"Second Set" main courses offer high caliber versions of perennial favorites like Pan Seared Sea Bass with Manila clams, oven-dried tomatoes and caramelized onions; Grilled Filet Mignon with potato gratin, grilled asparagus and herbed butter; and a Slow Roasted Pork Chop with walnuts, faro, figs, criminis, and Granny Smith apple gastrique.

After agonizing over the decision since each dish offered the evening of my visit were equally appealing to me, I finally settled on the Pan Sautéed George's Bank Sea Scallops ($28), cooked to a perfect medium, served atop a flavorful Yukon gold pomme purée and with fava beans, asparagus and petite tomatoes in a Meyer lemon burre blanc sauce. A perfect light-side entrée without sacrifice. My dinner guest thoroughly enjoyed the lean, richly flavored and extremely tender 18-Hour Braised Boneless Beef Short Rib ($29) with candied pearl onions, Scarborough Farm's baby carrots, horseradish pomme purée and a natural jus.

If you can, save room for "Third Set" desserts, which offer an array of comfort confections with a touch of flair, like the Pineapple-Hazelnut Bear Claw with cinnamon ice cream; a Chocolate Truffle Cake with hazelnut ice cream; Fudge Covered Chocolate Brownie with chocolate mouse and chocolate espresso ice cream; and a selection of daily house made cookies served with a "Cup O' Joe." Alternatively, an Artisanal Cheese Plate is also featured.

Along with the coffee and cookies ($7) -- an assortment of three including a chocolate chip and rich, dark chocolate-dipped biscotti, my party also indulged in the Tiramisu ($9) good enough to beguile any Italian pastry connoisseur. We also savored the Napoleon ($10) with mascerated fresh berries, a flaky puff pastry, basil sabayon and garnished with a fried basil leaf.

Extraordinary Events
Finally, the venue is a memorable place to hold any type of event. With more than 13,000 square feet spread amongst the multi-level building, the venue can accommodate gatherings of various sizes and types, including weddings, cocktail and dinner parties, product launches, fundraisers, corporate events, fashion and art shows, Bat/Bar Mitzvahs, and film screenings. There are many space options, such as a patio, fireside lounge, outdoor balcony, VIP dining room, two full bars, and a stage. Event planners may select from pre-set menus, or the chef is more than happy to custom tailor a menu around a specific theme. The events department also offers ancillary services, such as live entertainment booking, audio visual production professionals, floral arrangements, valet programs, creative and promotional services, party favors, and even hotel accommodations. Both pre-fabricated and custom event packages are available.

The Real Deal
Recognizing that everyone likes a little economic stimulus of their own now and then, Anthology runs a number of enticing specials like half-price Tuesdays from 5:30-7:30 p.m., when select dinner menu items and bottles of wine are half off. Happy Hour runs each Tuesday through Friday from 5:30-7:30 p.m. with special prices on bar bites, including tuna tartare avocado, fried calamari, marinated olives, and a cheese plate. To make the hour even happier, cocktails of all types are also offered at reduced price.

With a packed house for the 7:30 p.m. show and dinner seating the evening I recently visited, and with an impressive number of pining patrons lined out the door for the 9:30 p.m. show and dinner seating noted on my departure, it's clear that Anthology has captured the hearts, minds and palates San Diego's culture-set.

Anthology is located at 1337 India Street in San Diego. Visit www.anthologysd.com for more information.

The Luxe List product, service and travel review editor Merilee Kern scours the luxury marketplace for new and captivating "musts." Submissions accepted via e-mail at Merilee@JustLuxe.com.

- Merilee Kern
JustLuxé.com's "The Luxe List" Executive Review Editor