V.I.A.’s Home Grown features only the most awesome companies in Vancouver. From tiny, single-person operations to the big players, we profile our favourite businesses and interview their owners and operators.

Cactus Club Café Established 1988 www.cactusclubcafe.com

Cactus Club Café is committed to delivering a unique experience whereby the fusion of fine dining and casual dining come together. Led by Chef Rob Feenie, Canada’s only Iron Chef, Cactus Club’s globally inspired menu is crafted with local and fresh ingredients, such as Alberta Certified Angus Beef and Ocean Wise sustainable seafood. Guests are invited to unwind in upscale, yet casual atomospheres, while being served by a first class team. Each location has a unique personality with defining state-of-the-art, such as an original art collection featuring pieces of work Andy Warhol, Jean Michel-Basquiat and Sir Anthony Hopkins.

We caught up with Chef Rob Feenie for a few questions…

If Cactus Club is known for one thing amongst it’s customers, what would it be?

I would have to say we are known for our consistency in everything that we do. Our ability to execute time and time again is what we do best, and I think it’s what our guests really love about us. I think it’s what keeps them coming back.

What’s your personal favourite dish served at the restaurant?

That’s a tough one – the tuna tataki and beef carpaccio I really enjoy. I have always been a fan of the Cajun Cheddar sandwich – even before I got here. And yam fries, of course, I have always loved.

Aside from Cactus Club, what’s your favourite Vancouver business and why?

Definitely has to be Barbara-Jos Books to Cooks because my hobby is cook books. I have collected almost 2000 books in the past 10-15 years and I continue to collect them. I think she is probably the best at what she has done in terms of cook books in North America and to have that right here in Vancouver is special because it is what I love to do – so she makes my life fun.

What keeps you here? Like what’s the best thing about Vancouver?

It’s a mix of things, but for the most part it is a great city to raise my three young kids. The water and weather are great and I love how laid back the city is. My parents – like me – were born and raised here so even after I’ve travelled the world, it has always felt great to come back and call Vancouver home.

WEB SITE: www.cactusclubcafe.com
FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/cactusclubcafe
TWITTER: www.twitter.com/cactusclubcafe