Celebrating Life at Animae
With Executive Chef Tara Monsod of Animae
Mr. Sweet surprised me with a lovely dinner at Animae, where the executive chef is Filipina! Even cooler is that we got to meet her and chat for a bit. From our quick time together, I gathered she used to work with Chef Brian Marlarkey (most notably from Season 17 of Top Chef: All Stars) many years ago before the two came together for another partnership opportunity. Word has gotten around that a fine dining restaurant in San Diego has an executive chef who so happens to be Filipino, so Filipinos have been coming down from all over to support her work. You see, Filipinos are a proud bunch!
Anyway, I appreciate the art-deco design throughout the restaurant and modern approach to traditional Filipino, Japanese & other respective Asian dishes. I was pleasantly surprised to see items like, Lechon Kawali and Short Rib Kare Kare on the menu. Great job and thank you Mr. Sweet for being thoughtful about where my 34th birthday dinner should be!
Highlights from my birthday dinner at Animae:
It’s time I bid you farewell 33, the year I became pregnant, built Life Glamorized, read a few books, took up gentle yoga and barre classes and learned to chill without the pressure of being productive. I greet you now with open arms 34, the year I become Mommy, working parent and more consistent writer. It’s time to level up!
Salamat for stopping by. Please follow along @lifeglamorized as more adventures on, “Sophisticated Food, Sustainable Style & Splendid Living” unfold in the next year…and beyond.
Dine at Animae for a sophisticated food experience:
Marina District, San Diego 969 Pacific Hwy. San Diego, CA 92101 | Animae | @animae.sandiego