Encore, the newest restaurant from Black Pearl owner Steve Whited and partner chef Sean Huggard, opens its doors on December 15 - located in the former Lowenstein Theatre complex at 2550 East Colfax.

Built in the 1985 for philanthropist Helen G. Bonfils, the theatre was eventually renamed for Henry Lowenstein. Over the next 30 years Lowenstein produced shows at the theatre. Today, the Lowenstein Theatre has found new life as Encore Restaurant - an American grill.

Preservation of the theatre's historic features was important to owners Whited and Huggard. The design is reminiscent of mid-twentieth century interiors, the old Lowenstein sign adorns the dominant restaurant wall, and the original backstage doors now serve as the entrance to the private dining room.

The hip, updated design has turned a once forgotten landmark into a new hotspot. The former Lowenstein ticket office has now been turned into the "Box Office Lounge;" there is a long, elegant bar; a slim dining room that is flooded by natural light; and a background of live show tunes and standards from the piano.

Encore's menu is seasoned with homegrown traditions and culinary twists by executive chef Sean Huggard. The menu features flat bread pizzas, such as the prosciutto paired with fig jam and arugula, appetizers, such as the roasted artichoke with truffle butter and herb aioli, and signature main courses, such as Moroccan-style beef short ribs.

Both Huggard and Whited are passionate about conservation, and employ sustainable green practices at their restaurants. This includes: providing old cooking grease oil to a local grease-to-gas producer, and using biodegradable sugarcane to-go containers and 100 percent recycled paper products. Fifty percent of the produce is not only organic but from local farmers. Huggard and Whited's green practices also extend to the decor of Encore. The chairs were once used by the Aspen Ski Corporation, and former University of Northern Colorado bleachers have been reincarnated as tabletops.

The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Parking is available in the parking garage behind the Lowenstein complex.

For more information or for reservations, please call 303-355-1112.