Tempo by Hilton Times Square is thrilled to announce the appointment of Desmond Lim as Chef De Cuisine at the hotel’s onsite cocktail lounge & restaurant, Highball,located in Midtown Manhattan. In his new role, Desmond will oversee back-of-the-house operations and steer Highball into a new culinary chapter, redefining expectations of the modern hotel dining experience.
With more than 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Desmond has honed his culinary expertise through formal training at the French Culinary Institute,earning a degree in Culinary Arts, during which he engaged in an intensive immersion in classical French techniques thatlaid the foundation for his culinary philosophy and creative approach.
Throughout his career, Desmond has honed his craft at world-renowned restaurants, including Rao’s and Bellagio Las Vegas. He later returned to New York City to oversee F&B operations at marquee properties, including Trump SoHo Hotel and New York Marriott Marquis, and most recently served as Executive Sous Chef at Andaz Fifth Avenue.
Born in Kingston, Jamaica, and later raised in Jamaica, Queens, Desmond discovered his passion for the culinary arts through watching cooking shows and learning alongside exceptional chefs and hospitality leaders from around the world, whocontinue to inspire him to refine hiscraft and push his culinary inspirations forward. Throughout his career, Desmond has strived to refine his palate, creating dishes that continue to challenge the norms of hotel restaurants.
He is known forappearing on Food Network’sChoppedas a runner-up and for receiving multiple culinary honors. Desmond is now focused on reimagining Highball’s food and beverage program,buildingthe new menu from the ground up.
Tempo by Hilton Times Square is located at 1568 Broadway, New York, NY 10036. To make a reservation, please visit Hilton.com or call +1 212 262 8100. For more information about Tempo by Hilton, please visit Stories.Hilton.com.
Dining and Cooking