On April 21, 2025, San Diego held a monumental gathering that celebrated the city’s vibrant food and drink culture by bringing together 89 culinary and beverage innovators at Leila, located in North Park.
This illustrious assembly included chefs, bakers, brewers, farmers, and mixologists, all of whom contribute significantly to the local culinary scene. Their collective presence served as an impressive showcase of San Diego’s culinary talents.
Captured in a stunning cover shoot by renowned food culture photographer James Tran, this collection of industry leaders created a striking visual representation of the city’s gastronomic landscape.
Among those present were Chris Puffer from Puffer Malarkey Collective and Meghan Koll of Little Fox Cups & Cones, each respected for their dedication to elevating dining experiences in San Diego.
On the sushi front, JoJo Ruiz represented Lionfish and Temaki Sushi, while chefs like Accursio Lota from Trattoria Cori Pastificio and Randy Smerik from Solare Ristorante brought their unique flavors to the mix.
Notably, the bakeries were well-represented, with Crystal White showcasing her creations from Wayfarer Bread, while Sienna Walters highlighted her artisanal approach at Companion Bread.
The drink scene was equally vibrant, featuring key players like Michael Esposito from Snake Oil Cocktail Co. and Dave Lively of Fall Brewing Company, both well-known for their innovative concoctions and refreshing brews.
As the event unfolded, attendees experienced the spirit of collaboration and support that permeates San Diego’s culinary landscape. From the illustrious chefs to the vibrant mixologists, everyone at Leila was a part of this celebration of food excellence.
Cutting-edge establishments such as Atelier Manna, led by Andrew Bachelier, and Casa de Bandini, represented by the talented Tara Monsod, showcased their culinary prowess, offering delightful bites and creative dishes that delighted guests.
This yearbook-like photo served not only as a reminder of the culinary talent flourishing in San Diego but also highlighted the power of community among these industry professionals.
Further emphasizing the collaborative essence of San Diego’s food culture, many attendees came from diverse culinary backgrounds. For instance, Wally Sadat, known for The Kebab Shop, and Claudette Zepeda from Leu Leu both played vital roles this evening.
Moreover, newer examples of culinary ingenuity were presented by trailblazers like Carmen Velasco-Favela from Mujeres Brew House and Ananda Bareño from The Marine Room. They embody dynamic new voices within the established framework of San Diego cuisine.
Importantly, organizations and initiatives aimed at fighting hunger, such as Kate Garrett’s Feeding San Diego, were also highlighted, underscoring the communal responsibility felt by many in the local culinary ecosystem.
While this vibrant gathering at Leila underscored the growing food and drink culture of San Diego, not everyone could fit into the frame, as some notable attendees were not pictured but nonetheless made an impact on the event.
In conclusion, the April gathering illustrated a kaleidoscope of talent and community spirit that defines the San Diego culinary scene in 2025. It not only showcased the present but also hinted at a promising future for the city’s gastronomic landscape.
image source from：https://sandiegomagazine.com/food-drink/san-diego-best-restaurants-cover-shoot/
