After 40 years, the chef-owner is passing the torch to someone new, but very nostalgic.
After 40 years, one of Vancouver’s legendary fine dining establishments is about to make a big move.
le crocodileThe restaurant, which was opened at Ballard & Smith in 1983 by chef Michelle Jacob, will change hands this spring and be led by chef Rob Feeney, a culinary legend in his own right. His white-tablecloth French restaurant is known for its elegant atmosphere and sophisticated French cuisine with a West Coast sensibility.
Jacob announced his retirement and the news that Feeney would take over the reins on Thursday (February 8).
“The time has come for a well-deserved retirement,” Jacob said in a media release.
Jacob will end his remarkable tenure on April 30th, and Le Crocodile will temporarily close before reopening in May as Rob Feeney’s Le Crocodile.
Originally from Strasbourg, France, Jacob came to Vancouver and opened what would become one of the city’s most beloved fine-dining French restaurants. It is named after the Michelin-starred Au Crocodile in his hometown.
Among the talent Jacob had on his team in the restaurant’s early years was young Feeney, who worked there from 1992 to 1995.
“I started as sous chef at Le Crocodile, working alongside Michelle, who I consider my mentor, dear friend and family for many years,” Feeney said in a press release.
Feeney’s countless accomplishments in his career thrust him into the global culinary spotlight at a most auspicious time, when the era of the “celebrity chef” was dawning and the Food Network sparked a continued boom in all food media. I exposed it to
These days, Feeney continues to appear on television as a food judge and consults on several high-profile businesses in Metro Vancouver, including the award-winning restaurant Bacchus. Of course, many people know Feeney as the chef who graced the menu at Cactus, her club, and served as head of in-house cuisine for many years.
As for Jacob, the celebrated chef is confident that the future is bright for the restaurant he has lovingly created and cared for over the past 40 years.
“I know the next chapter of Le Crocodile will be just as great,” Jacob said. “I’m very grateful and satisfied with the career I’ve enjoyed. I’m grateful.”
Our staff, our customers and everyone who believed in Le Crocodile from day one. ”
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