Tara Monsod

Tara Monsod brings over a decade of kitchen experience, a lifetime of passion, and a culinary perspective shaped by her upbringing as a Filipino-American to her role as Executive Chef of Puffer Malarkey Collective’s Le Coq and ANIMAE in San Diego. Monsod’s culinary journey includes positions at acclaimed San Diego restaurants, including Juniper & Ivy, Herringbone, Burlap, and Mozza.

In summer 2021, Monsod assumed the role of executive chef at ANIMAE, immediately garnering a loyal following and accolades for her reinterpretation of the restaurant’s culinary origins through dishes revelatory of her Southeast Asian heritage. During her tenure, she became a three-time James Beard Award Semifinalist, a testament to her bold culinary voice and leadership. Monsod was later named San Diego’s first-ever James Beard Foundation Best Chef California Finalist in April 2024 — recognition that reflects her commitment to her craft and the supportive, positive environment she’s established to nurture the growth of her team.