Grab your popcorn, place your bets, and make your dinner reservations—it’s awards season. The Oscars of the restaurant world—the 35th annual James Beard Award nominations. This year, San Diego has three semifinalists to brag about.
The list, while short, is no surprise: Roma Norte is up for Best New Bar, while chef Tara Monsod at Animae and chef Roberto Alcocer at Valle are up for Best Chef: California. This year is Monsod’s second nomination in as many years, when she was the first-ever San Diego chef to make it to the final round. That’s huge.
“It’s kind of surreal,” says Monsod. “I’m happy to represent our city again—especially with the others nominated.” She’s quick to tip her hat to the Animae team, who stepped up to keep things rolling as she split her time between there and Le Coq in La Jolla. “They worked really hard to represent Animae, and do it well. If anything, it’s a team win.”
Chef Alcocer echoes her sentiments to his fellow nominees in a press release. “Being recognized alongside friends and chefs I deeply admire makes this moment even more special,” he says. “This nomination is not just for me, but for all the Latinos who work tirelessly in kitchens across the United States.” (We couldn’t agree more.)
Everyone mentioned is already intimately familiar with accolades for their work. Roma Norte’s Beau du Bois comes from the former three Michelin-starred The Restaurant at Meadowood in Napa Valley, and Roma Norte’s parent company Puesto earned a Michelin Plate nod in 2021.
Even with so many awards under his belt, du Bois says it’s still an honor. “To be listed among so many programs that we look up to, we’re very humbled as a team,” he says, citing his staff of incredibly passionate bartenders as the reason the six-month-old cocktail bar earned its spot.
Animae also earned Michelin Plate recognition and is listed in the 2024 guide, setting them up for their own star one day. Valle snagged its first Michelin star in 2023 and has kept it ever since, making it one of only five restaurants in San Diego that have ever had a star bestowed on them (including Southern California’s only three Michelin-starred Addison by William Bradley).
These are completely deserved, if not somewhat obvious picks. If you’ve had the pleasure of drinking or dining at any of these destinations, you’ll know what I’m talking about. If you haven’t, get the fig leaf Old Fashioned at Roma Norte; the chef’s tasting menu experience at Valle, clearly, you’re in good hands; and the short rib kare kare at Animae. Then order 10 more things.
I’d also be remiss if I didn’t echo SDM food critic Troy Johnson’s earlier musings about the obvious imbalances of the award regions and coverage. For San Diego to only nab three nominations in two categories out of 14 eligible categories feels a little familiar, and a little disappointing. California had 46 overall nominations, with Los Angeles clocking 14 of them and 16 going to San Francisco. Our region’s culinary scene is making huge strides, but still isn’t taken as seriously as it should be.
“San Diego doesn’t get enough love and recognition for our food culture here,” agrees Monsod. But, she adds, she thinks we’re on the right track. “I think, finally, we’re getting a little more representation… and it’s exciting to see.” She points to Roma Norte’s inclusion for Best New Bar as proof the city is growing up, not just in food, but drink as well.
Indeed, rather than dwelling on what we haven’t won, it feels like San Diego, at long last, is on the right path. Huge congratulations to Monsod, Alcocer, and the team at Roma Norte.
The full semifinalist list is here, and nominees for finalists in each category will be announced on Wednesday, April 2. Winners will be announced at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards ceremony on Monday, June 16.
