An exquisite array of culinary creations representing diverse Asian influences.
Chef Tara Monsod from San Diego has been nominated once more for the esteemed James Beard Award for Best Chef: California. Despite being the only finalist from the city at the recent awards ceremony, she did not secure a win. This nomination reflects her growing reputation and contributions to the culinary scene, particularly through her innovative dishes combining Asian influences at Animae. Monsod continues to champion diversity in gastronomy while co-launching a new French steakhouse, Le Coq, alongside noted partners.
San Diego – Chef Tara Monsod, representing San Diego, was nominated again for the prestigious James Beard Award for Best Chef: California but did not secure a win at the event held on June 16, 2024. This year, the city did not claim any awards despite Monsod being its only finalist.
The James Beard Awards, often referred to as the “Oscars of food,” celebrate outstanding achievements in the culinary and hospitality sectors. The awards acknowledge individuals and businesses across various categories, including Outstanding Restaurant and Best New Chef. In 2024, the James Beard Foundation recognized a diverse range of talent by implementing a regional model for its Best Chef category, allowing for a broader representation of chefs of color and women.
This nomination marks the second consecutive year that Monsod has competed in the Best Chef: California category, highlighting her rising prominence in the industry. At 41 years old, Monsod transitioned to the culinary field after beginning her career in nursing. She pursued her passion for cooking by enrolling in culinary school at the age of 27.
Throughout her career, Monsod has garnered valuable experience by working at acclaimed establishments in San Diego, including Tender Greens, Burlap, and Juniper & Ivy. In 2020, she joined Animae, where less than a year later, she was promoted to lead chef. Here, she has introduced a unique fine dining menu that intertwines Asian influences, showcasing Filipino dishes such as kare kare and dinuguan.
In mid-2024, Monsod expanded her culinary repertoire by co-launching Le Coq, a contemporary French steakhouse in downtown La Jolla, alongside partners Brian Malarkey and Christopher Puffer. This venture exemplifies her commitment to versatile culinary exploration and leadership within the San Diego food scene.
Leading up to the awards, Monsod was recognized as a semifinalist alongside Roberto Alcocer from Valle in Oceanside, who also vied for the Best Chef: California title. Additionally, the venue Roma Norte was nominated for Best New Bar. The initial round of semifinalists was announced by the James Beard Foundation on April 2, 2024, setting the stage for the annual awards ceremony.
The existence of the James Beard Awards dates back to 1991, with the inaugural winners including culinary icons such as Rick Bayless, Nancy Silverton, and Wolfgang Puck. In recent years, however, the foundation has faced scrutiny regarding allegations of wrongdoing among nominated chefs and a perceived lack of diversity among winners. To address these issues, an internal audit was conducted to enhance the inclusivity and equity of the voting process.
Tara Monsod is an advocate for representation within the culinary arts, emphasizing her roles as a woman chef, Asian, queer, and Filipino. Her ongoing commitment to diversity aligns with the foundation’s recent initiatives to celebrate a wider array of culinary talent. Looking ahead, Monsod plans to participate in a chefs conference in Philadelphia, focusing on the renaissance of Filipino food. Additionally, she has been invited to showcase her culinary skills as one of seven American chefs at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival’s Outstanding in the Field culinary series.
While San Diego missed out on winning this year, Monsod’s continuing nominations highlight the city’s evolving culinary landscape and the resilience of chefs like herself who are making significant contributions to the food industry.
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Chef Tara Monsod Nominated for James Beard Award
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