Synonymous with Joe Fortes, Maitre d' Robert Gagne, better known as "Fren-chy," has been entertaining regulars, tourists and visiting celebrities at the iconic seafood and chop house for the past 22 years. Originally from Sherbrooke, Que., the B.C. Restaurant Hall of Fame inductee first honed his craft in Montreal working at his mother's restaurant and then hotels before moving to Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»and settling in as the genial face of Joe Fortes, offering a personal level of service and hospitality uniquely his own.
How did you get the nickname "Frenchy"?
It was from a bartender who obviously read too many Western novels. The nickname just stuck.
What exactly is your role as Maitre d'?
I am a circus master! It's all about the guest - making sure the customer has a great experience - and mentoring the staff.
What makes a good Maitre d'?
Takes passion. I'm passionate about working with people, a certain amount of knowledge, organization and people skills, and a sense of theatrics.
For your long-time work as Maître d', you were inducted into the B.C. Restaurant Hall of Fame. What was that like?
It's a tremendous honour to be recognized by my peers and inducted alongside such influential figures in the industry.
What would you be doing if you were not at Joe Fortes?
I would be practising my craft with someone else. It was what I was born to do.
What's the most rewarding part of your job?
Making people happy. Worst part?
Forgiving people I can't make happy.
Why has Joe Fortes been around for as long as it has?
It's classic and it's genuine. It's always been about the people. Quality, service and reputation - that's the stuff that legends are made of. For 27 years, that's what we've been doing.
Always a destination for visiting celebrities, who have you had the pleasure of entertaining?
To name a few, the late Leslie Nielsen, Sharon Stone, Pierce Brosnan, Bobby Orr, Bobby Hall, Wayne Gretzky, Kevin Costner. You should check out our wall of fame.
Tell us about your chef.
Wayne Sych joins Joe Fortes as executive chef after saying goodbye to the former Cannery Seafood Restaurant last spring. He continues the tradition of serving up a variety of regional and imported seafood, blending his vibrant West Coast style with the freshest local ingredients.
The dish customers must try?
Our miso-glazed sablefish One dish you never care to see on a menu again?
Salmon Wellington All time favourite dish?
Sweet Bread with roulette coria sauce. I can't get enough.
Best life lesson you've learned
The cows have to be milked.
One lesson you'd love to give others?
You get out what you put in. One thing you could change about the world?
To appreciate and accept each other
Three words to live by? Everything is possible.
A talent you possess that many are not aware of?
Inspiring young people to find their true purpose.
One thing you can't live without?
My slippers. Last $20 to your name, how would you spend it?
I would spend it on food. I hate being hungry!
Best place for coffee? Caffe Artigiano Best bar/lounge?
Gerard's in The Sutton Place Hotel.
Favourite restaurant? Le Crocodile, it's classic and oh the butter!
Favourite greasy spoon?
Art's Place in Kerrisdale Last book read?
The memoirs of Toots Shor.
All time favourite movie?
Bugsy. Las Vegas fascinates me.
Favourite sports team?
Montreal Canadiens, of course.
Last place traveled? Paris, finally! Best thing about Vancouver?
The diversity and its natural beauty.
Worst thing about Vancouver?
The real estate. It's insane, no?
Favourite neighbourhood?
Kerrisdale. What would be the perfect day in Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»look like for you?
Breakfast on a sidewalk cafe, a drive around town and dinner at the Le Crocodile.
Who inspires you? Any underdog that makes a success of themselves.
Who bugs you? Anyone that doesn't appreciate life. [email protected]
