PORTLAND, ORE. (Nov. 18, 2015)Embassy Suites by Hilton Portland Washington Square, a Hilton Worldwide all-suite hotel near downtown Portland introduces a new culinary team with Executive Chef, Scott Hensley and Executive Sous Chef, Joe Gonzales. Together, Hensley and Gonzales will elevate the hotel’s culinary operations to an elite tier among Northwest hotels. Hensley and Gonzales are revising all restaurant and banquet menus to reflect a fresh, healthy and local approach that complements the region’s premier sustainable events concept.

“I am excited to contribute to this dynamic team,” says Scott Hensley, executive chef at Embassy Suites by Hilton Portland Washington Square. “We are building a culinary program that mirrors the fresh new design the hotel will soon debut. It’s great to be home in Oregon and Chef Joe and I are delighted by this amazing opportunity.”

An Oregon native, Executive Chef Scott Hensley honed his culinary craft working in hotels and resorts on the Pacific coast, in the French Quarter of New Orleans and the Broadmoor Resort in Colorado Springs, Colo. Most recently Hensley served as executive chef at the Omni Austin Hotel Downtown in Austin, Texas, where he developed a popular southwest-inspired menu for the hotel’s signature restaurant.

“Chefs Hensley and Gonzales are truly remarkable with vision and talents that play to the essence of our multi-million dollar renovation,” says General Manager and Playground Director, Scott Youngblood. “The quality and presentation of food coming from our kitchen is fresh, fun and inspired. Something very special is happening here and we are excited to share it with our community.”

Executive Sous Chef Joe Gonzales spent nearly two decades with Pacific Coast Restaurants Inc., where he assisted in opening and operating some of the region’s most popular restaurants. Gonzales played a critical role as a training chef when the company expanded Stanford’s restaurant from one to 10 locations.

“It is an honor to work with Chef Hensley and the entire Embassy Suites team,” says Executive Sous Chef Joe Gonzales. “Our new culinary program and signature restaurant, Cascadia, will surprise and delight hotel guests and event attendees.”

Embassy Suites by Hilton Portland Washington Square is located 15 minutes from downtown Portland and across the street from Washington Square Mall. Cascadia, a northwest restaurant and fresh market concept, will be opening in the hotel this winter. 356 newly renovated suites and 22,000 feet of refreshed event space deliver state-of-the-art technology and a sustainable events program designed to protect the environment while enhancing guests’ overall experience.

For more information on Embassy Suites by Hilton Portland Washington Square, visit www.portlandembassysuites.com or call 503-644-4000.