There's a certain kind of magic that happens at the intersection of memory and ambition, and Chef Tara Monsod is living proof of that.

In this episode, Gabriel Ornelas sits down with Tara, the Executive Chef of Animae and Le Coq in San Diego and a two-time James Beard Award finalist, to explore the story behind her meteoric rise — and the deeper mission fueling her work.

Born and raised in LA, Tara has become one of San Diego's fiercest culinary champions. We discuss how she's reshaping perceptions of the city's food scene, why Filipino cuisine is both humble and powerful, and how she uses her platform to mentor the next generation of Asian American and Pacific Islander chefs.

This is a conversation about culture, creativity, and community — from building joyful, inclusive kitchen culture to infusing fine dining with soul and heritage.

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