Italian inspired Vovito Caffe & Gelato will open in The Shops at The Bravern this Sunday. This unique concept will be the first of it’s kind in the Eastside.

Vovito Caffe & Gelato will be the third startup venture for Ariff and Shairose Gulamani. Their passion for a unique artisan product in the Eastside inspired the couple to begin the Vovito concept over a year ago. They are very excited about creating a quality and unique experience for the Eastside. “We see Bellevue as the new hub,” said Ariff Gulamani.

The interior is beautifully designed by Italian origins throughout the cafe. Stone countertops, curved gelato cases, and warm colors spread throughout the cafe is truly impressive. Shairose says, “You’re also getting a beautiful setting that most coffee shops don’t [have]. It’s the overall package that Vovito has put together.”

They will launch with a three pronged attack by featuring three premium products: coffee, gelato, and food. The wide selection of house-made paninis, gelato, sorbetto, salads, and baked goods are all made fresh daily to make Vovito Caffe and Gelato that much better. There will be 26 different flavors of gelato available along with a new featured flavor rotated monthly at the customer’s preference. Furthermore, Vovito will feature freshly prepared panini breakfast and lunch sandwiches and pastries. Shairose Gulamani, vice president, says “When you taste our paninis, you will not be disappointed.”

The cafe will occupy 2444 square feet in The Shops at The Bravern and accommodate up to 35 people. They will offer free WiFi service. A loyalty program will be implemented in the coming weeks for regular customers. Doors open officially July 25th, but will reserve the grand opening festivities until July 30th.

A coffee shop has been the #1 request by those who have visited The Bravern. The new shop will allow for a much-needed casual meeting place.

VoVito Caffè concept is to offer “coffee for connoisseurs,” says Ariff in the release. The 2,444 square-foot shop will not just offer coffee and custom-made gelato, but will offer tea, smoothies, milkshakes, ice cream, sorbetto, salads, baked goods, sweet bites, cold plates (cheese and fruit), and assorted finger foods. The café will open early at 6:30am to provide breakfast for early risers.

VoVito will not only be good for shoppers at The Bravern, but employees of the stores at The Bravern as well. Employees and customers alike have been extremely limited to their quick and easy eating options and typically run across the street to Starbucks or Subway. This is a much needed and great addition for The Shops at The Bravern.

• Hot Beverages From hot chocolate to hot toddies, warm drinks are perfect for the holiday season and frigid temperatures.
  - Starbucks: Caramel Brulee Latte, Peppermint Mocha, Gingerbread Latte, Caramel Apple Spice, or Signature Hot Chocolate
  - Tully’s: Pumpkin Spice Latte, Egg Nog Latte, Gingersnap Latte, Peppermint Mocha, Cherry Cordial Mocha, or Ginger Spiced Cider
  - Fireside Drinks @ The Bravern: Every Wednesday in December, starting at 4pm, enjoy complimentary holiday beverages from John Howie Steak, Artisanal, Wild Ginger and Trophy Cupcakes at The Bravern’s outdoor fireplaces.
• Fireside Whether it’s a place to cozy up or a bit of restaurant romance, we love fireplaces in winter.
  - The Lodge @ Bellevue Square: There’s a big fireplace, in between P.F. Chang’s and Starbucks, that’s a popular place for people to enjoy their coffee, work on their laptop, or wait for their dinner reservation. It’s one of the largest fireplaces in Downtown Bellevue.
  - Cypress Lounge @ The Westin: The lower level of the lounge has 2 great fireplaces. They are modern and radiate lots of heat, so it’s a great spot to enjoy while sipping a cocktail or eating a snack.
  - Earl’s: This new restaurant has grand onyx fireplaces in its dining room. Escape the windchill and chill out here for a hot happy hour, everyday from 3pm-6pm.
• Savory Soups Soup’s not just for when you’re sick! Don’t overlook this powerful treat to keep you warm all winter.
  - City Soups @ Key Center: Over 60 delicious soup varieties to choose from. Try everything from Chicken Vegetable Noodle to Beef and Chili Mac Stew.
  - What The Pho!: A great place for a great big bowl of Vietnamese noodle soup.
  - Specialty’s: A fresh variety of daily soup specials from Chicken Noodle, to Vegan Chili, to Cream of Potato Cheddar.
• Cozy Hideouts
  - Top Pot Doughnuts: With more than 40 different doughnuts to choose from, this brings a whole new meaning to comfort food.
  - Lincoln Square Cinemas: Rather than experiencing the cold outdoors, come inside the movie theater to watch a winter movie on the big screen. “A Christmas Carol” in IMAX 3D has been a recent holiday favorite.
  - Bellevue Square: You can’t discount the mall when it comes to escaping the elements. You know you still have that one person on your list to shop for!

Here’s the 5-day forcast for Downtown Bellevue. Let us know how you plan to warm up!