Multiple-time James Beard nominee Tara Monsod comes in to talk about kitchen life and the rise of Filipino food—the fare she grew up with—in San Diego. She and host Troy Johnson run through their list of the best date spots in the city, including oysters on the only rooftop hideout in North Park (Deckman’s North), a tuckaway in Mission Hills that Troy named “Restaurant of the Year” (Wolf in the Woods), a Point Loma classic laden with enough candles to conjure even the sleepiest libido (The Venetian), and other spots where food doesn’t disappoint the ambiance.
As for Filipino food, it was just a matter of time. Sisig and lechon kawali would not be denied their rightful glories. San Diego has one of the strongest Filipino American communities in the US. For decades, the cuisine was represented by a few staples in National City (shout out, Tita’s Kitchenette). The best adobo was in the parks, cooked by local families. The kids of those families who chose to cook for a living learned in French and Italian kitchens.
Eventually, they’d turn those skills to the dishes they grew up with. In San Diego, chefs like the late Anthony Sinsay, Craig Jimenez, Phil Esteban (White Rice) and Tara are leading the way.
