FOOD IS OUR LOVE LANGUAGE
The Abernethy culinary team is here to plan and execute the perfect meal for your wedding celebration. After 15 years together in Abernethy kitchen, Chefs Barry and Robert operate like a finely tuned machine, leading a team committed to providing exceptional Northwest cuisine for your wedding reception. That means every meal is freshly prepared, beautifully presented, and tastes delicious. Think sizzling entrees and cold crisp salads, just as you expect in a high-end restaurant. Let's meet the dedicated team behind the scenes in Abernethy kitchen.
“We are IN LOVE with The Abernethy chefs!!! They worked with us to create food that was special to us, unique to our wedding, and absolutely delicious. I cannot begin to tell you the number of compliments we received on our dinner."
Audrey - Abernethy Bride
EXCECUTIVE CHEF ROBERT STUART
Robert Stuart has been with Abernethy Center since 2004. Robert grew up in Wisconsin and worked in the food industry nearly his whole life, starting at his family's pub in Milwaukee. In 1987 he started working for the Weissgerber Restaurant Group, where he trained under Executive Chef John Moosereiner. During his tenure with Weissgerber, he worked for several fine restaurants, including the Golden Mast, Seven Seas, Gasthaus, and Crawdaddy’s. Robert's extensive culinary experience includes working with Cellar Door Records, where he cooked for numerous celebrities, including the members of REM and Counting Crows, Elton John, Prince, and Gwen Stefani. Upon relocating to Oregon in 2001, Robert worked as the Sous Chef on The Queen of the West cruise ship until joining the Abernethy team in 2004. Robert loves the outdoors, specifically hiking, waterfall hunting, and amateur photography.
FAVORITE MENU ITEMS
“Cedar plank salmon with honey bourbon glaze. It’s the perfect combination of sweet and salty!”
FAVORITE THING ABOUT ABERNETHY CENTER
"The team and the atmosphere. We only use the highest quality ingredients and I love the freedom to experiment and create new dishes. Things are never stagnant here."
THE BEST PART OF DOING WEDDING
"Sharing the experience of someone’s special day and being trusted with that occasion. I know couples want everything to be perfect and love getting to create an unforgettable culinary experience for each event."
IN MY FREE TIME
"I love hiking our beautiful Oregon forests. Lately, I’ve been waterfall hunting and getting into photography."
“I cannot say enough good things about the food. Everything was beyond delicious. People have been complimenting me on the food ever since the wedding."
Sarah - Abernethy Bride
EXECUTIVE CHEF BARRY LOSCH
Barry Losch has been with Abernethy Center since 2008. A native Oregonian, Barry began working in the culinary field in 1984 as a prep cook at the Heathman Hotel in Downtown Portland, where he stayed for twenty-four years and held numerous positions, including Lead Day Chef. Barry worked for two James Beard Chef's: Greg Higgins and French Master Chef Philipe Boulot. Barry has cooked for influential people, including Julia Child, Anthony Bourdain, Phil Knight, and Jerry Seinfeld.
FAVORITE MENU ITEMS
"Breakfast! We make one of the best-catered breakfasts you'll ever try!"
FAVORITE THING ABOUT ABERNETHY CENTER
"The team has a family atmosphere where people really care about each other. It's not corporate. We grow together and get to be part of each other's lives. It's really special."
THE BEST PART OF DOING WEDDINGS
"Seeing the joy of family and friends connecting over a special meal. I love getting to create that and watch it unfold from behind the scenes."
IN MY FREE TIME
"I’m packing the picnic basket and heading to the wine country or the farmers market with my sweetie Lynn.”
“Some of the best food I’ve tasted in the wedding and event industry."
Anthony - Wedding DJ
EVENING LEAD CHEF MITCH MCROBBIE
Mitch is the new kid on the block, having joined Abernethy Center in the spring of 2022 with seven years of culinary experience from Mi Famiglia Italian restaurant. He brings fresh energy, laid-back humor, and lots of enthusiasm to Abernethy kitchen. Mitch is a native of Oregon City who loves movies and listening to and playing music (mostly guitar but sometimes a little piano). As our Evening Lead Chef, Mitch is often visible during meal service, putting the final garnishes on dishes and coordinating the service with event staff.
FAVORITE MENU ITEMS
"Rosemary and garlic-smashed baby red potatoes. I’m a vegetarian so I haven’t tried everything but love those potatoes!"
FAVORITE THING ABOUT ABERNETHY CENTER
"It’s creative and dynamic. Every event is different so things never get old."
THE BEST PART OF DOING WEDDINGS
"There’s so much joy at weddings. It makes the job really fun! I love making the bride’s and groom’s plates with special garnishes to create the most beautiful presentation."
IN MY FREE TIME
“I love movies, especially sci-fi.”
PRO TIP: Dietary restrictions and special requests are no problem! The chefs can easily make special plates to accommodate individual dietary restrictions and are skilled at planning fully vegan, vegetarian and gluten free menus for large events.
PLAN YOUR WEDDING MEAL WITH US!
The Abernethy chefs have a passion for amazing flavor and beautiful presentations. They know your wedding meal is a one-shot deal. There’s no redo. It has to be perfect. We’re committed that you love what you serve, and your guests rave about the food! Each couple is invited to a Chef’s Preview tasting, where you'll try a sampling of our most popular dishes and meet the catering team. Then the chefs partner with you and your Event Specialist to plan and prepare the perfect wedding meal! Getting excited? You can take a look at our menu and start daydreaming HERE.