Executive Chef Tim Casasanta is the culinary genius behind the extraordinary food that you will experience during a banquet or special event at the Red Lion Hotel. A graduate of Western Culinary Institute, Chef Casasanta has honed his craft over the last 16 years developing a passion for creating unique dishes with local flavor. His kitchen is committed to being good stewards of the region, supporting local farms and suppliers, and utilizing sustainable practices in the purchase and preparation of his products.

Like many successful chefs, Tim began cooking out of passion for the craft.  Starting his career at a private club in Amarillo, Texas, where he was given a chance to learn from a mentor that he will never forget, "Our Executive Chef, Bernard Sans, not only believed in me, he took the time to invest in me and teach me. I will always remember him and hope to be that kind of mentor to others in my career". His enthusiasm for cooking led him to Portland, Oregon to attend Western Culinary Institute in 1993.

After arriving in Portland Tim got right to work with North Pacific Management, Inc. (the Red Lion Hotel on the River's hotel management team), working his way through school while sharpening his skills in the kitchen. Currently, leading a team of 13 at the Red Lion Hotel on the River, Jantzen Beach, he embraces the opportunity to design dishes specific and customized for special events. His Hazelnut Tower was conceived for and inspired by the Hazelnut Growers Convention, and is now one of his signature desserts.

His motivation behind the passion? Of course he loves food, but producing that 'wow' factor for guests and creating memorable events is what keeps him energized and fuels his passion for cooking.