Creamy Vegan Cauliflower Chowder

Name: Creamy Vegan Cauliflower Chowder
Ingredients: 1 ½ tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; ½ yellow onion, diced; 1 large carrot, peeled and diced; 1 celery rib, diced; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 head cauliflower, outer leaves and stem removed and cut into bite sized florets; 1 tablespoon minced thyme; 1 teaspoon thinly sliced chives; 1 quart vegetable stock, warmed; salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 cup oyster crackers; 2 teaspoons thinly sliced chives; 1 teaspoon minced thyme; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon cracked black pepper; cooked bacon strips, optional garnish