome. I had a mini-​dance-​party-​for-​one a few times. Good times for sure. I love all the old police exhibit stuff. The jail cells, the old pictures, all the descriptions of crimes people were charged with… reefer madness bro.
I saw so many Unilocal pals from Jeremy to James, Mel to Maritess, and Sunny & Jeff. Thanks Brad, Sandra, and Beth for setting us up and throwing an awesome shindig.

Brad sure does know how to throw a fun event and this one had it all: great food, fascinating location, live music, and most of all Unilocal friends! I somehow managed to miss the lineup because I had spotted Brad right away for a hug. I then went to Omar S and repeated the ritual. He went to get me a beer while I hugged his lovely wife Cathy and then realized I had no name tag haha. I went in search of the table and it dawned on me that I had bypassed the check in completely and not shown my ID. I’m so awful sometimes.
Upon checking in we given a bag and a passport. I didn’t go through the bag until hours later. The passport was to be used to get stamped at the stores as you explored the venue. After you filled it, you then turned it in for a chance to win a $ 250 gift card, very generous of our hosts. It was a lovely evening and everyone was incredibly kind and generous with their time and wares. I would definitely come back and explore this fun place some more. I did finally get to look through my bag and found a bunch of cards for free appetizers and gelato cups on the bottom of the bag. This was an unexpected treat!
For me the best part is always getting to see fellow Unilocalers. I got to sit at a table with my awesome friend, Omar S and his oh so wonderful wife Cathy. If you didn’t get a chance to meet her, it was probably my fault, sorry! I also got to catch up with my buds, Jeff T and Sunny L. I always look forward to seeing them. I even got to see the beautiful Sabrina K. Damn I wish I had her height. I also got to talk to Soo H and Margaret A. I will get to snag a fried pie before you pal, count on it. And it was nice talking to Vin S briefly before posing for a photo with him and Mel J :). I even got to meet Kevin C and his wife Maritess, that was nice because Kevin and I are Unilocal friends but have never met before. Ace was even kind enough to get me one of the delicious tacos from Puesto when my back was hurting :).
Thank you to everyone at Headquarters for your incredible efforts and hard work! Thanks to everyone at Eddie V’s, Puesto, Seasons 52, and all the other shops for the tasty food and treats. And most of all, thank you to Brad and Sandra for arranging this event for us! I had a great time.

This Elite event at the Headquarters was awesome! I got to meet some new Elite Unilocalers and the plus ones. Everyone was super nice! Great turn out! It was great seeing Soo, Marlene and Sabrina again. You guys are awesome! I also met Omar, Chun and Vin. It was great talking to you guys. It was great meeting Linda too. Hope to meet the rest of you at the next Elite event.
The food was great. I got to sample the chicken taco which was great in flavor and had a spicy kick to it. The desserts were my favorite. I sampled a chocolate parfait with a cookie on it and a lemon parfait. Delicious! The meatballs were delicious and flavorful. I didn’t get to sample the gelato but everyone was telling me it was good. I had enough desserts for the evening. There was even a scavenger hunt game. Once you finished, you submit it for a raffle to win $ 250 for a shopping spree. Too bad we didn’t win. It was still fun!
There was a live band which was great. They provided great music. Location was great too. Just didn’t like the parking situation but it was worth it. I’m glad we found metered parking. We got there at 6 pm, and put two hours worth of quarters and we were good to go.
Thanks Brad and Sandra for hosting this great Elite event. This one was memorable and looking forward to more Elite events!

Awesome event! This is the first time I’ve actually explored the whole police headquarters. Upon arrival, we received a cool goodie bag with some coupons and giveaways.
The event was set up really nicely with nice tables and center pieces. It was a fairly large event so we could walk around and meet new people. There were also different booths of food that are from restaurants surrounding the headquarters. The meatballs from Seasons 52 was my personal favorite!
We got a booklet to go to each business and get it signed off in order to potentially win a $ 250 gift card (I thought this was pretty cool). Some places even give us free samples or little cool gifts.