An Interview with Special Events Manager, Nicole de la Rambelje
Just one year after opening in the heart of downtown Bellevue, La Mar Bellevue has already become one of downtown’s premier destinations for private events and holiday celebrations. With a stunning, brand-new space and a versatile mix of event settings, La Mar Bellevue brings the vibrant flavors of Peru to one of the fastest-growing communities in the Pacific Northwest.
We sat down with Nicole de la Rambelje, Special Events Manager, to talk about what makes hosting the holidays at La Mar Bellevue so special.
Q: Nicole, what excites you most about holiday events at La Mar Bellevue?
A: It’s such a joy to introduce new clients in Bellevue to what La Mar offers. The restaurant has its one-year anniversary this October, and the space feels fresh, vibrant, and full of possibilities. I love that we can tailor events for everything from intimate dinners to large-scale celebrations, it really allows us to create unique experiences for each company or group.
Q: Can you tell us about the different event spaces from other places in Bellevue?
A: The Lounge is incredibly versatile, it has its own bar and can be set with rounds or squares for intimate seated dinners or transformed into a lively space for cocktail mixers. For executive-style gatherings, the Fish Room is perfect. It’s semi-private and works beautifully for 10–24 guests. And for those looking to go big, the entire restaurant can be reserved exclusively, we can accommodate up to 375 guests by combining all the spaces.
Q: What makes La Mar Bellevue stand out for holiday celebrations?
A: Bellevue has so many corporate groups looking for something fresh and different for the holidays, and La Mar truly delivers that. Our cuisine is festive, flavorful, and rooted in Peruvian culture, so every event feels elevated and memorable. One of our favorite offerings is our Cebiche-making classes, where groups can learn how to prepare Peru’s most iconic dish. It’s hands-on, interactive, and a fun way for companies to bring their teams together during the holidays. Experiences like this are what make us stand out from other venues.
Q: What do you personally love most about planning holiday events here?
A: For me, it’s seeing all the elements come together: the food, the service, the atmosphere, and of course the décor. We partner with a local event rental company and add on our own decorations to transform La Mar into a holiday showcase. It’s holiday charm with a La Mar twist. Guests immediately feel the spirit of the season as soon as they walk in. I think that’s why we’ve had so many clients from last year, already repeat their same booking with us this holiday season. The warmth and family-like atmosphere is very evident in every celebration.
From intimate team dinners to full restaurant buyouts, La Mar Bellevue blends festive spirit, flavorful Peruvian cuisine, and genuine hospitality. Dates are filling up quickly, inquire now to view our packages and menus!
