Oceanside Chef Among James Beard Semifinalists

OCEANSIDE, CA — An Oceanside chef is celebrating recognition by the James Beard Foundation.

Roberto Alcocer, the chef at Valle in Oceanside, and Tara Monsod, the chef at ANIMAE in San Diego, are among 20 semifinalists for Best Chef: California. In addition, Roma Norte in San Diego is among the semifinalists for best new bar, according to the 2025 James Beard semifinalists announced last week.

The organization will further narrow down the semifinalists lists on April 2, when nominees are announced, before winners are announced at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards ceremony on June 16.

This year is the 35th anniversary of the prestigious culinary awards — often referred to as the "Oscars of food" — that recognize eateries and chefs who create exceptional food, food media content, and better food systems, the organization said. Awards also recognize a demonstrated commitment to racial and gender equity, community, sustainability, and a culture where all can thrive.

In celebration of 2025 as an anniversary year, Restaurant and Chef Award semifinalists are recognized across 25 categories, with an expanded focus on beverages. There are three new categories: Best New Bar, Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service and Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service.

Other categories include outstanding restaurateur, outstanding chef, outstanding restaurant, emerging chef, best new restaurant, outstanding bakery, outstanding pastry chef or baker, outstanding hospitality, outstanding wine and other beverages program, outstanding bar and best chef.

A full list of California semifinalists is available here.