Encore Champagne Bar & Dining Room Set to Open Its Doors on January 15 | The Highly Anticipated Encore Gaslamp Will Kick Off 2014 With a Sparkling Debut

January 7, 2014

The first champagne-centric destination to launch in San Diego, Encore Champagne Bar & Dining Room is officially set to open on Jan. 15, 2014. The Gaslamp District’s newest, most buzzed about venue, will feature an extensive selection of fine champagnes and sparkling wines, from classic to rare vintages, accompanied by a full bar of classic cocktails, craft beer and a variety of seasonal champagne cocktails.

“I have been fortunate enough to develop a variety of unique culinary destinations in San Diego and the opening of Encore Gaslamp is no exception,” said Concept Developer Ken Irvine of Irvine Hospitality Group. “I’m thrilled to finally introduce the city’s first champagne bar and I am confident our guests will have an experience unlike any other, beginning with a robust selection of champagne and sparking wines and completed with a menu that will satisfy even the most curious of palates.”

Showcasing more than 100 bottles of champagne and sparkling wine, Encore Gaslamp will feature champagnes ranging from extra-brut to demi-sec, with sparkling wines from around the world, including labels from California, Oregon, Spain, South Africa, Italy and more. Prices will range from $8 a glass to $2,975 for a Jeroboam of Encore Gaslamp’s finest bottle by advance request.

“At Encore Gaslamp we pride ourselves on being champagne and sparkling wine connoisseurs, utilizing our highly skilled staff of wine experts with advanced sommelier training,” said General Manager Maija Talikka. “We wanted to bring an energetic and fresh experience to San Diego with champagne at the forefront, and we’re thrilled to enter 2014 with the official grand opening.”

Executive Chef Ryan Studebaker

The menu has been conceptualized and executed by Executive Chef Ryan Studebaker, who will explore San Diego-fresh cuisine with French and Mediterranean influences. Each item will complement the champagne and sparkling wine selection, with guests able to choose from a variety of shared plates, caviar (ranging from affordable to ultra-luxe), vegetarian selections and oysters. Signature dishes will include the shareable Braised Pork Cheek with crispy grits, fennel and herb salad, perfect to pair with a glass of Henriot Blanc de Blancs NV, and NY strip Carpaccio with fennel, coriander rub, arugula, frisée, tangerine and garlic crouton, ideally paired with a bottle of Charles Heidsieck Brut Réserve.

Set in the historic Hill Building, two sophisticated spaces set the stage for the unique venue. Encore Act I will boast a floor-to-ceiling backlit wall showcasing an array of champagne with a sweeping 25-seat wrap-around bar and plush lounge seating. Guests will pass through a cellar-like hallway into Encore Act II, which features an open kitchen including a six-seat dining bar in addition to banquette seating and Pullman booths.

Encore Champagne Bar & Dining Room is located at 531 F Street, San Diego, CA 92101 on 6th Ave. and F Street in the heart of the Gaslamp District. The restaurant will offer lunch and dinner from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. Monday through Friday and 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. Brunch will be served Saturday and Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

For more information please visit encoregaslamp.com and Facebook.com/EncoreGaslamp.