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

Innovation Drives into San Jose with Afeela Studio

Afeela Studio has just opened its immersive pop-up from from Sony Honda Mobility at Westfield Valley Fair. This immersive pop-up showcases the Afeela 1, blending Honda's engineering expertise with Sony's technological innovations. Available for six months, the studio lets visitors explore the Core Black Signature Series and Calm White editions up close. Located near Lululemon and Sunglass Hut, it positions the city as a key spot for experiencing next-generation mobility.

The Afeela 1 stands out with its array of features designed for modern drivers. An AI-powered personal assistant handles tasks intuitively, while up to 40 sensors including 18 cameras, one LiDAR, nine radars, and 12 ultrasonic sensors enable advanced driving assistance. Entertainment options include a media bar and 360 Spatial Sound, turning the interior into a dynamic space for music and media. Reservations for the vehicle start online with a $200 deposit, and deliveries are set to begin in California.

Since its grand opening on September 20, the studio has drawn crowds eager to interact with this EV brand. As the first such location in Silicon Valley, it builds on previous displays at the mall, offering hands-on demos that highlight the fusion of automotive and entertainment worlds.

Valley Fair also has retail stores for other EV manufacturers like Lucid and Polestar. The first Tesla store is also across the street at Santana Row, along with a new Rivian store. The area has become a destination for pure EV brands.

Source: SVBJ

Alamo Drafthouse to Elevate Silicon Valley’s Movie Experience

Movie lovers in Silicon Valley have something to look forward to this summer. Alamo Drafthouse, the Austin-based cinema chain known for its unique approach to film and dining, is opening two new theaters in our backyard. One will debut at The Village at San Antonio Center in Mountain View on June 16, while the other is slated for Westfield Valley Fair in summer 2025. They are both replacing the recently closed ShowPlace Icon locations.

What sets Alamo Drafthouse apart? For starters, you can enjoy full meals and drinks, including alcohol, delivered right to your seat. The Mountain View theater, clocking in at 50,700 square feet, will offer 10 auditoriums and room for over 1,200 guests, complete with an arcade and a third-floor specialty bar pouring 24 draft beers and cocktails. The Valley Fair location ups the ante with 62,228 square feet, capacity for over 1,500 people, and its own themed bar. Forget the old kiosk system of the previous theaters—these spots are all about comfort, convenience, and a personal touch.

Between the two locations, at least 300 new jobs will emerge. Also, Alamo Drafthouse isn’t stopping at blockbusters—they’re known for screening a wide range of films, from indie hits to special events. In 2024 alone, they showed 1,700 movies nationwide, far more than their closest competitors. This will definitely fill the major hole at Valley Fair after ShowPlace Icon left.

Source: SVBJ

Westfield Valley Fair Welcomes Exciting New Retailers to San Jose

San Jose’s retail landscape continues to level up, and Westfield Valley Fair Mall seems to be ground zero. This iconic shopping hub, already a go-to for fashion, dining, and entertainment in Silicon Valley, is adding a slew of new stores that are sure to turn heads. Whether you’re a San Jose native or just visiting, these fresh arrivals give you plenty of reasons to stop by and see what’s new.

Here’s a look at some of the standout retailers joining the lineup:

• RH Outlet: Known for its upscale furniture and home decor, RH (formerly Restoration Hardware) is bringing its blend of luxury and affordability to fill a once-empty space with style.
• Dolce & Gabbana: This Italian fashion powerhouse promises high-end glamour, adding a touch of international flair to the mall’s offerings.
• Mango: A global favorite for trendy, accessible clothing, Mango’s arrival makes it easier than ever to refresh your wardrobe.
• Kiehl’s: Skincare fans rejoice—Kiehl’s is setting up shop with its premium products, perfect for a little self-care.
• Nespresso: Coffee lovers can look forward to grabbing their favorite brews and machines from this sleek, modern outpost.
• Columbia: Outdoor enthusiasts will find top-notch gear for their next adventure, courtesy of this trusted activewear brand.
• Asia Live: From the creators of San Francisco’s China Live, this two-story culinary spot will showcase diverse Asian flavors starting in fall 2025.

The mall isn’t stopping there—plans call for 25 new stores by the end of 2025, covering everything from luxury brands to innovative dining experiences.

Source: SVBJ

JOEY Brings Global Flavors to Westfield Valley Fair in San Jose

JOEY, the Canadian-born restaurant chain with a flair for globally inspired dishes, has opened its first Bay Area location at Valley Fair. Led by “Top Chef Canada” winner Matthew Stowe, this two-story eatery promises to elevate the dining experience with a menu that spans continents and a vibe that’s equal parts stylish and welcoming.

JOEY’s menu is a passport to flavors from Japan, Mexico, India, Italy, and China, offering everything from truffle udon carbonara to chargrilled pork chops with Mexican street corn. It’s the kind of place where you can go bold with a Bollywood Butter Chicken or keep it classic with a perfectly cooked burger. And for dessert? Their signature Individually Baked Apple Pie is already calling my name.

What makes this addition so exciting for San Jose is how it fits into the bigger picture of Westfield Valley Fair’s transformation. This isn’t just a mall anymore—it’s a foodie haven. With heavyweights like Eataly, Din Tai Fung, and Baekjeong already drawing crowds, JOEY joins a lineup that’s putting "Uptown" San Jose on the map as a destination for dining. The restaurant takes over the former Bamboo Sushi space, which closed quietly in September 2023, and brings a fresh energy to the mall’s bustling restaurant row.

While the exact opening date has been a bit of a moving target—initial hints suggested April, but details remain under wraps—the anticipation only adds to the excitement. Next time you’re strolling through Valley Fair, keep an eye out for this one.

Source: SFGATE