San Diego chef named a finalist for prestigious James Beard Award
The executive chef of a downtown San Diego steakhouse is a finalist for the best chef in California in the 33rd annual James Beard Foundation Restaurant and Chef Awards. Tara Monsod, executive chef at ANIMAE in downtown San Diego, has been named a finalist for the James Beard Foundation Restaurant and Chef Awards. Monsod is among five nominees in the Best Chef: California category. She was selected for meeting criteria for best regional chef, which includes those who set high standards in their skills and leadership abilities while also helping to create a sustainable work culture and making a positive impact on their community. The awards will recognize winners for their commitment to racial and gender equity, community, and sustainability.
Published : a month ago by Rhea Caoile in Business
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — The executive chef of a downtown San Diego steakhouse is a finalist for the best chef in California in the 33rd annual James Beard Foundation Restaurant and Chef Awards.
ANIMAE’s executive chef Tara Monsod was named among five nominees in the Best Chef: California category, the foundation announced Wednesday. According to the restaurant’s website, she has more than a decade of kitchen experience and brings Filipino flavors shaped by her heritage to the forefront of her culinary craft.
Monsod was selected as a nominee for meeting the criteria for best regional chef, which includes those who set high standards in their skills and leadership abilities while also helping to create a sustainable work culture and making a positive impact on their community.
One of Monsod’s popular dishes at ANIMAE is the short rib kare kare, which includes green beans, eggplant and bagoong peanut oil. Bagoong is a traditional Filipino paste made with either fermented fish or shrimp.
ANIMAE is owned by chef Brian Malarkey, a restauranteur and a finalist on Season 3 of Top Chef. He also owns Herb & Wood in Little Italy and Herb & Sea in Encinitas.
In February, it was announced on Instagram that Monsod will also take on the role of executive chef at Le Coq, a modern French-influenced steakhouse Malarkey is set to open in La Jolla sometime this spring.
The mission of the James Beards Awards, according to its website, is to recognize not only culinary and hospitality achievements, but also the demonstrated commitment to racial and gender equity, community and sustainability.
The James Beard awards will recognize winners at an official ceremony on Monday, June 10 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago. Tickets for the ceremony will go on sale next Tuesday.