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It’s a special festive episode of the Chef JKP Podcast! James Knight-Paccheco spreads the holiday cheer as we celebrate the podcast’s new availability on YouTube and welcome special guests Courtney Brandt and Liam Collens for a lively discussion about what’s next in the culinary world.
With gifts exchanged, festive vibes in the air, and plenty of laughter, this episode dives into the trends shaping 2024, the rise of Emirati cuisine, and reflections on the Michelin awards in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, looking forward into the dining trends in 2025!Tune in and enjoy:
👨🍳 Festive fun and culinary highlights: Kick off the season with cheerful banter, gift exchanges, and a look at what’s trending in 2024
👨🍳 Michelin’s impact: Celebrate the recognition of outstanding restaurants in Dubai and Abu Dhabi and what it means for the region’s culinary scene
👨🍳 Emirati cuisine on the rise: Insights into how local flavors are taking center stage globally
👨🍳 Behind the scenes: Personal reflections from JKP and his guests on press trips, exciting projects, and chef collaborations.
This festive episode is the perfect mix of inspiration, insight, and holiday cheer. Whether you’re interested in culinary trends, Michelin accolades, or just want to soak up the seasonal vibes, this conversation is packed with something for everyone.
00:00 Introduction03:02 Gifts and Holiday Cheer03:58 Culinary Trends for 202409:35 Chef Collaborations and Industry Highlights16:03 Michelin Awards in Dubai and Abu Dhabi19:55 Exploring Abu Dhabi’s Culinary Scene27:18 Ryba’s Journey to Michelin Recognition37:21 Best Chef Awards and Industry Perspectives49:49 Remembering Chef Greg Malouf55:42 Challenges in Dubai’s Dining Scene01:07:46 Trends: Non-Alcoholic Pairings and Supper Clubs01:15:27 Future Culinary Predictions for Dubai01:29:37 Memorable Dining Experiences of the Year01:42:13 Advice for Surviving the Festive SeasonA special thank you to our sponsors for spreading the holiday spirit:
Chef Middle East (chefmiddleeast.com)No More Bottles (nomorebottles.ae)Luvv Fits Gourmet Protein Bars (luvvfits.com)
Celebrate the season in style with our Chef JKP thermos bottles, perfect for keeping your drinks warm this winter. Order now at chefjkp.com or DM us on Instagram!
Follow Courtney or Liam on Instagram.Don’t miss this festive celebration—follow, share, and subscribe to the podcast on YouTube and all major platforms. Share the cheer by leaving a review and letting us know your favorite festive moment from this episode!
Food is memories.
Enjoy the episode! 🍴Support the show
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In this episode of the Chef JKP Podcast, James Knight-Paccheco sits down with Sandy Muirhead, Director of No More Bottles, to discuss the pressing issue of plastic waste and its impact on sustainability.
From Sandy’s roots in Scotland to leading a mission for conscious water consumption in the Middle East, this episode dives into how No More Bottles is revolutionizing the way we think about water.Tune in to learn:
👨🍳Plastic waste problem: The environmental and health risks posed by plastic bottles and what businesses can do to minimize them
👨🍳Hospitality industry insights: Eye-opening statistics on water consumption in hotels and restaurants and how sustainable solutions can make a difference
👨🍳 Innovative solutions: The benefits of adopting water filtration and purification systems, and how No More Bottles is transforming the way businesses and individuals consume water
👨🍳 Educational initiatives: How Sandy and his team are raising awareness about the importance of filtered water and reducing plastic waste.
This episode offers practical advice and inspiring stories for anyone interested in sustainability, health, and the future of water consumption. Whether you’re in the hospitality industry or simply looking to make eco-conscious changes, Sandy’s insights are a must-hear.
00:00 Introduction
02:23 Sandy’s Journey into Sustainability
18:45 Transition to the Middle East and No More Bottles’ Mission
41:13 Water Consumption in Hospitality
45:11 Health Risks of Plastic Bottles
47:11 Educational Efforts and Raising Awareness
53:30 Filtered Water in Restaurants
01:05:06 Challenges and Future Predictions
01:10:43 Quick Fire Questions
Special thanks to our sponsors:
Chef Middle East (chefmiddleeast.com)
No More Bottles (nomorebottles.ae)
LuvvFits Gourmet Protein Bars (luvvfits.com)
Make the sustainable choice with our Chef JKP thermos bottles, perfect for keeping your drinks hot or cold. Order yours today at chefjkp.com or DM us on Instagram!
Be sure to follow, share, and subscribe to the podcast. Leave a review and share your favourite takeaways from this inspiring episode!
Food is memories! 🍴
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In the new episode of the Chef JKP Podcast, host James Knight-Paccheco welcomes the power duo behind Bangkok’s legendary Bo.Lan, Chef Bo and Chef Dylan Jones. Together, they share their extraordinary culinary journey, from their humble beginnings to becoming trailblazers in safeguarding Thai culinary traditions.
Tune in to hear about:
👨🍳Meeting under David Thompson: How their paths crossed in the kitchens of London while working under the legendary David Thompson
👨🍳The birth of Bo.Lan: Insight into their journey of opening one of Bangkok’s most iconic restaurants and the challenges they overcame to make it a success
👨🍳Netflix fame: Reflections on their feature in Chef’s Table and how it brought their mission to a global audience
👨🍳Preserving Thai culinary heritage: Their unwavering commitment to sustainability and cultural preservation in every dish they create
👨🍳The future of dining: Discussion on the evolution of the dining scene in the Middle East and beyond.
This episode is brimming with humor, passion, and invaluable insights from two chefs who have dedicated their lives to preserving Thai cuisine while pushing culinary boundaries. Whether you’re a budding chef, a food lover, or simply seeking inspiration, Bo and Dylan’s story is sure to captivate.
A huge thank you to our incredible sponsors:
Chef Middle East (chefmiddleeast.com)
No More Bottles (nomorebottles.ae)
LuvvFits Gourmet Protein Bars (luvvfits.com)
Stay hydrated in style with our Chef JKP thermos bottles, perfect for keeping your drinks hot or cold for hours. Order yours now at chefjkp.com or DM us on Instagram!
Don’t forget to follow, share, and subscribe to the podcast. Leave a five-star review to support the show and help us share these incredible stories with the world.
FOLLOW CHEF BO & DYLAN
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bo.lan_essentially_thai/
Food is memories. Enjoy the episode! 🍴
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In this episode of the Chef JKP Podcast, host James Knight-Paccheco sits down with Daniel Birk, Executive Chef of Row on 45 and City Social, to explore his extraordinary culinary journey. From early food memories to leading Michelin-starred kitchens in Dubai, Daniel shares the pivotal moments that shaped his career.
We talk about:
👨🍳 Humble beginnings: Daniel recalls his childhood food memories and his transition from engineering to the world of culinary arts
👨🍳Life in Dubai: Daniel talks about making the leap to Dubai, setting up high-end restaurants, and the challenges of navigating the city’s dynamic dining scene
👨🍳The Michelin moment: An emotional reflection on earning two Michelin stars and the dedication it takes to sustain that level of excellence
👨🍳Lessons from the Best: Insights on working alongside mentor Jason Atherton, building a knowledgeable team, and the art of balancing service and events.
👨🍳Advice for aspiring chefs: Practical tips and inspiration for the next generation of culinary talent.
This episode is a masterclass in resilience, passion, and discipline from a chef who has reached the pinnacle of his profession. Whether you’re an aspiring chef or a foodie, Daniel’s story will leave you inspired and hungry for more.
00:00 Introduction
01:13 Teaser
01:33 Guest Introduction: Daniel Birk
09:15 From Engineering to Full-Time Chef
39:24 Dubai Dreams: A New Opportunity
01:19:07 Achieving Michelin Stars
01:44:32 Advice for Aspiring Chefs
A big thank you to our amazing sponsors for supporting this episode:
Chef Middle East (chefmiddleeast.com)
No More Bottles (nomorebottles.ae)
Love Fit Gourmet Protein Bars (luvvfits.com)
Get your hands on our Chef JKP thermos bottles, perfect for keeping your drinks hot or cold for hours.
Visit chefjkp.com or DM us on Instagram to order yours today!Don’t forget to follow, share, and subscribe to the podcast—it’s the best way to support the Chef JKP community. Leave us a five-star review and let us know your favorite moments from this episode!
Find Daniel on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dan.birk/
Food is memories. Enjoy the episode! 🍴
Filmed and produced by Poddster - www.poddster.com
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Welcome back to the ChefJKP Podcast for an exciting Season 8!
This season, host James Knight-Paccheco continues to serve up culinary inspiration, featuring remarkable guests who share their food journeys, career highs and lows, and advice for thriving in the food industry.
What’s new this season?
👨🍳New studio: Season 8 kicks off from a brand-new studio setting, bringing a refreshed vibe to your favourite episodes.
👨🍳Headline sponsor: A warm welcome back to Chef Middle East, our headline sponsor for Season 8!
👨🍳Supporting partners: Excited to partner with No More Bottles and Luvv Fits Gourmet Protein Bars to make this season possible.
👨🍳Fresh guest lineup: Expect insightful discussions, laughter, and plenty of culinary wisdom that will leave you hungry for more.
👨🍳ChefJKP merch: We’ve launched our official merchandise! Check out the stylish thermos bottles available now at chefjkp.com or DM us on Instagram.
00:00 Welcome to Season Eight!
00:52 Exciting New Partnerships
01:22 Sneak Peek of Inspirational Guests
03:05 Personal Stories and Career Highlights
04:35 Special Announcements and Achievements
06:23 Reflecting on the Journey
07:18 Embracing Change and Moving Forward
08:56 Final Thoughts and Thank Yous
Click and support our sponsors the way they are supporting this show:
Chef Middle East – www.chefmiddleeast.com
No More Bottles – www.nomorebottles.ae
Luvv Fits – www.luvvfits.com
Filmed and produced by Poddster - www.poddster.com
Don’t forget to share this episode and subscribe to the podcast - it’s the best way to support us and help grow the ChefJKP community.
Remember: Food is memories. Enjoy Season 8, culinary brothers and sisters! 🍴Support the show
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In this final episode of the ChefJKP Podcast season 7, host James Knight-Paccheco sits down with Reim El Houni - a veteran in the world of television and media.
Reem shares her fascinating journey, from discovering her passion for television at a young age to founding her own successful production company, TI22 Films.
Throughout the discussion, Reim emphasises the importance of perseverance, building relationships, and developing strong camera presence and visibility - lessons that are applicable not just for chefs, but for anyone looking to build a successful career.Key Topics Discussed:
Childhood food memories growing up in Libya, including the prominence of pasta, bread, and spicy Libyan dishes like harissaDiscovering a passion for television and media at a young ageThe founding of her production company TI 22 Films and how it evolved over the yearsThe critical importance of having strong camera presence and visibilityAdvice for budding presenters, including finding your niche, being persistent, and leveraging social mediaYou can follow Reim on HERE
This show is proudly brought to you by Luvvfits, your go to gourmet protein bar, you can follow them on HERESupport the show
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In this episode of the ChefJKP Podcast, Shaw Lash, the chef and founder of Lila Taqueria, shares her culinary journey, starting from her childhood memories of Mexican cuisine to her professional experiences working with renowned chefs.
Throughout the episode, Shaw discusses the intricacies of Mexican cuisine, dives into her transition from being a chef to a culinary producer and touchs on the challenges and successes faced in opening Lila Taqueria.Key Topics Discussed:
Childhood food memories and culinary influencesTransition from politics to culinary careerLessons learned from working with Rick BaylessInspiration and journey to establish Lila TaqueriaThe unique dining experience at Lila TaqueriaYou can follow Shaw on HERE
This show is Brough to you by Luvvfits - your go to guilt free protein bar, you can follow them on HERESupport the show
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In this episode of the ChefJKP Podcast, founder of Aroma Di Olio Magdalena Orzechowska, shares her incredible journey from a corporate career to becoming a health advocate and olive oil expert after a life-changing cancer diagnosis.
She discusses the intricacies of running an olive oil business, provides tips on choosing the best extra virgin olive oils, and shares her passion for educating people on the incredible health benefits of high-quality olive oil.Key Topics Discussed:
Growing up in Poland during the communist era and the types of foods availableMagdalena's educational path and her initial career in bankingMagdalena's breast cancer diagnosis and how it led her to discover the power of the Mediterranean dietMagdalena's journey to becoming a master olive oil sommelier and starting Aroma Di OlioTips on cooking with and consuming high-quality extra virgin olive oilYou can follow Magdalena on HERE
You can see more of the Extra Virgin Olive Oils on HERE
The show is proudly brought to you by Luvv Fits, your go to Gourmet Protein Bar, you can follow them on HERESupport the show
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In this episode of the ChefJKP Podcast, host James Knight-Paccheco sits down with Alex Augusti, the food blogger and influencer behind the popular Instagram account JustFoodDXB.
Alex shares his journey from working in restaurants as a teenager to building a successful food content business in Dubai.Key Topics Discussed:
Alex's childhood food memories growing up in Cyprus with his Greek grandfather.The challenges of learning social media and video content creation from scratch.Navigating conflicts with restaurants over negative reviews and the importance of authenticity.Strategies for effective food content on platforms like Instagram and TikTok.Thoughts on the differences between "influencers" and "food bloggers".You can follow Alex on HERE
This show is proudly brought to you by LuvvFits Gourmet Protein bars, you can follow them HERESupport the show
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In this episode of the ChefJKP Podcast, we delve into the inspiring and challenging journey of Prachi Kulkarni, a highly trained and qualified chef who has overcome cancer.
The episode begins with Prachi sharing her childhood food memories and her transition into the culinary world.
She recounts her experience working in various kitchens, including a detailed exploration of her time in the butchery.Key Topics Discussed:
Prachi’s time in the butchery and her transition into fitness as a chef.Prachi’s misdiagnosis, subsequent cancer diagnosis, and the beginning of her treatment journey.The challenges of continuing work while undergoing chemotherapy.Navigating the complexities of cancer treatment and recovery.Her love of all things gastronomy.Pushing beyond your limits.You can follow Prachi on HERE
This show is proudly brought to you by Luvvfits, you can follow them on HERESupport the show
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In this episode, Chef Kyung Soo Moon shares with the podcast his incredible journey from wanting to be a policeman as a child to becoming one of the top chefs in the Middle East.
He discusses his early passion for food, learning Japanese cuisine, and the challenges he faced breaking into the industry. Chef Moon also talks about his experiences working in iconic hotels like the Burj Al Arab and Burj Khalifa, as well as opening the renowned Sushi Samba restaurant in Dubai.Key Topics Discussed:
Chef Moon's childhood food memories and decision to become a chefMoving to Dubai and working at the Address and Armani HotelsOpening and overseeing Sushi Samba in DubaiTailoring menus for different markets and expanding the Sushi Samba brandChallenges of managing multiple restaurants globallyYou can follow him on HERE
This show is brought to you by LUVV FITS Gourmet Protein Bars, you can follow them on HERESupport the show
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In this deeply heartfelt episode, Chef James Knight Pachecco celebrates the life and legacy of the late Chef Greg Malouf, a true pioneer in modern Middle Eastern cuisine. Over the weekend, the culinary world lost an icon, and in this special tribute, Chef James reflects on the incredible impact Greg had on chefs and food lovers around the globe.
From his co-authorship of eight influential books to his role in bringing Middle Eastern flavours to the global stage, Greg was more than just a chef—he was a visionary and a mentor. This episode revisits personal stories, tributes from industry peers, and Chef James' own memories of interviewing Greg in 2021. During that interview, Greg’s kindness, humour, and wisdom left an indelible mark on Chef James, who fondly recalls their conversation about food, travel, and life.
Join Chef James as he raises a glass to Greg—his favourite Negroni—and invites listeners to do the same, in remembrance of a man who changed the culinary landscape forever.
"Thank you, Greg, for your kindness, your brilliance, and the memories that will live on."
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In this episode, host James Knight-Paccheco is joined by Michelle Johnson, the co-founder and managing partner of the award-winning Pitfire Pizza brand.
Michelle shares the incredible journey of how she and her husband Bill turned their pizza passion into a thriving business, overcoming challenges and building a beloved brand in the Middle East.Key Topics Discussed:
Growing up in rural Alabama and the food scene thereMichelle's educational and career path, from accounting to human resourcesThe origins of the Pitfire Pizza brand name and conceptOvercoming challenges and legal battles in the early days of PitfireDeveloping the Pitfire menu and recipesYou can follow Michele on HERE
This show is brought to you by LUVV FITS Gourmet Protein Bars, you can follow them on HERESupport the show
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In this episode of the ChefJKP Podcast, David Tapley, the Editor-in-Chief of Fact Magazine, shares about his urban lifestyle magazine covering food, art, culture, and travel across the GCC region.
Prior to his role at Fact, David had an unconventional path into media, starting out working in professional kitchens before transitioning into journalism and content creation.Key Topics Discussed:
David’ first food memories growing up in the UK and how his palate expanded through travelLessons learned from David’s time in the kitchen, including the challenges of long hours and rigid processesHow David transitioned from the kitchen into travel writing and eventually joining Fact Magazine Fact Magazine's approach to restaurant reviews, including how they handle negative feedbackAdvice for aspiring writers on building a portfolio and getting started in the industryYou can follow David on HERE
This show is Brough to you by KATA, you can follow them on HERESupport the show
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In this episode of the ChefJKP Podcast, host James Knight-Paccheco interviews Chef Marwan Sardouk, a culinary expert with experience working for renowned chefs like Alain Ducasse and Heinz Beck.
Marwan shares his journey from working in the streets of Lebanon at a young age to becoming a corporate chef in Dubai.Key Topics Discussed:
Cooking and working at a young age to support his familyWorking with and learning from renowned chefs like Alain Ducasse and Heinz BeckComparison of Pre-recorded TV and Live Studio TVDiscussing his time on the TV show “The Kitchen”The journey of opening Kata RestaurantThe future of cookingYou can follow Marwan on HERE
This show is brought to you by KATA, you can follow them on HERESupport the show
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In this episode of the ChefJKP podcast, host James Knight-Paccheco interviews Luigi Vespero, an award-winning hospitality professional with over 20 years of experience in culinary and hospitality. Luigi shares his journey from Naples to working in top Michelin-starred kitchens in London, including Gordon Ramsay at Claridge's and The Wolseley. He discusses his passion for cooking, his drive to succeed, and the challenges he faced along the way.
Key Topics Discussed:
Growing up in Naples and early food memories with pizza, meat ragout, and street food.Early desires to become a chef and the challenges he faced in pursuing his passion.Luigi’s journey to the UK, including his determination to work in Michelin-starred restaurants.Luigi’s experience applying for a job with Gordon Ramsay and the difficult interview process.The decision to join The Wolseley to grow his career.The move to the Middle East.Leaving the kitchen to work in Front of the HouseYou can follow Luigi on HERE
The show is brought to you by The Truffle House, you can follow them on HERESupport the show
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In this episode of the ChefJKP Podcast, Mihai Florescu, the co-founder of Truffle House Dubai, delves into the world of truffles, exploring the intricacies of sourcing, quality, and the unique experience Truffle House offers to its customers.
Mihai shared his journey from the aviation industry to the world of truffles, highlighting the entrepreneurial spirit and passion that drives his business.Key Topics Discussed:
Mihai’s transition to Dubai and entrepreneurial spiritVenturing into truffles and establishing Truffle HouseTruffle season, pricing and industry insightsEducational engagement with young chefsThis show is brought to you by The Truffle House, you can follow them on HERE
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In this season premiere of the ChefJKP podcast, host James Knight-Paccheco welcomes a stellar lineup of culinary talents and gastronomic masterminds from the Middle East region.
The guests share their personal and professional journeys, offering insights into the challenges and triumphs of working in the hospitality industry.
As always, it is customary for James to kick off the first show of every season, with so much going on in terms of the gastronomic landscape, this season's theme is all about perseverance, even during the toughest of times and tribulations, people within this industry have this one topic in common!
James shares a few personal anecdotes, as well as what he believes can push people to the limit.Support the show
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In the final episode of season 6 of the Chef JKP podcast, we talk to one of the leading sustainability figures in the region!
Omar Shihab discusses the importance of sustainability in the hospitality industry. The conversation covers running a restaurant on 100% renewable energy, modern Spanish cuisine, and innovative food sourcing.Topics discussed:
· Sustainability Practices in the Hospitality Industry
· Journey in the Culinary Industry
· Innovation and Sustainability in the Culinary World
· Human Sustainability in the Hospitality Industry
· Future of the Culinary Industry
Key takeaways and lessons:
Sustainability is crucial in the hospitality industry, from sourcing to operations.Valuing staff members and empowering them leads to better sustainability outcomes.Understanding local culture and ingredients is key to culinary success.Making small, measurable changes can have a significant impact on sustainability.The future of the industry lies in homegrown concepts and a stronger connection with local producers.Listeners are encouraged to subscribe and share to join a culinary community seeking solace, sharing memories, and gaining valuable life lessons.You can follow Omar on HERE
This show is proudly brought to you by our partners Chef Middle East, you can follow them on HERESupport the show
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The Chef JKP Podcast, hosted by James Knight-Paccheco, features an insightful
interview with Panchali Mahendra, CEO of Atelier House Hospitality.
They discuss various aspects of the hospitality industry, including childhood food memories, career transitions, challenges faced, and predictions for the restaurant industry.
Panchali shares valuable insights on managing successful restaurants,
consultancy roles, team dynamics, and the importance of sustainability in the
industry.
Topics discussed:
Journey in the Hospitality Industry
Challenges Faced
Consultancy in Hospitality
Business Ideas and Project Development
Restaurant Project Execution
Financial Planning and Marketing
Leadership and Female Representation
Sustainability and Industry Predictions
Restaurant Landscape in UAE
Here are key takeaways and lessons:
Passion over pride projects and the importance of patience, listening, and
leadership in managing diverse personalities in a team.
Strategic budget allocation for marketing and the significance of
staggered restaurant openings for quality focus.
Creating a family-like environment for employees, transparency, and
respect for labour contribute to low attrition rates.
The industry predicts a shift towards smaller, lower CapEx restaurants,
luxury markets, and fine casual dining.
Follow Panchali on HERE
This show is bright to you by Chef Middle East, follow them on HERESupport the show
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