hat do you do when you must forsake two high-end restaurants, including an eponymous one? Do you build buildings out of food? Not exactly. Like Art Vandelay, renowned Vancouver/Iron chef Rob Feenie has become an architect of sorts. The famous former head of Lumiere and Feenie's has taken a job with Cactus Club restaurants. According to a press release, Feenie's new title is Food Concept Architect.

Last November, Feenie famously left his two popular restaurants after a much-publicized spat with majority owners. His resurfacing at Cactus has surprised many in the restaurant industry. Created in 1987, the BC-based chain has since expanded to 17 locations in BC and Alberta, serving refined tex-mex with a hit of disparate Asian offerings (nothing goes with quesadillas like edamame). In an unexpected bid to spruce up the CC menu, inspire staff, and spotlight quality, the chain has brought Feenie on board in a creative/guru roll.

Respected celebrity artists working for chains has become a trend as of late. Like Roberto Cavalli and Stella McCartney designing for H&M, Cactus's acquisition of Feenie will give the MOR casual fine dining group an added measure of prestige.

With Cactus's broad range of offerings, Feenie will have room to experiment. Furthermore, he will have a small army of upstart chefs under his tutelage, which should prove beneficial for both CC and the dining scene in general (imagine a horde of Feenie students helming stoves all over the country). Though it seems a curious move for Feenie, Vancouverites should count themselves lucky to have him back. -S.T.