About Chef Dez

Chef Deseree “Dez” Lo brings an extraordinary blend of global culinary expertise, dynamic leadership, and a passion for storytelling to every plate. Born in Hong Kong and raised in Taiwan, Dez first built a successful career in finance at Morgan Stanley in New York City before making a decisive pivot into the kitchen, trading a six-figure path for the intensity and craft of fine dining.

That high-pressure foundation shaped her. Dez learned to survive and rise in a competitive, male-dominated restaurant world, building the resilience, confidence, and standards that define her cooking today. She is also a committed advocate for inclusivity in the culinary industry, championing female chefs and diverse voices, and using her platform to help make kitchens and food spaces more welcoming for the next generation.

With more than two decades of culinary experience, Dez trained at the French Culinary Institute and honed her craft in New York’s elite dining scene, including standout time at La Grenouille, Oceana, and Locanda Verde. Known for her work ethic, precision, and bold flavours, she earned a reputation as THE dragon lady for delivering under pressure and leading with confidence.

Since moving to Vancouver in 2016, Dez has become a celebrated name in the Canadian culinary landscape. She has held leadership roles including Executive Sous Chef at CinCin Ristorante and opening Head Chef at Old Bird. During the pandemic, she expanded her expertise even further through work as a wholesale manager, fishmonger, and seafood specialist at Eatfish.ca, deepening her knowledge of seafood sourcing and sustainable practices.

Dez captured national attention as the runner-up on Season 10 of  TOP CHEF CANADA, a spotlight that helped fuel her entrepreneurial success. She currently operates Chef Dez Lo Catering, delivering elevated private dining experiences with creativity and polish. Dez also serves as Corporate Chef for B/S/H Experience and Design Centre, where she leads culinary demonstrations, education, and interactive experiences, bringing her warm, witty teaching style to audiences of all skill levels.

Grounded in sustainability, no-waste cooking, and practical excellence, Dez is known for creating memorable menus that feel generous, thoughtful, and achievable, even within real-world budgets. Whether on camera, on stage, or at the stove, Chef Dez Lo continues to redefine modern culinary leadership through food that connects people and stories worth sharing.