Anthology: Behind the Scenes

Ah, San Diego: dream weather, sun-kissed beaches and a thriving arts scene? With its coastal location and ideal year-round temperatures, visitors have flocked to San Diego in search of fun and sun for years, but dig deeper and you’ll find cultural offerings rivaling any big city that make for a new way to experience the town.

“After dinner…go to Anthology to hear some of the best jazz in the city.” – Peter Greenberg

Read the full article here

Via petergreenberg.com

By Alanna Berman | sdjewishjournal.com

Nestled in between the East Village and Little Italy, Anthology is the hip music and culinary venture of owners Marsha and Howard Berkson, drawing crowds of all ages to experience world class entertainment and award-winning food and drinks. One of the only venues of its kind in San Diego, the intimate, 300-seat house has won numerous awards since opening in 2007.

“We loved the venues from the 1930s and 40s — the supper club restaurants and venues from the old days,” Howard says. “But we put a contemporary spin on it so you can actually have a three- or four-hour experience here with great vibes in a room that’s architecturally pleasing, with artists you can’t always see up close, from all over the world.”

Anthology has been host to world-class acts like the legendary jazz artists Ramsey Lewis, Natalie Cole and Wyton Marsalis. The venue has even helped propel the careers of many rising stars, like Israeli musician Idan Raichel, who appeared in June on Anthology’s stage with popular hip-hop and soul singer India.Arie. Contemporary artists Micelle Branch and Sarah Bareilles have also taken the stage here.

Each week, the Anthology team sits down to look for new and emerging artists to bring to San Diego, so that no matter what type of music guests listen to, they’re sure to find an artist who appeals to them on the lineup.

“There is always something different playing,” Marsha says, “but the level of talent will always be very high.”

In addition to a nice mix of well-known and up and coming artists, the Anthology House Band plays R&B and jazz standards every Tuesday night, and once a month, the venue is host to the San Diego Symphony in a collaboration called “Luscious Noise,” drawing crowds of all ages to enjoy an “edgier side of classical music,” as Howard describes it.

But it’s not just the music that’s garnered Anthology praise. The food, “California cuisine with a farm-to-table twist,” is as eclectic as the musical talent that accompanies it. The menu changes seasonally, and sometimes daily, based on the availability of the freshest ingredients, Marsha says. The California Restaurant Association has even awarded Anthology’s culinary staff the coveted Gold Medallion three of the last four years.

Bringing to the table all of the components of a great night out — award-winning food, world-class entertainment and an exceptional, fully stocked bar — is what the Anthology experience is all about.

“The best thing about running Anthology is making people happy,” Marsha says. “It’s a different experience than going to a 20,000-seat arena, so we are very proud with how happy we are able to make people, doing what we love.”

Anthology serves up entertainment for all ages six nights a week, Tuesday through Sunday. Dinner starts at 5 p.m. nightly. For reservations and ticket prices, visit Anthology online or call the box office. Additionally, Anthology’s private event team can accommodate any party or gathering, from weddings and b’nai mitzvah to corporate meetings.

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Anthology

1337 India Street

San Diego, CA 92101

www.anthologysd.com

(619) 595-0300

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Via sdjewishjournal.com

by Elizabeth Salaam | theyukipages.com

At first, it’s hard to tell if Chef Todd Allison (of Anthology) is a solemn guy or if he just needs time to warm up. He sits across from me at one of Anthology’s tall bar tables drinking coffee out of a paper cup. He offers me some, and it’s not not more than five minutes before he’s smiling and telling me about his puppy. (Whew!) Don’t let his impeccable posture and serious face fool you. He swears he’s a laid-back guy.

Chef Todd Allison

“I’m probably one of the calmest chefs ever,” he says. ”I’ve worked for yelling chefs, and the way I see it, it’s possible to teach a person how to cook without yelling at them.”

The no-yelling rule might sound simple until you take into consideration the amount of pressure his kitchen is under every night. While a typical restaurant staggers reservations, thus keeping the pace at a steady flow throughout the evening, Anthology is a San Diego supper club that doesn’t accept reservations. Guests come in one big rush centered around performance time.

“Our doors open at 5:30,” Allison says, “but people tend to come closer to show time. Most shows begin at 7:30, so they’ll come in around 7, hoping to have their meals in front of them by the time the show starts.”

Pan-seared salmon. Yum.

What this means for Allison and his gang in the kitchen is that they might get 200 orders at once. Because of this, he has created dishes built around speed. Most have fewer ingredients than he’d like to play with artistically. And, yes, he does sometimes miss the slower pace, but he believes “there’s a time and a place to be an artist.” Besides, the crazy pace of the just-before-showtime rush makes time fly.

Allison does admit to one rule: Please keep it down. With so much happening and so many people in the kitchen at once, the noise can get out of control.

“There shouldn’t be more than a few people talking at once,” he says. “Some nights, all I want to hear is pans.”

Oooh. Curried duck.

Even with the intense pace, you can’t take artistry out of the equation. Even though he works in slightly more confining parameters than he was accustomed to in the fine-dining establishments of his past, Allison does have full freedom of the menu at Anthology. Along with the creation of each dish (you can’t tell me those brussels sprouts aren’t pretty), he also finds the time to add in little bits of artistry where he can. On a slower night, for example, he’ll take an extra step that adds to the presentation of each dish.

Brussels sprouts never looked so delicious.

Favorite Dog Beach: Coronado Dog Beach

“I have a new puppy, a Lab/Pit mix named Lily. She loves this beach. It’s big and clean. Also, I grew up in Coronado, so it’s home to me.”

Favorite Surf Beach: Black’s Beach – La Jolla

“It has the best waves in Southern California.”

Favorite Sushi: Azuki Sushi – Bankers Hill

“For one, I like this place because it’s open on Mondays, which is my day off. A lot of restaurants are closed on Mondays. I just go in, sit down, and I’m at their mercy. I tell them what I like, and they’ve never let me down. I’m into yellowtail, octopus, Spanish mackerel, anything spicy or citrusy.

Favorite Market: Little Italy Farmers’ Market

“It’s right up the street from my home and the restaurant. And I have a good relationship with the farmers. If I can’t make it to the market, I call, and they’ll usually stop by the restaurant on their way out of town.”

P.S.

Ever wonder if chefs watch cooking shows? Count Allison among those who do.

“Top Chef is the best one,” he tells me.

Don’t tell anyone, but Anthology might have to give him a leave of absence some time in the coming year.

“I’m waiting for the next Top Chef auditions,” he says.

Hmmmm. Based on his obvious culinary time-management skills, the contest pressures should be a breeze.

Our fingers are crossed, Chef Todd!

All photos courtesy of Anthology.

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Via theyukipages.com

Anthology is that great supper club in Little Italy known for entertaining adults with even greater live music. This Mother’s Day, the doors are opening to the kiddies as well. From 11am-2pm guests will enjoy a delicious brunch featuring Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Chicken and Waffles and good ol’ Steak and Eggs while the house band plays tributes to female musical legends. At 7pm moms can enjoy a dinner show featuring guitar duo Strunz & Farah. Tickets are going fast, so reserve your spot now!

Anthology, 1337 India St. San Diego, CA 92101, 619-595-0300 www.anthologysd.com

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Via Examiner.com

By Maria Desiderata Montana | sandiegofoodfinds.com

We’ve got the scoop and a special sneak peak at the menu.

Anthology continues its Mother’s Day tradition once again this year by featuring a special Mom’s Day menu with delectables from Executive Chef Todd Allison while the House Band makes beautiful music. Seating takes place May 8th between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Sip and savor specialty cocktails and delicious brunch-style items for adults and kids alike.

Mother’s Day Menu

Basket of Assorted Tea Breads

Starters

Crunchy granola and yogurt parfait
Topped with fresh berries

House smoked salmon and bagel chips
Veggie cream cheese, capers and frisee salad

Giant Cinnamon Roll
Spiced glaze, golden raisin compote

Roasted Brussels sprouts
Pomegranate, Cara Cara orange, candied walnut

Fresh Fruit & toasted almonds
Watermelon, pineapple, cantaloupe, honey dew

Dungeness crab salad
Mustard greens, shaved apple, stone ground mustard vinaigrette

Entrees

Monte Cristo sandwich
Smoked ham, gruyere and swiss toped with a blueberry jam

ANTHOLOGY SIGNATURE BLACK ANGUS BURGER
Wild Arugula, Red Onion & Bacon Aioli, Cave Aged White Cheddar

Wild mushroom Omelet
Cheddar cheese, spinach, house dried tomatoes, skillet fried new potatoes

Cobb salad
Citrus grilled chicken, blue cheese, bacon, hard boiled egg

Pan roasted loch duart salmon
Bloomsdale spinach, salsify chowder

Steak and eggs
Grilled 6 oz flat iron steak, 2 eggs, skillet fried new potatoes

Huevos Rancheros
Spanish chorizo, black beans, avocado creme

Chicken & waffles
Pan fried chicken breast, maple syrup

Dessert

Old fashioned Apple cobbler
Cinnamon ice cream

Dark chocolate molten cake
Peppermint ice cream

KIDS MENU: All items $12

Waffles with Fresh Fruit

Eggs any style with skillet fried new potatoes

Chicken Fingers and French Fries

Offered to Children under 10.

SIGNATURE COCKTAILS

EAZY RIDER
Grey Goose La Poire, St. Germain, Grapefruit, Agave Nectar, Lemon

VOODOO CHILD
Hendrick’s Gin, Cucumber, Green Apple, Lime

DAY TRIPPER
Pineapple Infused Tequila, Jalapeño Syrup, Cilantro, Lime

THE GAMBLER
Buffalo Trace Bourbon, White Peach Purée, Brown Sugar, Mint, Lemon

THE ROBINSON’S AFFAIR
Stoli Citrus, Pomegranate, Honey, Lemon

PURPLE RAIN
Lavender Infused Gin, Honey, Lemon, Champagne

POTION #9
Chambord Raspberry Vodka, Passion Fruit Purée, Champagne

NIGHT SHIFT
Stoli Vanilla, Baileys, Kahlua, Iced Espresso

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Via sandiegofoodfinds.com

Billed as the Celebrity Chefs Tour, this four-hour food tasting and cooking event’s name can lead to incredibly high expectations.

Instantly, the mind races with impossibility: Eric Ripert, Michael Mina and Thomas Keller, or at least the Voltaggio brothers, strutting off the Lindbergh Field tarmac, knives in hand. In slow motion, no less.

But for this event, celebrity meant a season five Top Chef contestant from San Diego and a Food Network cupcake show contestant. The tour part of the event’s name could only be justified from the latter’s Los Angeles commute.

Food fantasies aside, this event, held on a late Sunday morning at Anthology, turned out to be an enjoyable experience.

Emulating a tasting menu of sorts, the event took place in five parts and included tasting samples of each dish while chefs provided live demonstrations. Recipes were provided for the entire event.

For an early morning drink, Cowboy Star’s bartender Garth Flood took the stage to demonstrate three drinks, including the Old Fashioned, a hot Whiskey, as well as a Tequila drink. While Flood shared his insights into the quality of alcoholic ingredients, tiny samples of the Old Fashioned were served as a belly warmer for a cold and rainy day. Seconds were easily had thanks to an eager waitstaff.

Afterwards, Cheese Wiz Gina of Venissimo cheeses, demonstrated her method for constructing a balanced cheese plate, then following up with a tutorial for fresh ricotta. Two cheese samples were available for tasting between presentations.

For the appetizer course, Anthology executive chef Todd Allison, along with an assistant, took part in creating both a butternut squash rock shrimp risotto, as well as a beet and buratta salad. Along with wonderful presentation, Chef Allison’s plate revealed flavors that were a clean balance between savory and sweetness.

For an entree, Top Chef contestant Richard Sweeney espoused the value of pork belly dishes and demonstrated a rolled pork belly with bacon sage cornbread stuffing, black pepper milk gravy served with a side of smokey collard greens. Sweeney’s dish, which used bacon redundantly – that’s a good thing – was an exceptional comfort choice for the day’s wet weather.

Afterwards, pastry chef “Red Velvet” Stephanie Gaxiola, a Food Network Cupcake Wars contestant, along with two assistants, presented an interactive demonstration of three different cupcakes, including a pumpkin French toast, caramel candy apple pie (both pictured below), and chocolate candy corn cupcakes. Guests were encourage to come up an help with the demonstration. The result was a moist and flavorful bite.

The event included a promotional demonstration. La Jolla Cost Plus World Market General Manager put on a table setting demonstration while her assistant promoted the fall line of tablewares. In return, Cost Plus supplied the swag bags, as well three gift baskets for raffling.

Overall, the event ran smoothly with incredibly prompt service, and each of the speakers was entertaining in each of his or her own way. Where Chef Allison was humble and down to earth, Chef Sweeney was full of entertaining sarcasm and wit. Gaxiola, on the other hand, was bubbly and equally amusing at that.

While tickets were priced at $70/person, at the last minute, 25 tickets were offered at two for one. The series will continue Nov. 14 and Dec. 5 with different chef guests.

Celebrity Chefs Tour
Anthology
1337 India Street
San Diego CA 92101
http://celebritychefssandiego.blogspot.com/

http://www.anthologysd.com/index.html

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Via chidoeats.com

Local music venue makes tickets to Taste even sweeter with pass to Anthology’s “Fresh Vibe Tuesdays” for all event ticket holders and $10 off the best seats for the David Sanborn Concert on November 3 and 4 at the 9:30 p.m. show times

What: For the third year in a row, The Little Italy Association (LIA) proudly presents Taste of Little Italy. Participants get to enjoy tastes of traditional Italian restaurants along with sophisticated and eclectic eateries in San Diego’s hip and historic downtown neighborhood. With the purchase of a ticket, visitors to Taste of Little Italy will receive a passport that will be stamped by each restaurant in exchange for a taste of their featured menu item. Appetizers, desserts and specialty beverages will be offered as visitors stroll through the district enjoying vignettes of live musical entertainment. This year, the Association is proud to host Jazz Flutist Bradley Leighton and Latin Combo performer Todo Mundo at the event.

Now, with the purchase of a ticket, Little Italy-based Anthology is providing a pass to the venue’s popular “Fresh Vibes Tuesday” and $10 off the regularly-priced tickets on the floor and mezzanine sections (normally $42 and $28 apiece). Those who purchase a Taste of Little Italy ticket will also receive a gift card that can be redeemed as the “David Sanborn Discount” at Anthology.

“Taste of Little Italy brings out locals who are definitely going to appreciate this special add-on to their tickets from Anthology,” said Sandi Cottrell, event managing director. “After enjoying the best of Little Italy restaurants, people can make a night of it by seeing one of music’s greatest artists at a discount either than night or the next.”

David Sanborn is an artist whose music has inspired countless other musicians while creating a body of work that spans the genres of rock ‘n’ roll, R&B, pop and jazz. A naturally gifted performer, David has helped defined the saxophone’s modern sound while influencing a generation. He has been a highly regarded session player since the late 1960s, playing with an array of well-known artists, such as James Brown, Bryan Ferry, Eric Clapton, Cat Stevens, Roger Daltrey, Stevie Wonder, Paul Simon, Jaco Pastorius, the Brecker Brothers, David Bowie, Todd Rundgren, Bruce Springsteen, Little Feat, Tommy Bolin, Bob James, James Taylor, Al Jarreau, Pure Prairie League, Kenny G, George Benson, Joe Beck, Donny Hathaway, Elton John, Gil Evans, Carly Simon, Linda Ronstadt, Billy Joel, Kenny Garrett, Roger Waters, Steely Dan, Ween, The Eagles and The Grateful Dead. Sanborn has won numerous awards including Grammy Awards for Voyeur (1981), Double Vision (1986) and the instrumental album Close Up (1988). His latest album is titled “Only Everything.”

Proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the Little Italy Association, which is dedicated to the ongoing improvement and enhancement of the Little Italy neighborhood.

When: Wednesday, November 3, 2010
5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Where: Little Italy Neighborhood in downtown San Diego with India Street serving as main event corridor. For directions, visit http://www.littleitalysd.com/OurLocation.asp

Tickets: Tickets may be purchased online by visiting www.tasteoflittleitalysd.com or by calling
(619) 615-1092.

Advance purchase: $35.00 for individual tickets
Day-of purchase: $40.00 for individual tickets

Information: Visit: www.tasteoflittleitalysd.com or call (619) 615-1092.

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Via sandiego6.com

by Michelle Poveda

On Sunday, October 17th from noon to 4:00pm the Celebrity Chefs Tours will be taking over Anthology in Little Italy. The event will consist of a full meal demonstration that promises to be an easy recreation for you at home.

 Over the course of three months starting in October, Anthology will host a stellar line up of local culinary talents who will share their knowledge and demonstrate their talents in the kitchen.

For the first October 17th event, former Top Chef contestant and owner of R Gang Eatery in Hillcrest, Richard Sweeny, will be presenting the main course. He will be accompanied by Anthology’s Executive Chef Todd Allison who will demonstrate appetizers and pastry chef Stefanie Gaxiola famous for her appearance on The Cupcake Wars as well as winning Cheesecake Factory’s new Cheesecake competition will be presenting dessert. For cocktails, Mixologist Garth Flood of Cowboy Star in downtown will be sharing the tips and tricks of his favorite cocktails.

Tickets are $75 each or $140 for two tickets. Only 150 tickets will be sold so that audience members get the most intimate experience possible. Samples of all the chef’s creations will be provided (you couldn’t possibly leave without a taste!) and there’s even the promise of leaving with a great swag bag!

The event is open to all walks of life. So if you’re a foodie, experienced cooker or just looking to try something new and fun, then this event is just your cup of tea.  

To purchase tickets visit: www.anthologysd.com or www.inyourkitchen.com/celebritytour

Anthology 1337 India Street San Diego, CA 92101 (619) 595-0300

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Via examiner.com

Red Velvet Stefanie on NBC San Diego talking about: The Celebrity Chef Tour at Anthology this Sunday from noon-4! Come watch us make Fall recipes that are fun and easy to make from home! Free samples of everything for those who attend!

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WHAT: Celebrity Chefs Tours San Diego
WHEN: Sunday, 10/17/10, 12noon-4pm
TICKETS: $75 BUY TICKETS
MORE INFO: Event Details