Food & Drink
Where to Shop, Sip & Stay in Belltown
Designer and shop owner Moorea Seal talks favorite spots in her Belltown stomping grounds
By Jaclyn Norton February 25, 2015
“I want to do good and do great, and I hope I can encourage you to do the same, pursuing the things that bring you happiness and fulfillment,” Seattle sweetheart Moorea Seal says on her website. Before opening her self-titled brick-and-mortar store in Belltown last May, Seal had already established a strong following online, with a jewelry line and etsy shop, not to mention huge Pinterest following.
Her knack for curation and design, coupled with a mission to “do good and do great” made this Pinterest success story come to life. In a time when anyone (and essentially, everyone) is an online curator, Seal shows us how it’s one thing to haphazardly Pin, while it’s another to artfully curate in a meaningful way, reflective of one’s own story and inspirations. She did the latter and people took notice.
It was no surprise, then, that walking into her Belltown shop nestled on the corner of Third Avenue and Vine Street, one is overwhelmed with that same sense: it’s a space filled with inspiration and stories, alongside quality design. Every item is hand-picked and approachable, like something you have or want to have on your walls. The jewlery is delicate and wearable, representing a fine range of stones and hammered metals. Details like the music, lighting and energy of the staff make you want to linger longer. Like her Pinterest boards, the store has a way of drawing you in.
So when it came time for us to dive deeper into the Belltown neighborhood (you may rememeber our expert-driven shopping and supping editions in Ballard, Pioneer Square and Madison Valley), we looked no further than Seal. She’s got a job that’s guided by consistently evolving style and design, and we know she’s hanging, shopping and nesting in places oozing with it.
Read on for Seal’s picks before making a day-date to explore the nooks of this classic Seattle neighborhood.
SHOPPING
Moore Seal, Credit: Mooreaseal.com
(DUH)
Baby + Co
Baby + Co is by far my favorite clothing boutique in the Belltown area. Don’t be confused by the name, Baby + Co offers refined, minimalist, and modern clothing and accessories for women. I could wear items from their shop everyday of the week, it’s all perfection.
Fancy, Credit: heyfancy.com
If you are looking for a custom designed jewelry piece with a touch of sweetness and quirk, Fancy is the place to go.
Zebraclub.com offers charming approachable fashion styles including a few favorite brands of mine like Ace & Jig.
Ottica, Credit: Otticaseattle.com
Being that I wear glasses every day, I consider finding the right pair of glasses to suit your sense of style a must. Ottica is the place to go if you are hunting for your signature pair of glasses.
FOOD
Black Bottle is my go to for after-work cocktails and small plates. It is just two blocks away from my store so you might spot me there from time to time sipping its signature Dark & Stormy and nibbling on just about anything on the menu. I think I have tried at least half of its menu and I still can’t choose which plates are my favorite!
Umi Sake House, Credit: CKAO
I love sushi and Umi has a great happy hour at a variety of hours through out the week.
Tillikum place offers the loveliest ambiance and service along with refined food and a few of my favorite traditional British breakfasts!
Macrina Bakery, Credit: Macrinabakery.com
My staff and I stop by Macrina at least a few times a week every week for delicious baked goods. If you live in Seattle and haven’t been to Macrina yet, it’s time to get down there ASAP!
I grew up in California so Mexican food is basically an essential part of my diet. Mama’s big plates of nice hearty Mexican food are my go-to after a long busy work day.
Twisted Pasty, Credit: twistedpasty.com
My little hometown in Nevada City, Calif., had a lot of Cornish immigrants in the late 1800s who came over to mine the gold mines and who brought Cornish pastys with them. I was thrilled to find that Twisted Pasty opened up soon after my own storefront did just a block away, serving a refined and creative take on pastys.
STAY
Ace Hotel, Credit: theguardian.com
Whenever I travel, I always hunt to see if there is an Ace Hotel to stay in nearby. The staff at the Ace are not only friendly and welcoming but filled with talent and creativity. It’s always a fun stay.
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