by Andrew Morrison | Chow, located at 3121 Granville St. (now Pho Hoa), was the short-lived first restaurant from chef JC Poirier. Though it was celebrated as one of 2007’s Best New Restaurants in Canada by enRoute Magazine (and lauded by most local critics, myself included), it opened just before the global financial crisis hit and suffered its jittery aftermath. Chow ended up closing its doors on May 10th, 2009, not yet two years old. I remember the stylish South Granville eatery (between 14th & 15th) for its clean lines and modish feel; the sleek look extending to its basement kitchen (a rare thing on the west coast) and attractive bar (overseen by Lauren Mote). Poirier, of course, has since moved on to become a very successful chef/restaurateur (see Pourhouse, Pizzeria Farina, Ask For Luigi), but I often wonder how his first effort would have faired had it been launched under better circumstances (the same question applies to Gastropod, Fuel, Lumiere, and DB Bistro). In any event, have look at the gallery below and remember what it was like – if you still can – to be nine years younger…

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