Voting begins for best of downtown Bellevue

The vote for who or what is the "Best of Downtown Bellevue" kicked off this week as the Bellevue Downtown Association launched the 2013 Haute Picks contest.

People will have through April 5 to vote online in 22 dining, retail, service and experience categories.

For the past 10 years, the downtown association's contest has honored businesses that deliver excellent customer service and create a sense of place for those who live, work, shop and play in Downtown Bellevue.

This year, four new categories have been added to the this year’s contest: Best Breakfast/Brunch, Best Place to be Entertained, Best Place for Kids, and Best Place to be Pampered.

Completing the contest survey in its entirety gives voters the chance to win a Downtown Bellevue VIP Event Package, including two tickets to a headliner show at the Bellevue Jazz Festival, two entries to the inaugural Four on the 4th Dog Jog & Walk, two passes to the VIP seating area at the Symetra Bellevue Family 4th, four skating passes to the Chaplins Bellevue Volkswagen Ice Arena, and promotional offerings from various Downtown Bellevue restaurants.

The online ballot will close at 5 p.m. on Friday, April 5, and only one ballot per person will be counted. Winners will be announced in the summer issue of Bellevue Downtown magazine and at the BDA Breakfast Meeting on Tuesday, April 23, 7:309:00 a.m. at the Bellevue Club.

Voting takes place at www.bellevuedowntown.org and clicking on Vote Here 2013 Haute Picks. Here are the categories for the 2013 Haute Picks:

Best Breakfast/Brunch

Best Casual Business Meeting Spot

Best Cocktail (Drink and Place)

Best Coffee House

Best Happy Hour

Best Lunch Under $10

Best Place to Be Entertained

Best Place for a First Date

Best Place for a Haircut

Best Place for Kids

Best Place to Be Pampered

Best Place to See and Be Seen

Best Place for Sushi

Best Power Lunch

Best Retail Boutique

Best Romantic Dinner

Best Seafood Restaurant

Best Steakhouse

Best Sweet Tooth Fix

Best Uniquely Downtown Bellevue Experience

Best Wine List

Best Workout Spot

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