The 2025 James Beard Awards took place at the Lyric Opera of Chicago, a black-tie gala hosted by chefs Nyesha Arrington and Andrew Zimmern and marking the 35th anniversary of the awards. The event, often referred to as the Oscars of the culinary world, featured a star-studded red carpet and livestream with coverage from Fariyal Abdullahi, Gregory Gourdet, Francis Lam, and Nilou Motamed. Following the ceremony, guests gathered for a celebration at Chicago’s historic Union Station.
Monsod, executive chef of Animae in downtown San Diego and Le Coq in La Jolla, was one of five chefs nominated in the highly competitive Best Chef: California category. Although the award ultimately went to another contender - Chef Jon Yao from his Michelin-starred Los Angeles restaurant, Kato - Monsod’s repeat recognition as a finalist underscores her rising national profile and the growing credibility of San Diego’s food scene.
Known for her fearless and refined approach to Asian diasporic cuisine, Monsod has earned praise for dishes that honor her Filipino heritage while pushing the boundaries of steakhouse dining. Her leadership at Animae helped earn the restaurant a Michelin Plate in 2024, and her continued influence has inspired a new generation of chefs across San Diego and Southern California.
Monsod’s journey began in some of San Diego’s most respected kitchens, including Juniper and Ivy, Herringbone, and Tender Greens. When she stepped into her first executive chef role at Animae under celebrity chef Brian Malarkey, she quickly established herself as a force in the city’s culinary evolution. Now with the addition of Le Coq in La Jolla, she continues to shape the region’s gastronomic identity with bold vision and thoughtful execution.
Although she did not take home the top award, Monsod’s back-to-back nominations place her in a league of her own. Her presence in Chicago this week served not only as a celebration of her own achievements, but as a signal that San Diego has arrived on the national dining stage.
As the James Beard Foundation begins a new chapter with expanded categories and greater emphasis on diversity and inclusion, chefs like Tara Monsod are leading the way - not only with food, but with purpose. Her story continues to inspire, and her impact will be felt for years to come.
For more information about Chef Tara Monsod, follow her journey at @tara.monsod on Instagram.
Originally published on June 16, 2025.
