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 ANIMAE and Le Coq in San Diego. In summer 2021, Monsod assumed the Executive Chef role, immediately garnering accolades for her reinterpretation of ANIMAE’s culinary origins through dishes revelatory of her heritage including Tuna Kinilaw, Caviar Shrimp Toast, and Kare Kare Short Ribs. Monsod was named a James Beard Best Chef West semifinalist in January 2024, recognition that reflects her commitment to her craft, and the supportive and positive environment she’s established at the restaurant to nurture the growth of her team. Mirroring Brian Malarkey and Christopher Puffer’s emphasis on hospitality and generosity, Monsod can be seen walking the dining room on any given night, greeting and cultivating meaningful connections with guests. Sharing her cuisine motivates and moves her, and her hope is to become a culinary ambassador and mentor to the legions of Asian American and Pacific Islander cooks who aspire to break into the restaurant industry.