Chef Tara Monsod named James Beard finalist for a second time
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Le Coq chef Tara Monsod could bring home San Diego's first James Beard Award. Photo: Vincent Knakal
Chef Tara Monsod is heading back to the finals of the James Beard Awards.
Why it matters: The prestigious culinary awards showcase the best in the industry, and capturing San Diego's first James Beard win would further elevate her career and the local restaurant scene's reputation.
Driving the news: Monsod, executive chef at Animae and Le Coq, was named Wednesday one of five finalists in the 2025 Best Chef: California category for a second year in a row.
- The news came out on her birthday, adding to the celebration.
The intrigue: She's emerged as a rising star who's elevating Filipino food like no one else locally, and was San Diego's first-ever James Beard finalist last year.
- "With more recognition the [city's food scene] is being taken more seriously and because of that people come here knowing that there is opportunity and to stand out," Monsod told Axios.
Zoom in: At Animae, an upscale wagyu steakhouse and Asian-fusion restaurant downtown, Monsod has infused Filipino flavors and dishes into the menu. It's Michelin-recommended and consistently recognized as one of the city's best restaurants by San Diego Magazine.
- Monsod also leads the kitchen at Le Coq, a new high-end Parisian steakhouse in La Jolla that opened last year. There, her take on modern French cuisine includes Asian flavors and Southern California-sourced ingredients, according to Eater.
- Before her "meteoric" rise, she cooked at local restaurants including Tender Greens, Burlap, and Juniper & Ivy, per Eater.
What they're saying: "Monsod is a formidable talent and force of good in San Diego's food scene," San Diego Magazine's food writer Troy Johnson wrote in a review of Le Coq.
Flashback: Roberto Alcocer, executive chef at Oceanside's Michelin-starred Mexican restaurant Valle, and Mexico City-inspired cocktail bar Roma Norte were named semifinalists for the 2025 James Beard Awards in January.
What's next: The winners will be announced at a ceremony in Chicago on June 16, and Monsod has the honor of cooking at the reception this year.
Editor's note: This story has been updated to include comments from Monsod.