In the words of Mama Josephine Cascio, “like something out of my dreams”, the legacy continues with Joe and Renee Cascio’s gem “Cascio’s Tavern” situated in the hauntingly decadent Antique Alley of downtown West Monroe. 

Cascio’s Tavern opened on August 14, 2012, as Joe and Renee dove head first into the dream that Joe himself shared with his late father, Victor Cascio. Recalling their decision, “It was scary… and we (Renee and I) were scared to death”.  But even as a young man, Joe shared back in 1985 that he knew what the restaurant business “meant to this family” and he expressed his desires, even then,” to enhance and expand upon the good thing” the Chateau was; and, he has done so successfully with the divine artistry of of one of this areas crafted culinary genius’, Executive Chef Chris McKnight. 

Monroe Native, Chef Chris McKnight began realizing his culinary abilities at the tender age of 5, after spending time with his grandmother. Chris recalls fondly of the time spent with his grandmother making biscuits and desserts growing up. 

Chef Chris began his course in the culinary realm back in 1997 when he began working at Logan’s and Outback when he felt strongly that he had a “higher calling”.  After graduating from West Monroe High School in 2001, Chef Chris recalls fondly that he received his first big break in the restaurant industry from Chef Cory Bahr at Restaurant Sage.  Chris remembers vividly how he sought out every opportunity given to him by Chef Bahr, whether it was making salads or washing the dishes, Chris states that he absorbed “what he needed to know”; and, as fate would have it, Chris moved swiftly up the ladder of success to eventually become Executive Chef at Restaurant Sage.

With his dreams pressing him forward, Chef Chris did not let his dreams become muddled and he later rejoined Chef Bahr for a short stint at Restaurant Cotton where his Classic French cuisine sustained his placement in Chef Bahr’s brigade until he found his calling at Cascio’s Tavern in July of 2013. 

Married to the lovely Mandi Tubbs McKnight, Chef Chris is a proud step-parent and enjoys spending his free time with his family.  

Presently, Chef Chris oversees a staff of 5 in his kitchen at Cascio’s Tavern. Aided by an additional 10 wait staff on the floor, your dining experience at Cascio’s Tavern will most certainly be one that Mama Josephine herself would be proud of.

Q & A with Chef Chris McKnight:

*Where is Chef’s favorite place to dine for breakfast out with his family? Chef Chris laments, “Community Coffee in New Orleans for donuts and coffee”.

*Where is Chef’s f favorite place to dine for lunch/dinner out with his family? Chef Chris’ response, “Magic Grill for a roast beef po-boy”.

 *Where is Chef’s favorite all around eateries in Louisiana? Chef Chris’ response, “Dominico, located in the Roosevelt Hotel in New Orleans”.

 *Does Chef do any volunteer work of any kind currently? (CASA, Angel Ministries, Chef’s For a Cause, PAWS, etc.) Chef Chris humbly responds, “I would love to do more volunteer work in the area. In the past we’ve participated in the Black & White Ball for the March of Dimes and would love to contribute more community involvement.”

 *What is Chef’s personal menu favorite on the menu at Cascio’s? Chef Chris proudly replies, “the daily lunch specials.”

 *What is Chef’s favorite “junk food”?  With a smile, Chef Chris answers, “I love Icees – to take all the different flavors and mix them.”

 *Any accolades he’d like to mention? Chef Chris was a participant in the National American Seafood Cook Off in 2012. 

 * Anything else that he’d like the readers to know about himself, his family, his goals, his vision for Cascio’s?  With a smile Chef Chris states, “Anything the customer eats at Cascio’s has been hand crafted from the freshest products, keeping us as chefs on our toes.  I welcome the opportunity to serve each guest personally and also welcome customers to request special menu items. We want our customers to know our food is fresh and prepared with the utmost passion.”

For more information and to see daily lunch specials, visit https://www.facebook.com/casciostavern.