Inspired by the four elements and guided by a group of local restaurant pros, Mount Pleasant's Elem has been a one-to-watch since it was announced this summer.
Situated at 2110 Main St and adjacent to popular Afghani restaurant Zarak, Elem is the venture of Zarak's own Hassib Sarwari and Winnie Sun along with Top Chef Canada alum Vish Mayekar (Banda Volpi group).
When the doors open officially to the public on November 19, 2024, diners can expect Mayekar's menu of bold dishes using spices from cuisines around the world matched with locally sourced ingredients, and Sun's cocktails showcasing the restaurant theme and sustainable practices.
Guests can expect 'a sensory exploration'
"The ambience, food, and drinks at Elem are designed to immerse our guests in a sensory exploration that reflects the elements and to challenge ourselves in doing better for the world around us through various approaches in sustainability," described Sarwari in a press release for the restaurant.
Mayekar's dishes will illustrate influences from his background and travels. There will be just 16 items on the menu at launch, reflecting flavours from Thailand, Spain, Mexico, Italy, California, and Mumbai. Look for dishes like B.C. Dungeness Crab Toast on milk bread with lemongrass-ginger sauce; Honey Mussels with tamarind rassam, sushi rice balls, and curry leaf oil; and Fraser Valley Loong Kong Chicken with maple-espresso glaze and seasonal side vegetables.
"Guests can pick and choose to create their own dining journey, depending on what they are craving," said Mayekar. "We’ll likely also add a tasting menu option in the near future.”
Drinks and food have special connection at Elem
As far as the drinks, Elem is styled as Sun's "cocktail lab," and her menu is divided into categories based on the elements.
"Our cocktails embody the harmony of bringing together seemingly disparate elements. It’s very ingredient, sustainability-driven, and adaptable," described Sun. "An example of this thought process is utilizing duck fat from kitchen waste to create a cocktail that resembles Vish’s duck dish."
The Elem space, at 2,946 square feet with 76 seats, was designed by Vancouver-based Simcic + Uhrich Architect. The room has three dining spaces and an open kitchen. Design elements include copper accents, a darkened foyer transition from the entrance to the dining room, and materials that illustrate the theme of the elements.
While Nov. 19 is the official opening, you may see Elem abuzz the week ahead in its soft open phase. Elem will be open from Tuesday to Saturday from 5 to 11 p.m., with reservations available online and walk-ins welcome.
Watch: Take a peek at Elem's food and drink during its "soft open" phase
@forkingawesomevia Here is a look at a buzzy new Vancouver restaurant called Elem. Now in “soft open” mode, this spot on Main St is a sibling of sorts to Zarak next door. There are super creative and unusual cocktails and globally insipred modern dishes with a local twist from a Top Chef Canada alumn. Here is a rundown of everything I tried, including all the hits (and a couple of misses). #forkingawesome #vancouverbc ♬ UNSTOPPABLE EVENING - finetune
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