Seattle Smoked Salmon Chowder

unsalted butter

medium yellow onion, diced

medium carrots, ½-inch dice

large celery stalks, ½-inch dice

garlic cloves, minced

kosher salt

all-purpose flour

white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc

dry thyme

reduced sodium chicken broth

wedge cauliflower (1/4 of a large head), stem attached

small red potatoes, peeled and diced into ½ inch pieces

frozen corn kernels

whole milk

Freshly ground black pepper

skinless hot-smoked salmon

Chopped chives, for garnish