Dive into Season 6 of the Chef JKP Podcast, now streaming on YouTube!

Host James Knight Paccheco welcomes a stellar lineup of culinary talents, CEOs, and industry experts, exploring the diverse flavours of the culinary world.
From business strategies to sustainability, mental health, and the power of human connection, each episode offers insights, inspiration, and a dash of laughter.
Join the conversation, share the show, and let's spread the love for food and memories together!

Topics Discussed:

· Season 6 lineup featuring culinary talents and industry experts.

· Discussion on the importance of sharing the show for its growth.

· Themes explored in the season: food, memories, laughter, vulnerability, and life lessons.

· Insights from guests on business strategies, customer experience, and sustainability.

· Personal stories shared by guests about their culinary journeys and career highlights.

· Exploration of challenges in the hospitality industry, including work-life balance and mental health.

· Importance of communication and mentorship in fostering a positive work environment.

· Reflection on the power of human connection and the role of the hospitality industry.

· Call for kindness and understanding towards industry professionals.

· Invitation to engage with the podcast, leave reviews, and share with others for inspiration.

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In the second part of the ChefJKP Podcast’s Beach Canteen special, Chef James Knight-Paccheco takes you on a flavorful journey alongside a delectable array of culinary delights.

Delve into the fascinating stories behind the incredible eateries featuring in the 11th edition of Dubai's Food Festival Beach Canteen, plus what food and drinks are must-haves and what are the stories behind the incredible concepts?

Tune in as James speaks with:

•⁠ Sid - Sushido

•⁠ Hala - Hangry Joe’s

•⁠ ⁠Ghena - Beach Canteen, Culinary Theatre Curator

•⁠ ⁠Ben - Benny Mack’s

•⁠ Paul - Mamacita


You can follow the beach canteen on HERE

You can follow the Dubai Food Festival on HERE

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Follow The Chef JKP Podcast on Instagram HERE

This is a 2 part Special!
On this episode of the ChefJKP Podcast, host James Knight-Paccheco is at the Etisalat Beach Canteen in conjunction with the Dubai Food Festival, to fill you in with everything you need to know about the food and offerings available at the beachside dining popup.
What food and drinks are must-haves and what are the stories behind the incredible restaurants?

Tune in as James speaks with:
- Sally Edwards - Senior Advisor, Leisure, Events & Festivals, Dubai Economy & Tourism -Follow SALLY
- Trang - Vietnamese Foodies - FOLLOW
- Ahmed - Mitzumami - FOLLOW
- Lyle - Phat - FOLLOW
- Abdulla - Doloma / Yaba - FOLLOW

You can follow the beach canteen on HERE

You can follow the Dubai Food Festival on HERE

Support the Show.

Follow The Chef JKP Podcast on Instagram HERE

In this episode of the ChefJKP Podcast, celebrated chef Colin Clague shares his experiences working in various kitchens around the world, from the Isle of Man to London, Australia, and Dubai.
He discussed the challenges and rewards of opening iconic restaurants like Zuma and Qbara, where he brought his expertise in Middle Eastern and Levantine cuisine to create unique and modern dishes.
Colin also reflects on the evolving restaurant industry and the importance of hard work and dedication in the culinary field.
Overall, it was a fascinating conversation with a true mentor in the industry.

ChefJKP and Colin discuss:

• The Challenges of Purchasing in the Hospitality Industry
• Consulting on a British Gastropub and Dreaming of Opening a Middle Eastern Restaurant
• Colin's Formative Years and Navy Experience
• Mental Health and Well-being in the Hospitality Industry
• The Lack of Recognition for Middle Eastern Food in the Culinary World
• Resilience and Adaptability of the Hospitality Industry

You can follow Colin on HERE

This show is bought to you by TwentyOne06 - You can follow them on HERE

Support the Show.

Follow The Chef JKP Podcast on Instagram HERE

In this enlightening episode of the Chef JKP podcast, host Chef JKP welcomes Halil Asar, a pioneering figure in the hospitality industry.
Halil shares his inspirational journey from his early days in his mother's restaurant to becoming the youngest three-star Michelin maitre d' in Europe.
Currently the director of operations for the Amai restaurant group, Halil provides profound insights on leadership, teamwork, and the challenges faced by the industry.

ChefJKP and Halil discuss:

• Following Your Passion and Dreams
• Commonalities Among High-End Restaurants
• The Pressure of Working in Top Restaurants
• Managing People and Leadership at a Young Age
• The Challenge of Non-Alcoholic Beverages
• The Expanding Food Scene in the Middle East

You can follow Halil on HERE

This show is bought to you by TwentyOne06 - you can follow them on HERE

Support the Show.

Follow The Chef JKP Podcast on Instagram HERE

In this episode of the ChefJKP Podcast, Kelvin Cheung shares his formative years working in his dad's restaurant and his path into the industry.
Kelvin also touches on the challenges of maintaining a work-life balance in the demanding world of hospitality.
Despite the accolades and recognition, including being featured in the Michelin Guide and the prestigious Gault and Millau Guide, Kelvin remains focused on the simple joy of feeding people and creating memorable experiences for his guests.

ChefJKP and Kelvin discuss:

• The Demands of the Hospitality Industry
• Advice for Young Chefs
• Transition to a More Positive Management Approach
• Kelvin's Growth and Changes in Management Philosophy
• Unique Disciplinary Methods in the Kitchen
• Discussing Mental Health and Wellness in Kitchens

You can follow Kelvin on HERE

This show is bought to you by TwentyOne06, you can follow them on HERE

Support the Show.

Follow The Chef JKP Podcast on Instagram HERE

Giovanni's passion for his craft is palpable.
In this episode, he shares how he believes in the power of food to bring people together, to create memories, and to evoke emotions.

It is this belief that drives him to constantly push the boundaries of Italian cuisine and create dishes that not only satisfy the palate but also touch the soul.

With a coveted Michelin star and two toques in the Gault and Millau guide, Giovanni has become a prominent figure in the MENA region's gastronomy.

ChefJKP and Giovanni discuss:

• Guest's Impact on UAE Food Scene and Michelin Recognition

• Challenges and Growth in Shanghai's Culinary Scene

• Learning Through Language Barriers and Kitchen Dynamics

• Seasonal Work Patterns and Exploring New Cuisines

• Transition to Dubai and Joining Armani Ristorante

• Humility and Growth: Stepping into Sous-Chef Role in Dubai

You can follow Giovanni on HERE

The podcast is bought to you by Twentyone06 - you can follow them on HERE

Support the Show.

Follow The Chef JKP Podcast on Instagram HERE

In this episode, we meet Chef Hadrien Villedieu discusses his formative years as a fussy eater and his journey into the culinary world.
They talk about his time in Morocco, where he faced challenges in adapting to a different culture and learning the local cooking techniques. Hadrien shares his experiences working with Joël Robuchon and Alain Passard, highlighting the precision and creativity they instilled in him.
The conversation then shifts to Hadrien's transition from being an executive chef to teaching cookery classes in a cooking school.
Finally, the host and Hadrien talk about his latest venture, Chez Wam, a restaurant in Dubai that offers a unique dining experience.

• The Decision to Open Chez Wam and the Meaning Behind the Name

You can follow Hadrien on HERE

This show is bought to you by Twentyone06 - you can follow them on HERE

Support the Show.

Follow The Chef JKP Podcast on Instagram HERE