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.

 

Learn more about Animae: 

https://bit.ly/4lVk7xf

 

 

Follow Tar Monsod on Instagram:

https://bit.ly/45c4UjX

 

 

Follow On The Pass on Instagram:

http://bit.ly/3Kvgm1n

 

 

Subscribe to On The Pass on YouTube:

https://bit.ly/4hajZq8

 

 

Watch On The Pass Original: RARE, A Chef's Story:

https://bit.ly/3NKDU2N

 

 

Follow our Host, Gabriel Ornelas:

http://bit.ly/3YS964b

 

 

Learn more about On The Pass:

https://bit.ly/44rEOsR

 

 

Lets work together! Get in contact:

https://www.onthepass.com