Paul C. Reilly, Executive Chef + Owner

Realizing his passion for kitchen life at an early age, Paul began working as a dishwasher at a German Restaurant up the street from his house when he was just 14 years old. After spending his formative years in New York’s Hudson Valley, Paul moved to Colorado in 1995 and started his culinary path at restaurants in both Morrison and Boulder. Upon receiving a BA in Literature from the University of Colorado-Boulder, Paul decided that becoming a chef was his life’s calling, and packed up for Telluride in the summer of 2001. There he worked under acclaimed chef Bob Scherner at Allred’s and also at 221 South Oak, a New American bistro.

Wanting to hone his craft, Paul moved back to New York and enrolled at the esteemed French Culinary Institute. While in school, Paul worked in and around NYC at such noted establishments as Michael’s, under the direction of famed restaurateur, Michael McCarty; and at Pazo for Food & Wine Best New Chef 2006, Pino Maffeo. His hard work paid off, Paul received his first Sous Chef position at Danal, a French-Mediterranean restaurant that won 2 stars from the New York Times.

In 2004, Paul moved to Denver to help open Mirepoix, in Cherry Creek North with Executive Chef, Bryan Moscatello, a Food & Wine Best New Chef 2003. Next, he served as Executive Chef at Mona’s, executing their gourmet breakfast and lunch menu, while creating a seasonal dinner menu. Paul became the Executive Chef of Encore in 2007, where he is thrilled to present his unique riff on new American cuisine, and ownership in 2010. He lives in the Baker neighborhood of Denver with his wife Shannon and enjoys tending to his vegetable garden, travelling and skiing in his down time. He also supports local non-profits March of Dimes, Project Angelheart and Share Our Strength, organizations that hold a special place in his heart.

Aileen Reilly, General Manager + Owner

Though she was born in New York and lived in Los Angeles, Aileen considers herself a Colorado girl at heart. She recently moved back to Denver to join her brother Paul in running Encore on Colfax – now a family affair in the truest sense. The move fulfills her favorite passions: dining and the outdoors.

“I believe that people get together for all kinds of reason, but it almost always involves food and drink. Every time someone comes in to Encore is an opportunity to make a memory in their life. Dining is used for every situation, happiness, sadness, celebrations, or it is just what is needed to thrive. I love being a part of someone’s life for any of these occasions and to help create memories.”

Aileen dove in to the restaurant industry in high school where she worked at an Italian restaurant, eventually becoming the manager. She later went on to open three other restaurants with the owners. After graduating from the Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management Program at the University of Denver, she moved to Los Angeles to work for Marriott International. Aileen began at the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel as a manager, and then progressed to the Purchasing Department. She then moved onto the Los Angeles Airport Marriott Hotel, where she oversaw the Steakhouse, Sports Bar, Room Service, and a Starbucks. She has literally worked in every position – front and back of house – but is much more comfortable behind the bar than in the kitchen. Aileen has redesigned wine lists and instituted mixology programs in previous restaurants. In her free time she enjoys spending time in the outdoors and is currently working toward her Master Sommelier certification through the International Wine Guild.