Tai Er Sichuan Cuisine Expands to Westfield Valley Fair in San Jose

Westfield Valley Fair shoppers will soon enjoy authentic Sichuan flavors with the November opening of Tai Er Sichuan Cuisine in the mall's luxury wing. This marks the brand's second Bay Area location following a successful debut in San Mateo earlier this year. With over 650 sites worldwide and existing U.S. outposts in Los Angeles and New York, Tai Er chose the South Bay for its diverse and innovative community, where global tastes find a ready audience.

The new Santa Clara spot features around 100 seats in a contemporary setting that echoes the San Mateo design, selected for its prime visibility among high-end retailers. Diners can expect an immersive experience that transports them to southwest China through bold dishes and welcoming ambiance. Joining other Asian-inspired eateries like Stick & Wok and Din Tai Fung, Tai Er stands out with its focus on traditional preparations that highlight regional authenticity.

At the heart of the menu sits the signature sauerkraut fish, crafted from small-leaf mustard greens and sauerkraut imported from Sichuan province and fermented for 23 days in clay jars with salt and sugar. This base simmers in pork-bone broth with snakehead fish, finished with dry chili flakes for a tangy, spicy profile. Other highlights include tomato fish fillet and clay pot shrimp, offering variety for repeat visits.

This company-owned restaurant will create 60 to 80 jobs in front- and back-of-house roles, contributing to San Jose's thriving economy. As part of a strategic U.S. growth plan, the opening emphasizes quality over quantity, targeting cities that value culture and community. San Jose's inclusion in this expansion underscores its appeal as a hub for international cuisine.

Source: SVBJ

Savor the Flavors of Brazil: Show De Carnes Brings South American Flair to San Jose

San Jose’s dining scene is heating up with the arrival of Show De Carnes, a Brazilian steakhouse chain expanding its footprint in the South Bay. Starting with its first location in Sausalito in 2023 and a second in Palo Alto in late 2024, the chain has now doubled its presence by adding two new spots in San Jose. This growth, happening within just three months, highlights the city’s growing reputation as a hub for diverse and exciting culinary experiences.

The new West San Jose location, set to open in October, will transform a former Red Robin at 1000 El Paseo de Saratoga into a 7,900-square-foot space seating about 250 guests. Meanwhile, Downtown San Jose will welcome Show De Carnes at 167 W. San Fernando St., where it has taken over the former Taurinus Brazilian Steakhouse. Already operating under the new brand, this location will soon update its signage, fully integrating it into the chain’s vision of bringing Brazil’s gaucho traditions to California.

At Show De Carnes, the menu revolves around rodizio-style service, where servers, known as gauchos, carve an array of grilled meats tableside. Guests can also explore a self-serve salad bar packed with cold meats, vegetables, and Brazilian staples like farofa, a seasoned cassava flour with bacon, and feijoada, a hearty black bean and pork dish. Adding an unexpected twist, the salad bar includes sushi, reflecting a fusion common in Brazilian steakhouses. For dessert, options range from passionfruit mousse and açai sourced from the Amazon to classics like lava cake and cheesecake, all paired with drinks like the Caipirinha, Brazil’s iconic cocktail.

The atmosphere complements the food with green and wood tones that nod to Brazil’s natural landscapes, creating an inviting space for both locals and visitors. With these additions, San Jose now hosts four churrascarias, including Santana Row’s Fogo de Chão and Silva’s Brazilian Steakhouse on Alum Rock Avenue.

Source: SVBJ