An Afternoon of Flavor, Celebration & What’s Ahead for Bellevue
February 26, 2026
The Bellevue Downtown Association was honored to attend the 2026 Annual Celebration & Destination Awards hosted by Visit Bellevue on February 23.
This year’s annual meeting not only reflected on the success of tourism in 2025 but also put a spotlight on the rising impact of culinary tourism.
A Taste of Bellevue
Rather than a traditional ballroom program, the afternoon unfolded as an immersive, three-course experience featuring some of Bellevue’s most celebrated chefs and restaurants.
Guests were treated to a thoughtfully curated three-course meal featuring standout bites from Thai Kitchen Bird, La Mar Bellevue, and L’Experience Paris.
Each chef shared insight into their dish, adding depth to the flavors and reinforcing just how dynamic Bellevue’s culinary scene has become.
Thai Kitchen Bird
onions, mint leaves, cilantro, and roasted rice.
The first course served was Larb Gai from Thai Kitchen Bird, authentic Thai food with bold, vibrant flavors.
Thai Kitchen Bird owner Cindy Gayte shared how her love for people and food inspires her dishes. She grew up watching her mother interact with customers at her mother’s restaurant, the original Bellevue Thai Kitchen.
Thai Kitchen Bird is located on the second floor of Bellevue Square. To learn more and view the menu, visit www.thaikitchenbirdpepper.com
La Mar Bellevue
with aji amarillo, pomme purée, chalaca
and microgreens.
The second course served was Cheeks Adobo from La Mar Bellevue, refined cuisine with beautiful presentation.
La Mar Bellevue’s Executive Chef, Kaoru Chang, shared how his unwavering passion and continued growth in Peruvian and Asian cuisine and techniques drive his creations.
La Mar celebrates the authentic and diverse flavors of Peruvian gastronomy, a tour through Peru’s incredible cultural diversity, including Japanese, Chinese, Spanish, Italian, and Andean influences.
Learn more and view the menu, visit www.lamarcebicheria.com
L’Experience Paris
coulis, almond sponge, peanut whipped
ganache, and gianduja crunch.
The third course was Chevel de Feu from L’Experience Paris in Bellevue, an elegant French café that feels as if you’re in the heart of Paris.
Owner Julien Hervet built his Bellevue café to capture the charm, flavors, and leisurely pace of the City of Light. From breakfast, brunch, dinner and dessert, L'Experience represents the best of what France has to offer.
Visit www.lexperienceparis.com to learn more and view their menu.
What’s Ahead for Bellevue
Beyond the culinary experience, the program included a presentation from Visit Bellevue sharing exciting updates on what’s ahead in 2026, from expanded marketing initiatives to continued momentum in meetings, conventions, and destination partnerships. Make sure to follow Visit Bellevue on all platforms to stay up-to-date on important announcements!
2026 Destination Award Winners
The evening concluded with the unveiling of this year’s Destination Awards, honoring the individuals, businesses, and events shaping Bellevue’s visitor experience.
- Convention of the Year: The Compassionate Friends
- Best Marketing Campaign or Promotion: Radiant Table
- Event of the Year: Bellevue Downtown Ice Rink
- CTA of the Year: Myrna Bendanillo
- Rising Star: Pam Sirikhandha, Hilton Garden Inn
- Outstanding Individual (2x Honorees): Kristi Kosmata and Cindi Breen
- Business of the Year: La Mar Bellevue
We’re grateful to Visit Bellevue for hosting such a thoughtful and inspiring celebration and proud to be part of a community that continues to elevate what it means to be a destination city!
