Chef Jeff Rossman

Southern California native Jeff Rossman moved to San Diego in 1975. In 1998, he opened Terra Restaurant in Hillcrest (one of San Diego’s hippest neighborhoods) and has been a part of the San Diego food scene ever since. Under Jeff’s direction, Terra has become well known for its “New American” cuisine and its ever-evolving menu that changes with the seasons. Jeff has built long-standing relationships with area farmers and purveyors and is dedicated to featuring the best local, organic produce that these farms can provide. Terra has earned consistent acclaim from Wine Spectator magazine, Zagat, and the Southern California Restaurant Writers Association, and has been recognized with many honors and awards from local media, including San Diego Magazine, The San Diego Union-Tribune, and San Diego Home/Garden Lifestyle magazine.

Jeff has long been dedicated to the idea of giving back to the San Diego community. Over the years, he has become deeply involved in the issues of childhood obesity, school nutrition, and the promotion of local, sustainable, and organic food. He currently partners with a broad range of organizations, including many of San Diego County’s school districts, The San Diego Childhood Obesity Initiative, and the Farm to School pilot program. Jeff is president of Chef Celebration San Diego, a nonprofit group that raises money for chef scholarships, and is an active contributor to many charitable organizations, including Mama’s Kitchen, UCSD John Moore’s Cancer Center, Share Our Strength, and the American Liver Foundation.

Jeff is also chef/owner of Pam Pam Café, Shalom Kosher Catering, and Terra Catering.