Heart of Bellevue

Discover the people & places that bring life to the Heart of Bellevue.

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Monsoon Bellevue: PNW meets Vietnamese Family Recipes

With endurance and hard work, Monsoon Bellevue opened its doors 11 years ago and has continued to deliver authentic Vietnamese dishes using local and fresh ingredients from the Pacific Northwest. Browse our collection of handpicked dishes from the menu.

7 Fun Ways To Celebrate Dad in Bellevue

Downtown Bellevue has several great offerings to help celebrate the notable man in your life. Whether you stay indoors or go outside, these Father’s Day happenings will make him feel extra special.

4th of July Fireworks Return to Bellevue

Fireworks will light up the sky over Downtown Bellevue for Independence Day at 10:05 p.m. The announcement comes after guidance from the Governor’s office on outdoor events after June 30.

Person Behind the Place: David Boynton

Hear how David Boynton and his multifaceted design company navigated "one of the largest shifts in residential design in decades," along with a few personal referrals for places to visit in the #HeartofBellevue neighborhood.

Al Fresco Friday: 520 Bar & Grill

Widely known for its community-centric culture and electric atmosphere, casual dining with a locally savvy flair has taken on new meaning at 520 Bar & Grill for its returning appearance in the citywide Al Fresco dining program.

Trophy Cupcakes Finds a Sweet Spot in the Pandemic

If Jennifer Shea has discovered any affirmations about life over the past year, one might be that cupcakes are still the connective piece that bond friends, coworkers and families together with something worth savoring.

Downtown Park's Newest 'Northeast Gateway' Entrance Now Open to Visitors

After a year of construction, the newly minted Downtown Park Northeast Gateway is now open to visitors. Poised as an extension to the Grand Connection corridor and a signature Downtown destination, the highly visible junction expects to serve an estimated weekday average of 26,000 people traveling through Bellevue Way.

Person Behind the Place: Kay Fuengarom

With seven dining locations from Seattle to South Everett under her belt, Kay Fuengarom has garnered a positive reputation in the restaurant business since 2000. Hear some of her personal recommendations, her thoughts on the renewed Al Fresco partnership and delicious new developments on the horizon!

Al Fresco Friday: Handcrafted Sweet Treats Under the Sun

Slather on some sunscreen and gear up for a patio crawl around your Bellevue stomping grounds. Savor some of Bellevue's most delicious sweet treats served al fresco style - with plenty of sunshine, just in the nick of time for the holiday weekend!

The Great Bellevue Scavenger Hunt Returns

Back by popular demand, the Great Bellevue Scavenger Hunt returns for another fun season. The “Spring into Summer” edition will include new trivia and challenges throughout the city from Memorial Day weekend until the first day of summer on June 20.

Person Behind the Place: Anthony Gill

One of the major behind-the-scenes heroes is Anthony Gill, Economic Development Specialist at the City of Bellevue. Even before the pandemic, he's been helping small businesses succeed in Bellevue. Hear why he loves the #HeartofBellevue and what's going on at the City.

State of the City 2021: Bellevue Strong

Mayor Lynne Robinson and Deputy Mayor Jared Nieuwenhuis share their thoughts on the city’s critical work over the last year and the community’s resilience in our annual “State of the City” discussion.

Northwest Sound Creates 'Carbershop' Chorus With Drive-In Rehearsals

During a time when chorus rehearsals were determined to be among the most dangerous public health activities, the Bellevue chapter of Barbershop Harmony Society, including Northwest Sound and Northwest Mix, rose to the occasion to keep the beat and morale alive.

Bellevue Launches New Season of Expanded Outdoor Dining

The sunny weather ahead means summer is on the way, and so is increased opportunity for dining outdoors. This year, the "Al Fresco" program returns to the Heart of Bellevue to offer outdoor dining options in downtown Bellevue and beyond.

Person Behind the Place: Matthew Klutznick

Appointed General Manager of The Shops at The Bravern in May 2016, Matthew Klutznick is no stranger to Downtown's many shops, restaurants and parks. Hear more about his experience, personal recommendations and favorite memories captured in the #HeartofBellevue!

PNW Mobile Spa: A Personal Oasis Brought to Your Backyard

With a global health crisis set in motion and chronic stress and fatigue on the rise, mobile hot tub therapy sounded like a natural solution to Justin Brooks and Ana Hernandez. The husband-and-wife duo launched an original business when least expected.

Person Behind the Place: Leigh Ann More

Leigh Ann More recently stepped into a new role as Interim Executive Director at Bellevue Arts Museum, but has been active within the Eastside arts & culture scene for over a decade. Learn more about her experience, industry insights and favorite destinations in the #HeartofBellevue!

Overcoming Uncertainties: Bellevue Farmers Market Returns May 13

After a year of confusing setbacks, new guidelines and staffing challenges, the Bellevue Farmers Market (BFM) will be opening for its 17th year on May 13! We checked in with Liz Paruchuru, the market engagement manager for BFM, to see what the 2021 season has in store for our Downtown community.

Paddy Coyne’s Serves Up Real Irish Grub & Gumption

After a decade and counting in business, it would seem Paddy Coyne's has mastered the fundamentals to earning customers: delicious food, great company and service that goes above and beyond.

A Day With Mom in Bellevue: Our List of Must-Do & Must-See Places

Nix the guesswork from your Mother's Day agenda and focus on the matter at heart – celebrating mom with a memorable journey through these recommended #HeartofBellevue destinations.

Person Behind the Place: Jenny Corry

Beyond the pints of Guinness at Paddy Coyne’s Bellevue are genuinely good folk, like Jenny Corry, who cook up delicious Irish fare and an energetic atmosphere where friends can always be found and conversations flow like the drinks on tap. We caught up with her to learn more about her favorite destinations in the #HeartofBellevue!

Cultivating a Neighborly, Unforgettable Experience at Bake's Place

Equipped with a waterproof, vaulted tent and ample al fresco seating options on a sprawling patio, Bake’s Place Bar & Bistro is poised to weather restrictions and reach customers hungry for a taste of normalcy.

Keeping the Eastside Covered with Scott Paine

Known as “Mr. 425” around the Eastside and greater Puget Sound, Scott Paine, associate publisher of 425 Magazine, has forged a name for himself through grit, gumption and an eye for stories that bridge the humanity that connects us.

Person Behind the Place: Jim Berreth

When he's not on a commercial building rooftop, Jim Berreth can be found exploring the #HeartofBellevue. We chatted with this Hermanson Company account executive for his take on Bellevue's growth, and why he loves our city.

Bellevue's Grand Connection: From Vision to Reality

In this 2-part conversation, we'll cover the Grand Connection's history, explain what’s next, and go in-depth on Amazon’s two-phase Bellevue 600 project, one of the major investments shaping the Grand Connection and Downtown’s future.

Business as (Anything But) Usual: WeWork Discovers its Stride in a Pandemic

Traditional office environments are in the midst of a major overhaul. Kelly Thompson, Portfolio Community Manager for Bellevue's WeWork offices, shares how WeWork reinvented its spaces and amenities to fit a current and post-pandemic world.

Bellevue LifeSpring Embraces Local Collaboration in a Virtual Reality

Renowned nonprofit Bellevue LifeSpring rallies the community behind a locally rooted campaign, Give Where You Live, further championing its mission to foster stability and self-sufficiency among disadvantaged youth and families through efforts to feed, clothe and educate.

Person Behind the Place: Kelly Thompson

From creative spaces in Lincoln Square to airy rooms in Bellevue Place, Kelly Thompson manages the community portfolio for WeWork's Bellevue locations. We caught up with her to see why she loves the #HeartofBellevue!

Amazon’s Bellevue Boom: 25,000 Jobs and a Focus on Community

We talked with John Schoettler, Amazon’s Vice President of Global Real Estate and Facilities, for his take on what the company’s growth means for the Bellevue community.

Building Connections One Cookie at a Time

Tiffany Lewis didn’t set out to start a cookie company. But sheer passion and a few twists led to her doing just that. Get to know Cookies with Tiffany...

Person Behind the Place: Lee Smith

Lee Smith is a pro at keeping things fresh... whether it's the latest kicks or the newest trends in streetwear, he's known as a friendly face with great style. We caught up with Lee for his take on the Heart of Bellevue.

Behind the (Non-Profit) Scenes with Jennifer Fischer

Among the movers and shakers around the Eastside community, Executive Director of Bellevue LifeSpring, Jennifer Fischer has been actively culling localized insights and launching projects around the Puget Sound for several decades.

Hate Has No Home in the Heart of Bellevue

No one should feel unsafe or unwelcome in Bellevue, plain and simple. That’s why the City of Bellevue is rallying the community around a clear, powerful message: hate has no home here.

Person Behind the Place: Kasie Harvey

Kasie Harvey spends her days shaping brows and building confidence. Here's her take on our community.

Titans FC Soccer Kicks it into High Gear

Although most of us are just emerging from hibernation, others like Titans FC - a local youth soccer club with premier programs suited for players of all backgrounds and skill levels - have braced the elements to build strength and stamina through dedicated practice on the field.

Bellefleur Flips the Script on Lingerie in the Heart of Bellevue

Bellefleur opened a new Bellevue pop-up location just off Main Street – opening doors to a fervor of appreciative shoppers ready for a thoughtful, signature experience.

Person Behind the Place: Blaise Bouchand

Good design and great taste define local designer Blaise Bouchand's reputation... he's an active member of the Downtown business and arts community, where he's busy helping shape the vibrancy of Downtown. We caught up with Blaise to learn his take on the Heart of Bellevue.

Reigniting Downtown's Music Scene with Bellevue Beats

Introducing our newest (and biggest) concert series yet… Bellevue Beats!

Local Food Trucks Offer More than a Bite to Eat

As a state industry association, the Washington State Food Truck Association represents the interests of mobile restaurants across county and demographic lines. It’s delicious work.

Person Behind the Place: Cathy Lalley

Cathy Lalley knows good food like she knows the Heart of Bellevue: very well! We caught up with Cathy to see what she's been up to at John Howie Steak and Seastar Restaurant & Raw Bar, and where we might find her out in the community.

The Sweet Side of Business: A Talk with Molly Moon's

Hear how Molly Moon Neitzel grew her business with a belief that you can build success while building up your employees, partners and the places you serve.

Celebrating Women's History Month in the Heart of Bellevue

As we head into the final stretch of National Women's History Month, we‘ve been reflecting on the many amazing women we’ve met through our Heart of Bellevue campaign.

Building Lifelines: Boys & Girls Clubs of Bellevue Continues to Serve

Across nine clubhouses and six school sites, BGCB serves 800 – 1,000 youth per day, providing hot meals, homework help and a safe place to find support. Even as COVID-19 surged, the organization never closed its doors. In fact, it's been quite the opposite.

Dressed (and Designed) for Success: Meet Local Artist Amandine Leforestier

Outfitted with a bold philosophy and creative instincts, Amandine Leforestier has grown her artistic roots using her bold philosophy as a successful illustrator and independent fashion designer.

Person Behind the Place: Joe Vilardi

When we think of classic Bellevue dining, no spot stands out more than Bis On Main. We caught up with owner Joe Vilardi to learn a bit more about his take on the Heart of Bellevue and where we might find him outside of the restaurant.

Inhale Peace, Exhale Stress at Yuan Spa

Decompressing at a luxury spa is a perfect way to blow off steam, but many of us struggle to carve out time for a bit of self care. That's what Yuan Spa is here for.

Finding Focus: Get to Know Local Photographer Chance Merchant

Chance Merchant's candid portraits and brilliant landscape photos have earned him a sizable following on social media. We caught up with Chance to hear more about his journey with the camera here in Bellevue.

Person Behind the Place: Cody Brazen

Coming from a family dedicated to shaping Bellevue's dining scene, Cody Brazen is no stranger to Downtown. We caught up with her to discuss why she loves being the General Manager at Central Bar + Restaurant, and the places she can be found in the #HeartofBellevue.

What’s Happening With Downtown Park?

The City of Bellevue’s Parks & Community Services department is underway on an expansion project aimed to revitalize the park’s entrance and welcome folks on busy Bellevue Way to the lush Downtown Park scenery.

A Fresh Cut and Perspective: How Bishops Bellevue Opened its Doors to Local Artists

Sierra Sharp made a self-described “modest attempt” to introduce a taste of normalcy back into daily life when she struck an alliance between the Issaquah, Newcastle and Bellevue salons in her district.