Just two days before the Michelin Guide International was set to announce the much-anticipated 2023 star rankings, owners Carlos and Fernanda Carreira of San Jose's only Michelin-starred restaurant, Adega, dropped a shocking announcement: they will be closing the esteemed establishment permanently on its eighth anniversary to focus on the expansion of their casual dining concept, Petiscos, according to Mercury News.
Located within the city's Little Portugal neighborhood, Adega first opened its doors in 2015 and garnered its first Michelin star in 2016. Unfortunately, it briefly lost that status in 2018, only to regain it in 2021. Despite the rollercoaster ride, the prestigious Portuguese eatery has left an indelible mark on the San Jose dining scene in its eight-year history, and its sudden closure comes as a startling shock to its patrons and fans.
So, what's next for the Carreiras? In an exclusive interview with Mercury News, Carlos Carreira mentioned that they would be focusing their efforts on introducing the Petiscos concept, known for its Portuguese small plates, to various markets across California. The first location of Petiscos opened in downtown San Jose in November 2020, and it has received widespread acclaim, including a recent Bib Gourmand award from the Michelin Guide.
While the Carreiras' decision spells the end of the road for Adega, it does not signify the ultimate end for their culinary legacy in the Bay Area. The family's bakery, Pastelaria Adega, which opened its doors in November 2019 and boasts a Michelin-starred chef and stellar pastries, will continue to enthrall the masses, states a Hoodline article. Located on East Santa Clara Street, the bakery has quickly garnered rave reviews for its highly sought-after, authentic Portuguese pastéis de nata.
As for the soon-to-be-shuttered Adega, the Carreiras plan to transform the flagship restaurant into another Petiscos location come early 2024. Executive chef David Costa, who helmed the kitchen at both Adega and Petiscos, will spearhead the expansion alongside his wife, Sandra Murillo, while Jessica Carreira will continue to serve as pastry chef. The decision to focus on the Petiscos concept appears fitting given the challenges the hospitality industry has faced in recent years, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.
While the closure of Adega marks the end of an era for San Jose's fine dining scene, it also reflects an undeniable shift in dining preferences, as more casual dining experiences emerge as increasingly popular choices.
