Bubbles & Blinis To Star at Downtown's New Encore

Here's an idea of what the bubbly bar, the main stage of the front room they're calling Act I, will look like at the Gaslamp's new Encore Champagne Bar & Dining Room.

The 4,000-square-foot restaurant is due to debut in early January and though sparkling wine will be the focus, the bar will also mix a number of champagne cocktails, including the Figaro, a blend of bourbon, fig puree, maple syrup and fresh lemon. It'll get a bit of fizz from champagne and come with a strip of bacon.

Act II, the dining room, features an open kitchen and a six-seat dining bar; chef Ryan Studebaker is planning to cook up shared plates with French and Mediterranean influences, from duck confit risotto with parmesan, chicharon and pistachio pesto to braised pork cheeks with crispy grits, fennel and herb salad.

And since caviar and champagne are such good friends, Encore will offer all kinds of caviar tastings in varying degrees of luxury; a classic caviar platter includes buckwheat blinis and all the traditional garnishes.
· Encore Champagne Bar & Dining Room [Official Site]