by Andrew Morrison | I was pretty excited to check out Hawksworth on May 7th, 2011, shortly before the paper on the windows came down and it was officially opened to the public.As it would see one of Vancouver’s favourite culinary sons, chef David Hawksworth, open his first ever restaurant, it was one of the most highly anticipated restaurant openings in local history.

On this day four years ago the staff were busily setting the dining room up and the kitchen was already in full prep mode. Our first report of it had it opening in 2009 (in time for the Olympics), but that ship sailed as the Rosewood Hotel Georgia’s construction was delayed. It had been a long time coming, and I wasn’t alone among Vancouver diners who had been missing David’s food.

They’d kept the look under wraps until this day, and I was asked not to publish any wide angle shots that would reveal too much of Munge Leung’s design (as evidenced in the gallery below). Much water has since flowed under the bridge, carrying with it plenty of awards of countless accolades, most recently Vancouver Magazine nods for Best Upscale Restaurant and Sommelier of the Year (Bryant Mao). Take a look…

WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE TODAY