Without much fanfare, the tiny but mighty Michelin Guide-recommended Elephant restaurant closed its doors this summer, but its operators have just revealed what will take its place.
Elephant, which launched at 1879 Powell St at the end of 2021, was known for making more than the most of its small square footage and a mere 18 seats, with an inventive contemporary menu created by Chef Justin Lee (known professionally as Justin Song-Ell).
In 2022, the restaurant earned a spot on the inaugural Michelin Guide list of recommended Vancouver restaurants, retaining the honour in 2023 and earning other accolades, including ranking on this year's Canada's 100 Best Restaurants list back in May.
However, with no Instagram post, website message, or note on the door, Elephant closed permanently in August.
Owners Miki Ellis and Stephen Whiteside, who also operate nearby Dachi and lost Commercial Drive's Hanai in a devastating fire last year, have kept the former Elephant space with plans to start something fresh.
Recently, Elephant's former website and Instagram account morphed into their new identity, and this weekend details were shared about the forthcoming restaurant.
The new concept, called Subject to Change, is rooted in the notion of keeping things fresh, as it is styled as a rotating guest chef pop-up operation; a new chef will take over the kitchen of Subject to Change every week.
"The menu will be different depending on the chef, so you'll experience the five-course menu through their lens and style of cooking. Feel like you're eating at chef's kitchen table and enjoy the adventure of their set!" reads the restaurant's description on booking portal Tock.
The restaurant will be open for dinner Wednesday through Saturday from 5:15 p.m.
Subject to Change notes a few considerations for this unique dining experience: Reservations are required, and there is a $40 per person charge for late cancellations. The restaurant's ability to accommodate dietary restrictions will vary with each week's chef. Diners needing accommodations should contact the restaurant directly.
The first chef popping up at Subject to Change will be Vancouver chef Mark Singson. From October 9 to 12, Singson will be "cooking five courses highlighting West Coast ingredients through Filipino flavours," shares the restaurant on Instagram.
"Combining elements of his childhood through comfort and elegance, his food is personal and captivating. He’s an absolute sweetheart and killer on the pans."
Reservations are open via Tock.
Subject to Change is located in the Hamilton Bank building on Powell, which is seeing another key change this fall, as neighbour pizza and pie spot The Pie Shoppe is closing permanently this month.
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