VANCOUVER — Acclaimed chef Rob Feenie has opened contemporary French restaurant, Le Crocodile by Rob Feenie, showcasing his interpretation of contemporary French cooking. Feenie, with his team, has created a menu which pays homage to its legacy while embracing Feenie’s West Coast culinary roots.
“It has been an incredible journey taking the reins of Le Crocodile from my good friend and mentor Michel Jacob, who’s now enjoying a well-deserved retirement,” says Feenie. “My goal has been to create a menu that blends classic French dishes with new, contemporary options that reflect our beautiful West Coast — from fresh ingredients to unique flavours that I love.”
The kitchen team, led by Feenie, also includes Marc Marayag (previously Bar Susu, Umu) as chef de cuisine, award-winning Wendy Boys as consulting executive pastry chef, and returning Mark Pugsley as pastry chef.
The menu will feature a variety of beloved dishes, as well as seasonal creations highlighting Feenie’s acclaimed French-West Coast culinary-style. Guests can feast on classics such as steak tartare (au boeuf mode) with grilled levain; Escargot de Bourgogne with pernod parsley-garlic butter and Small Victory baguette; grilled veal tenderloin medallions with classic Le Crocodile morel sauce; and a legacy guest favourite, Dover Sole, deboned table side served with fine herbes and caper beurre blanc.
Accomplished hospitality veteran and general manager Steve Edwards (previously Homer Street Cafe, Ancora, Boulevard) leads a front-of-house team comprised of assistant general manager William Mulholland (previously Acquafarina, Blue Water Cafe) and many long-time, returning Le Crocodile staff members, including award-winning wine director Jill Spoor.
“When guests walk through our doors, there will be many familiar faces,” adds Edwards. “In addition to exceptional food, consistent and exemplary service defined Le Crocodile for decades. We’re thrilled to be able to retain and maintain the level of service people have come to know and love, starting day one at Le Crocodile by Rob Feenie.”
The wine program, curated by both Spoor and Edwards, will be rooted in France, with prolific wines from around the world.
Designed by award-winning David Hepworth of SITU Design, whose notable projects have included L’Abbattoir, Feenie’s, and Lumière, the 80-seat restaurant (plus a 24-seat patio) has undergone a transformation in the past two months. The interior balances art deco elements with Provence-style elegance, demonstrated by a stunning geometric floor, red accent booths, a backdrop of warm, natural wood, and modern curves throughout.
The dining-room is filled with beautiful new millwork, banquette seating with plush velvet, and soft lighting. There’s also a semi-private alcove set against a blue-hued floral backdrop and curtains. Design accents include faux-croc embossing on the seats with a wicker back and hints of yellow – an ode to the last four decades.
Le Crocodile by Rob Feenie’s branding is by acclaimed local agency Hyphen Communications. Agency founder David Martin commissioned the creation of a new calligraphy-style crocodile for the restaurant logo that pays homage to the Japanese-flair used both at the original Le Crocodile and by Feenie.
“Everything has come full circle. I first stepped inside Le Crocodile at the age of 23, not knowing if cooking was my future. Now I’ll be stepping inside the restaurant as its co-owner and executive chef,” adds Feenie. “I’m excited to work with such an accomplished team and once again prepare my favourite dishes with a team that is passionate about fine dining. I know our guests will love the room and the experience we have created for them.”
