Episode 19: Karin Desveaux - Pioneering Palates and Shaping the Culinary Future

Karin Desveaux

Karin Desveaux

Meet Karin Desveaux, a renowned Canadian chef, educator, and one of the early local food pioneers in Ontario. Karin started her culinary journey in Toronto’s finest restaurants during the 1990s before moving to Prince Edward County in 2003, where she co-founded the well-regarded Milford Bistro, Harvest Restaurant, and Pinch Gourmet Shop.

Her efforts promoted seasonality, terroir, and strong connections with local farmers and winemakers, playing a key role in transforming Prince Edward County into a culinary hotspot. In our new episode, Karin shares her experiences she encountered as a woman in a predominantly male industry, the challenges of juggling entrepreneurship, motherhood, and partnership, and how gender influenced her career trajectory.

She reflects on her shift from restaurant kitchens to culinary education, where she has spent over 15 years at Loyalist College, inspiring and mentoring aspiring chefs, integrating creativity, sustainability, and wellness into her curriculum. And even as a teacher herself, she keeps on learning from the next generation.

With candor and depth, Karin addresses the changing environment for women in the culinary field, the significance of mentorship, and her aspirations for a more inclusive and sustainable food industry. Join us for a discussion on resilience, community, and the empowering role of women in driving change within gastronomy.

You can follow Karin on Instagram here -also, please find a recipe form Karin here

 
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Episode 18: Eden Hagos: Turning Ethiopian Roots into a Voice for Women in Black Food Culture