Since opening Elephant with partners Miki Ellis and Stephen Whiteside in late 2021 (backstory here), Chef Justin Song-Ell has emerged as one of Vancouver’s most interesting chefs.

That’s a big claim, I know – especially considering the amount of impressive talent running through the veins of our city’s restaurant scene right now – but I’m also not the only one thinking (or verbalizing) it, either. Still, Chef Song-Ell hasn’t received nearly enough public praise as he deserves. Part of that is because Justin doesn’t actually seek out the spotlight; instead, he’s driven by a compulsion to cook and experiment, exploring fermentation and reimagining conventional ingredients. To date, the result has been paradoxical: meals offering dishes that transcend the typical dining experience, by feeling both straightforward and intricate at the same time. For those of us who have had the pleasure of a night at Elephant, it was always more than just a dinner out…it was also a conversation and means of education. That’s why hearing about the Hastings-Sunrise restaurant’s closure hits especially hard.

As much as the news stings and begs for explanation, sometimes simply saying a respectful “goodbye” is the play. With that in mind:

I’ve spent many enjoyable evenings at Elephant, often meeting new people and always tasting something unexpected. My habit of showing up late often led to relaxed banter with the team as the pressure of the evening in the 524-square-foot, apartment-sized restaurant eased up. I always appreciated the hospitality and food immensely. Thank you to everyone — Kelcie, James, Scotty, Robin, Kasia, Miki, Stephen and Justin.

Elephant

Neighbourhood: Hastings Sunrise

1879 Powell St, Vancouver, BC V5L 1H8

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