Name: Oceanside International Film Festival
Start: 2026-02-26
End: 2026-02-26
Location: Brooks Theater

o'SIDE TAKES THE james beard stage

Oceanside has long been celebrated for its surf breaks, coastal culture, and creative spirit – but in recent years, our food scene has risen to match that same energy. That momentum is now being showcased on a national stage. This October, Chef Roberto Alcocer of Michelin-starred Valle will represent Oceanside in New York City during a collaborative dinner at The Platform by James Beard Foundation, one of the most prestigious stages in the culinary world.

a taste of socal served

What a night in New York City! On October 8th, 2025, The Collab Dinner: A Taste of SoCal Cuisine brought the spirit of San Diego’s culinary coast straight to the James Beard Platform, showcasing the vibrant flavors, creativity, and collaboration that define our region. Guests savored an unforgettable multi-course dinner led by some of Southern California’s most visionary chefs, featuring coastal ingredients, Baja inspiration, and the laid-back sophistication of our SoCal food scene. From Yellowtail from our Oceanside Harbor to artful presentations and heartfelt storytelling, it was a true celebration of community and cuisine. Thank you, New York, for coming out and supporting our San Diego chefs, your warm welcome made this evening one for the books.

Meet THE Chef

Chef Roberto Alcocer of Valle

Valle Behind the Scenes

Chef Roberto Alcocer is the visionary behind Valle, Oceanside’s only Michelin-starred restaurant, and a 2025 James Beard Award semifinalist. With more than 25 years of experience in acclaimed kitchens across Baja, California, France, and Spain, Alcocer has been at the forefront of modern Mexican cuisine, blending vibrant, playful flavors with refined technique.

He first gained attention at his celebrated Valle de Guadalupe restaurant, Malva, before bringing his distinct perspective north to Oceanside. At Valle, his seasonally inspired, California-sourced menus are elevated through soulful Mexican traditions and nuanced presentation. Every dish reflects both his Baja roots and global training, creating an experience that is simultaneously approachable, refined, and deeply personal.

Through this artistry and storytelling, Alcocer is helping define Southern California’s evolving gastronomic identity – one that celebrates cultural exchange, coastal abundance, and Always O’riginal creativity.

A Cross-Cultural Coastal Collab

Chef Tara Monsod

Chef Eric Bost

This special dinner also highlights the strength of the wider San Diego region. Chef Roberto will be joined by:

Chef Eric Bost (Carlsbad) – The visionary behind Michelin-starred Jeune et Jolie and Lilo, known for refined French technique paired with California’s seasonal abundance.
Chef Tara Monsod (San Diego) – A two-time James Beard Award nominee, she leads La Jolla’s Le Coq and downtown San Diego’s Animae with fearless creativity, merging Filipino American heritage and French tradition to boldly reimagine the modern steakhouse.

Together, these three chefs embody the evolution of San Diego’s dining scene -proving that our region, supported by partners like Visit Carlsbad and San Diego Tourism Authority (SDTA), is redefining the West Coast as a destination for culinary travelers.

Culinary Excellence Year-Round

The best part? You don’t have to travel to New York to experience the flavors putting Oceanside on the national stage. Visitors can immerse themselves in our food culture year-round, starting with Chef Roberto’s kitchen at Valle and extending to events that celebrate the city’s culinary creativity:

Valle – Oceanside’s Michelin-starred jewel, where Alcocer’s tasting menus showcase his Baja roots through California-grown ingredients.
Collaboration Dinners – Intimate evenings at Valle where Alcocer partners with other acclaimed chefs and winemakers, creating specialty menus that highlight the artistry of teamwork.
O’wineside Wine Festival (October) – O’wineside brings together Baja’s best winemakers and friends from near and far for a one-of-a-kind festival by the sea. Stay tuned for full details.
Swell Plates Series (January – February) – The city’s seasonal dining passport that invites you to explore exclusive chef-driven creations, including Valle’s, while discovering new favorites across the city.

Plan Your foodie Getaway

The Brick Hotel

Dinner at Valle

Rooftop at Mission Pacific Beach Resort

Plan your coastal escape where Michelin stars meet beachside bites. From luxury oceanfront resorts to boutique stays and budget-friendly hideaways, Oceanside serves up bold flavors and coastal cool. Explore Places to Stay.

Save 15% At Club Wyndham Oceanside Pier Resort

Save up to 15% off your stay of two or more nights at Wyndham Oceanside Pier Resort. Promo code: AFFIL.

Save 15% At Best Western Oceanside Inn

Save 15% off regular rates at Best Western Oceanside Inn when booking online using this special link.

Save 10% at Blue Skies a Private Mini-Resort

Enjoy a 10% discount with code: visitoceanside Escape from your everyday life to this dreamy Southern California oasis designed for family getaways, group vacations or creative retreats.

Save 10% At Super 8 by Wyndham

Enjoy 10% off bookings at Super 8 by Wyndham Oceanside Downtown.

Save 20% At Springhill Suites by Marriott Oceanside Beach

Guests are invited to take advantage of a 20% savings off of regular rates at SpringHill Suites Oceanside Beach when they book online at the special link.

$100 Dining Credit At The Brick Hotel

Book a 2-night stay via The Brick Hotel website and use code BRICK100 to receive a $100 gift card, valid at both on-site restaurants Cococabana and The Lobby Tiki Bar. PLUS COMPLIMENTARY: welcome drinks, morning coffee at Succulent Coffee, fitness offerings – including yoga on the rooftop and a F45 class at F45’s Oceanside Pier location. Valid for NEW reservations only. Cannot be applied retroactively to existing bookings. Can not be combined with other promotions.