Tara Monsod is the executive chef of ANIMAE and Le Coq in San Diego, where she integrates Filipino flavors and technique into high-craft steakhouse formats. Monsod became San Diego’s first-ever James Beard Award finalist (Best Chef: California) in 2024 and returned as a finalist in 2025, recognition that cemented her as a leading voice in the city’s dining scene. She assumed the ANIMAE executive chef role in 2021 and later added Le Coq, a French steakhouse in La Jolla. Born in Hollywood, she pivoted from nursing to culinary school in San Diego before working her way through local kitchens and into leadership. Recent local coverage and awards have highlighted her impact on San Diego’s profile.
Tara Monsod
Executive chef of ANIMAE and Le Coq in San Diego, two-time James Beard finalist Tara Monsod channels Filipino flavors into high-craft steakhouse menus, elevating San Diego, reframing fine dining’s expectations.
Chef
Expert’s Contributions
Medium
5H 52MIN
Chef Tara Monsod (ANIMAE; Le Coq, San Diego) streamlines sisig with roast-then-broil pork belly, a bright calamansi-laced sauce, and a runny egg you mix in at the table.
