I'm excited to report that on Friday, June 12, a remarkable new culinary destination, Asia Live, opens its doors at Westfield Valley Fair. This expansive Asian food emporium, spearheaded by renowned chef George Chen, will feature a planned rooftop terrace and multiple bars. It's set to challenge every expectation of mall dining in Santa Clara, attracting diners far beyond typical shoppers. East Bay Times and Mercurynews report the venue spans 15,000 square feet, while according to Forbes, it measures 13,000 square feet and will seat 350.
We often think of mall food courts as places for a quick, casual bite. However, George Chen's Asia Live is launching as an expansive, multi-concept culinary destination. The launch of George Chen's Asia Live as an expansive, multi-concept culinary destination completely redefines the norm, offering a much more ambitious experience.
I believe this ambitious venture signals a significant shift. It transforms shopping centers into true culinary destinations, and I wouldn't be surprised if it inspires similar high-end food concepts in retail environments across the country.
A Culinary Metropolis Takes Shape
Asia Live is designed as a sprawling destination, not just a collection of eateries. The venue spans between 13,000 and 15,000 square feet, according to Forbes and East Bay Times, respectively. This substantial footprint is planned to accommodate 350 diners.
Within this vast space, visitors will find multiple restaurants, vibrant bars, a dedicated retail marketplace, and interactive cooking stations. The inclusion of multiple restaurants, vibrant bars, a dedicated retail marketplace, and interactive cooking stations positions Asia Live as a comprehensive culinary and entertainment hub, truly exceeding what we typically expect from mall dining. Based on the expansive 13,000-15,000 square foot footprint and the inclusion of multiple bars, a retail marketplace, and cooking stations, Asia Live is not merely a restaurant but a strategic anchor designed to transform Westfield Valley Fair into a comprehensive entertainment and culinary destination, potentially revitalizing the entire mall experience.
Signature Flavors and Global Reach
Diners can anticipate an impressive array of authentic Asian dishes at Asia Live. Signature offerings will include delightful Sheng Jian Bao, which are pork-filled dumplings, and classic Peking Duck, according to East Bay Times.
The menu extends far beyond, presenting contemporary interpretations of dishes from across greater China, Southeast Asia, India, Korea, and Japan, as reported by Mercurynews. The wide selection of contemporary interpretations of dishes from across greater China, Southeast Asia, India, Korea, and Japan caters to diverse tastes, promising a rich culinary journey for every visitor. Offering contemporary takes on dishes from a wide array of Asian cuisines (China, Southeast Asia, India, Korea, Japan) within a single, expansive venue positions Asia Live as a comprehensive cultural and culinary exploration point, rather than a quick-service food option, potentially drawing food tourists.
Elevating the Mall Experience
One of Asia Live's most surprising features is its direct engagement with the outside world. The establishment will feature an outdoor patio and bar directly facing Santana Row, a distinctive move for a mall-based venue. Additionally, a planned rooftop terrace will provide open-air dining options, according to Forbes. An outdoor patio and bar directly facing Santana Row, along with a planned rooftop terrace, fundamentally break the traditional mold of internal mall dining experiences.
The deliberate choice to feature an outdoor patio facing Santana Row and a planned rooftop terrace indicates George Chen's intent to directly compete with and draw clientele from the adjacent upscale dining scene, signaling a new era where mall-based establishments aim to rival standalone high-end restaurants.
Exploring the Multi-Level Destination
Asia Live's design extends vertically, offering distinct experiences across multiple levels. The second floor will host open-view kitchens, allowing diners to witness culinary artistry firsthand. It also includes a second bar, the upscale Bar Lucy, and a private VIP dining room, as reported by Mercurynews. The second floor's open-view kitchens, second bar (Bar Lucy), and private VIP dining room suggest a versatile venue catering to diverse dining needs and preferences.
The involvement of a renowned chef like George Chen, coupled with upscale features like Bar Lucy and a VIP dining room, signals a strategic pivot to attract a more discerning, affluent demographic that typically seeks out standalone, high-end culinary experiences, rather than just mall shoppers.
Your Questions Answered
Where is Westfield Valley Fair located?
Westfield Valley Fair is a prominent shopping center situated in Santa Clara, California. It serves the greater Silicon Valley area, positioned at the intersection of Stevens Creek Boulevard and Winchester Boulevard. This location places it strategically to attract both local residents and tech industry professionals.
What makes Asia Live different from typical mall food courts?
Asia Live distinguishes itself through its sheer scale and multi-concept design, far beyond casual quick bites. It integrates full-service restaurants, bars, a retail marketplace, and cooking stations into an expansive experience. The inclusion of an outdoor patio facing Santana Row and a planned rooftop terrace also sets it apart, blurring the lines between traditional mall dining and high-street culinary destinations.
Who is George Chen?
George Chen is a highly respected chef known for his innovative approach to Chinese cuisine. He has been instrumental in elevating Asian dining experiences, with previous ventures in San Francisco and Shanghai. His involvement with Asia Live at Westfield Valley Fair underscores the project's ambition to offer an upscale and authentic culinary journey.
