The downtown San Diego night time scene grew up exponentially when real estate developer Howard Berkson, a Chicago businessman, who grew up with first class dinner show operations, decided to open Anthology.
“There’s a demographic niche in this town that wants a first class experience in food, wine and music,” he said. “That’s what we provide with our renowned chef, Todd Allison and his farm-fresh menu, and three levels of unobstructed views of top musical acts, six nights a week, with two shows nightly.”
The digital sound system is among the best I have heard. There are two bars and lounges for those who want just a cocktail or glass of wine. Many intimate booths and 300 seats for dining
provide for the comfort of diners.
From unplugged solos to large bands, there is always an exciting array of local and national artists, playing blues, jazz, pop, classic rock and Latin.
On the night I was reviewing Anthology, their band featured vocalist Rebecca Jade, a sultry, smooth jazz singer whose emotional style and resume of San Diego appearances commands attention.
Her debut CD is now out. Check it out at
thejadeelement.com.
The menu of food and wines is second to none downtown. This night, chef chose a grilled lamb chop as the appetizer. Roasted cauliflower, herbed spaetzle and a tzatziki sauce supported it. An Asian pear and wild arugula salad followed, laced with blue cheese, cranberry and pistachio pesto.
The main course was a roasted garlic-crusted tenderloin of beef, with grilled new potatoes, asparagus tips, with a black pepper bordelaise sauce. I left it up to the table manager for a wine choice and he came up with a 2007 Leal Meritage, perfectly balanced with 60 percent Cabernet, 23 percent Merlot, 11 percent Cab Franc and 6 percent Malbec ($50).
Big time talent loves to play this intimate venue, so reminiscent of the ‘40s and ‘50s supper club scene in L.A., New York and Chicago.
The 13,000-square-foot restaurant club extends vertically to three levels, including a mezzanine and VIP Dining Room. On the upper level there are indoor/outdoor spaces including a Fireside Lounge, outdoor Bayside Balcony and a private dining room.
Reservations are strongly recommended. Anthology is closed on Monday and open Tuesday through Sunday from 5:30 p.m. Find out more at (619) 595-0300 or visit AnthologySD.com.
Wine Bytes
— San Diego Wine Company is planning a German Wine Tasting Aug. 27 from 11 to 4:30 p.m. $10. Call (858) 586-WINE.
— Grape Stomp 2011 at Orfila Winery in Escondido is Aug. 27 from 4 to 8 p.m. $85 admission includes wine tasting with appetizers, dinner buffet, grape stomping, and music by Java Sounds, tractor rides and more. For details, call (760) 738-6500, ext. 22.
— Bacchus Wine Bar and Market in the Gaslamp San Diego has their Anniversary Party Aug. 27 from 5 to 9 p.m. Prepaid RSVP for $20. Call (619) 236-0005.
— Gen 7 Wines is having a new release party at Tommy V’s in Del Mar, Aug. 28 from 2 to 5 p.m. Wine, food and fun are promised from winemaker and owner Tim Bacino. $50 per person. RSVP to [email protected].
— The Vault: Contemporary Art and Fine Wine is the name of a special event at the Hilton Bayfront Hotel downtown San Diego Sept. 3 from 6 to 8 p.m. Over 30 wineries are promised, with over 500 works of art from around the world. Cost is $25 each, $35 at the door.
For more, call (619) 312-1212 or artsandiego2011.eventbrite.com.
— The 2011 Sonoma Wine Country Weekend is Sept. 2 to Sept. 4. Winemaker lunches, dinners and barbecue offered throughout.
Main event is a Taste of Sonoma on Sept. 3 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at McMurray Ranch in Healdsburg.
For details, call (800) 939-7666, or visit sonomawinecountryweekend.com.
