On the debut episode of By Reservation Only, Hannah sits down with acclaimed chef and restaurateur Alvin Leung, the Demon Chef behind Hong Kong’s two-Michelin-starred Bo Innovation and the philosophy of Extreme Chinese Cuisine. From his unconventional journey from engineer to culinary innovator to his latest venture, The Leo, Leung shares his approach to pushing culinary boundaries, building a restaurant business, and redefining success. He reflects on why passion alone isn’t enough, the importance of mentorship, Toronto’s multicultural food scene, and the personal experiences that have shaped his life and legacy.

Presented by KIBO, By Reservation Only explores the people, places and ideas shaping Canada’s culinary landscape.

Key Moments:

10:30 - Why passion isn’t enough to build a business

16:40 - The story behind the Demon Chef

23:00 - Michelin stars, mentorship and personal legacy

36:30 - The beauty of Hong Kong cuisine

About the guest:

Alvin Leung is an internationally acclaimed chef and restaurateur known as the Demon Chef and for pioneering Extreme Chinese Cuisine at Bo Innovation in Hong Kong, which earned two Michelin stars. Originally trained as an engineer, he is celebrated for his experimental approach to Chinese cuisine and is also behind The Leo, a chophouse in Markham, Ontario.