Shanika Whaley
City Times
The new jazz club in San Diego offers fine dining mixed with great musical talent that features an impressive ambiance. In Little Italy, this is the place to be if you want to step out of the norm of the downtown San Diego nightlife. It offers class, sophistication and an atmosphere to die for.
1337 India Street is where the new jazz club Anthology resides. Nothing but great reviews and positive vibes have been boasted about this venue. Jazz bands and worldwide musical acts come to this venue because it’s new, upcoming, has a great sound system and projector, but also the flair for fantastic food.
The digital sound system at Anthology, alone, was over one Million dollars, plus on stage behind the musicians is a projector screen that displays every single note the artist is playing. If that wasn’t enough, showing every line and freckle on their face helps to show how disciplined and enthusiastic they are about being there.
“It’s all true,” stated Marcus Pierce, Ticket Attendant at Anthology. “Everywhere you sit is a good seat.”
Bands such as The Yellow Jackets, a local San Diego band who performed Saturday Sept. 1 offered a mix of what sounded like experimental jazz, mixed with soft moodiness. Also The Steely Damned cover band played on Sept. 21. For those of you who like Steely Dan or have parents that use to jam to their music, this was definitely a show to take them to.
“It’s the 30th anniversary of the Asia album,” Shouted Bob Tedde, lead singer of Steely Damned. From the stage, Tedde continues, “We will be playing all the songs from the Asia album.”
Accompanied with great music, is the unbelievable cuisine offered at Anthology. Prepared by two top chefs; Executive chef Jim Phillips, and Bradley Ogden, Consulting chef award winner. Both prepare very light, delicious which contain the right portions, not to much, but just the right amount. But of course, you can’t forget the drink list.
The Artisan and Farmstead cheese plate ($14.00) features a variety of different cheeses ranging from strong and firm, to soft and easy to spread. For a main course try the Prime Rib Cap steak ($21.00), which comes with a small scoop of buttermilk whipped potatoes, crispy shallots and your steak cut up, and cooked how you like; spread out like a fan for a fun, beautiful presentation. Or for something warm and soothing try the Roasted Heirloom Tomato Soup ($11.00), with small Grilled Cheese sandwiches. Top that off with a Anthology Ice Tea (perfect for those hot summer nights), and your in business!
Not only is the food and music mind boggling, but the atmosphere and the mood of being inside makes anyone feel classy and sophisticated instantly. Three levels, stage level, the mezzanine and the V.I.P Private area all offer great seating. In the whole building there is not one bad seat.
“Can I sit next to you, stated Mrs. Carla, visiting for the first time. She reflects, “I’ve never been here before, it’s nice.”
Beautiful low lighting sets the mood for any night. There is not one brightly lit bulb in the whole area. The décor of Anthology is something to behold. Every inch of this place was designed to exact detail.
Anthology is the place to be for great music, not generally heard in the main Downtown area. If you want to take a step back and indulge in a place that has classiness and style, then Anthology is the place.
(Shanika Whaley is City Times’ arts and features editor)
