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with bacon, red pepper, and breadcrumbs — and my personal favorite, the Oeufs Mayonnaise: soft-cooked eggs with caviar and aioli. And of course, the Lobster Roll is not to be missed. I hadn't been to Animae in about a year, and I've clearly been missing out. Yes, chef Tara Monsod — who also leads the kitchen at Le Coq in La Jolla — is a James Beard nominee, collecting accolades faster than just about anyone in the city. And yes, the lush dining room, with its soaring ceilings and curvaceous booths, is undeniably sexy. But at its core, Animae is still all about the food. It is a steakhouse of sorts, but it departs from the traditional script, offering dishes that reflect Monsod's perspective as an Asian American chef. I enjoyed sharing the 16-ounce Australian wagyu New York Strip, cooked over a robata grill and served with banchan, small side dishes of sauces, fermented vegetables, and fruits designed to cleanse the palate. It arrives beautifully sliced on a striking platter — an absolute showstopper. Add in inventive dishes like Crispy Potatoes cooked in beef fat, Wagyu Corned Beef Fried Rice, and Charred Carrots with maple and black garlic glaze, and you've got a fresh, creative take on steakhouse dining. e college kids are raving about La Perla Cocina Mexicana Taco Shop in Point Loma. ey don't seem to mind waiting in line for an hour for La Perla's famous Oaxacalifornia burrito. It's a hefty two pounds — two handmade flour tortillas layered with melted cheese (essentially a quesadilla), then stuffed with high- quality carne asada, fries, pico de gallo, and guacamole. You can order it dry (wrapped in paper) or wet (drenched in ranchero sauce), and either way, it's indulgent. I had to try it myself and I agree — it's excellent. It's a solid value, too. In North County, another casual favorite for a slice of Roman- style pizza is Gelati & Peccati in downtown Encinitas. is small storefront offers about eight varieties of pizza by the slice. e display cases feel more like a jewelry shop, showcasing rows of beautiful, perfectly crafted pies. ere's also gelato and a bit of counter seating. It's an ideal summer stop. Gelati & Peccati Animae Hodad's La Perla Cocina Mexicana Taco Shop HODAD'S AT PETCO: ELLIOTT WOOD ALL OTHER PHOTOGRAPHY BY TERRYL GAVRE @ranchandcoast