The James Beard Awards, known as the “Oscars of food”, are prestigious honors in the culinary world. Named after legendary chef and food writer James Beard, these awards aim to showcase the diversity and innovation within the food and beverage industry. Established in 1990, they celebrate excellence in the culinary arts, including chefs, restaurants, writers, and other industry professionals. The awards recognize achievements in categories such as Best Chef, Outstanding Restaurant, and Emerging Talent.
In 2024, San Diego got a shoutout through the incredibly talented Tara Monsod, from ANIMAE.
Here are the two shining stars from San Diego to make the James Beard Awards semifinalists list in 2025!
Tara Monsod
For the second year in a row, Tara Monsod puts us on the map by making the prestigious list. She’s currently a nominee in the Best Chef: California category. She’s joining many big names from the state, most of them coming from L.A., or San Francisco.
With over a decade of professional experience, the cuisine at ANIMAE is centered around the coal-fired oven and Japanese robata grill. Here, you can find a unique mix of American and Asian flavors that are sure to impress. One of the dishes featured is chef Tara’s favorite childhood dish, Palabok, with bucatini, local lobster, crispy chicharrón, and trout roe. Uhm…yummy! You can also find szechuan inspired lamb, taiwanese chicken, or tuna crispy rice.
You can also find the chef’s touch at Le Coq, where she brings her authentic Asian flavors and fusions to a classic: French cuisine.
On ANIMAE’s Instagram’s, the following message comes from the chef: “It’s an incredible honor to be nominated for the second year in a row. None of this would be possible without my team, who work hard and support me—I’m endlessly grateful for them. I’m proud to stand alongside this year’s nominees in San Diego and to represent the Filipino culture.”
Recently, Tara Monsod was part of Pop Up for L.A., where over $30K were raised for World Central Kitchen.
Roma Norte
In the category of Best New Bar, Roma Norte, a vibrant Mexican cocktail bar, was also nominated! If you’ve ever visited Mexico City, you’ll understand that the vibe comes from the atmosphere of this amazing neighborhood – with a touch of San Diego. Roma Norte opened last summer – the masters behind the bar? The acclaimed team behind Puesto and Marisi, Beau du Bois and Derek Cram. At Roma Norte, they’re “ensuring every drink is not just photo-worthy but something you’ll order again and again. “. And with drinks on the menu like a Habanero Margarita, or a Tamarind Old-Fashioned, we can see why and how.
Besides selected cocktails (and mocktails), Roma Norte also serves a light, refreshing Mexico City-style bites. Think scallop tostadas, lobster torta, or even a Mexican shrimp cocktail.
Here we have our San Diego stars, putting our lovely city on the culinary map – we’re so proud of our James Beard Awards semifinalists, and we wish them all the luck!
P.S.: we’d also like to acknowledge the amazing Roberto Alcocer from Valle at Oceanside, also nominated for Best Chef: California.