Behind the Grill

Paul C. Reilly, Executive Chef / Owner

Realizing his passion for kitchen life at an early age, Paul C. Reilly began working as a dishwasher at a German restaurant up the street from his house when he was just fourteen 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 he 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 further 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 Pino Maffeo, who was named Food & Wine Best New Chef 2006. Paul’s hard work paid off when he 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. He joined Executive Chef Bryan Moscatello, a Food & Wine Best New Chef 2003. Next, Paul 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 on Colfax in 2007 and owner in 2010. In 2010, Paul was honored to be asked to join the Denver Five, an elite group of area chefs who are dedicated to bringing Denver national culinary recognition. Paul lives in the Baker neighborhood of Denver with his wife Shannon and their baby girl Grace, and he enjoys tending to his vegetable garden, traveling, and skiing. He supports local non-profits March of Dimes, Project Angel Heart, and Share Our Strength, all of which are organizations that hold a special place in his heart.

Aileen Reilly, General Manager / Owner

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

Aileen says, “I believe that people get together for all kinds of reasons, but they almost always involve food and drink. Every time people come into Encore, we have an opportunity to help make a memory in their lives, and I love being a part of these occasions.”

Aileen dove into the restaurant industry in high school when she worked at an Italian restaurant, where she became the manager. She later went on to assist owners in opening three other restaurants. After graduating from the Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management Program at the University of Denver, Aileen 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 on to the Los Angeles Airport Marriott Hotel, where she oversaw the Steakhouse, Sports Bar, Room Service, and Starbucks. Aileen has worked in every position in restaurants, front and back of the house, but she’s 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.