Episodes

  • Episode 2 - Is There Really Nothing New You Can Do With a Potato? | RJ Harvey
    Sep 25 2025

    Send us a text

    Chef JKP AKA James Knight-Paccheco gives a warm welcome to Season 11. For the first time the season is extended to 16 episodes, and in this solo opener James shares what he has been up to, talks about the big Michelin moments in Dubai, thanks the hospitality community, introduces Potatoes USA as the season sponsor and launches a listener Q&A.

    This episode is an honest, personal update and a short celebration of the people who cook and serve food every day. You will hear kitchen stories, practical tips for chefs and students, why the Michelin guide still matters, and lessons on failure, ego and growth in hospitality.

    What you will hear in this episode
    • Why Season 11 is the biggest yet, 16 episodes and what to expect
    • Potatoes USA, resources and why the humble potato matters
    • Michelin Guide news from Dubai and why it still matters to chefs
    • James’ updates: judging, food writing, travel and industry panels
    • A thank you message to hospitality teams worldwide
    • Listener Q&A: culinary school takeaways, kitchen morale, knives, imposter syndrome and more

    Follow Chef JKP
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefjkppodcast/

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-knight-paccheco-447b1b17/

    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jamesknightpaccheco

    If you enjoyed this episode, hit subscribe and share with someone who loves food. Food is memories.

    #chefjkp #season11 #foodispower #hospitality #michelin #potatoesusa #foodpodcast #growthmindset #cheflife #foodismemories

    Chapters

    00:00: Introduction, welcome to Season 11
    01:20: Season announcement, 16 episodes and what to expect
    02:40: Sponsor spotlight, Potatoes USA and chef resources
    04:30: Personal update, judging, travel, food writing and family
    07:10: Michelin Guide in Dubai, three-star wins and why it matters
    09:30: Cater Middle East judging and advice on entering awards
    11:00: Press trips, panels and industry events update
    12:10: A message to the hospitality community, gratitude and respect
    14:00: Season theme, growth and launch of listener Q&A
    16:00: Listener Q&A begins
    20:00: Q&A highlight, does Michelin still matter in the age of Instagram & TikTok
    26:00: Q&A highlight, knife essentials every young chef should invest in
    28:00: Q&A highlight, imposter syndrome when cooking beside legends
    31:00: Q&A highlight, Emirati chefs making their mark internationally
    33:00: Q&A highlight, guilty pleasure street food while traveling
    39:00: Q&A highlight, funniest kitchen disaster and saving service
    46:00: Q&A highlight, lessons learned from failure and humility in the kitchen
    54:00: Final wrap-up and message to listeners
    56:00: Call to action, merch, follow, subscribe and send questions
    58:00: Closing words, food is memories
    70:00: End of episode

    Support the show

    Follow The Chef JKP Podcast on Instagram HERE

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    1 hr and 21 mins
  • Season 11 Begins | Chef JKP on Updates, Q&A and Life in Hospitality
    Sep 18 2025

    Send us a text

    Chef JKP AKA James Knight-Paccheco gives a warm welcome to Season 11. For the first time the season is extended to 16 episodes, and in this solo opener James shares what he has been up to, talks about the big Michelin moments in Dubai, thanks the hospitality community, introduces Potatoes USA as the season sponsor and launches a listener Q&A.

    This episode is an honest, personal update and a short celebration of the people who cook and serve food every day. You will hear kitchen stories, practical tips for chefs and students, why the Michelin guide still matters, and lessons on failure, ego and growth in hospitality.

    What you will hear in this episode
    • Why Season 11 is the biggest yet, 16 episodes and what to expect
    • Potatoes USA, resources and why the humble potato matters
    • Michelin Guide news from Dubai and why it still matters to chefs
    • James’ updates: judging, food writing, travel and industry panels
    • A thank you message to hospitality teams worldwide
    • Listener Q&A: culinary school takeaways, kitchen morale, knives, imposter syndrome and more

    Follow Chef JKP
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefjkppodcast/
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-knight-paccheco-447b1b17/
    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jamesknightpaccheco

    If you enjoyed this episode, hit subscribe and share with someone who loves food. Food is memories.

    #chefjkp #season11 #foodispower #hospitality #michelin #potatoesusa #foodpodcast #growthmindset #cheflife #foodismemories

    Chapters

    00:00: Introduction, welcome to Season 11
    01:20: Season announcement, 16 episodes and what to expect
    02:40: Sponsor spotlight, Potatoes USA and chef resources
    04:30: Personal update, judging, travel, food writing and family
    07:10: Michelin Guide in Dubai, three-star wins and why it matters
    09:30: Cater Middle East judging and advice on entering awards
    11:00: Press trips, panels and industry events update
    12:10: A message to the hospitality community, gratitude and respect
    14:00: Season theme, growth and launch of listener Q&A
    16:00: Listener Q&A begins
    20:00: Q&A highlight, does Michelin still matter in the age of Instagram & TikTok
    26:00: Q&A highlight, knife essentials every young chef should invest in
    28:00: Q&A highlight, imposter syndrome when cooking beside legends
    31:00: Q&A highlight, Emirati chefs making their mark internationally
    33:00: Q&A highlight, guilty pleasure street food while traveling
    39:00: Q&A highlight, funniest kitchen disaster and saving service
    46:00: Q&A highlight, lessons learned from failure and humility in the kitchen
    54:00: Final wrap-up and message to listeners
    56:00: Call to action, merch, follow, subscribe and send questions
    58:00: Closing words, food is memories
    70:00: End of episode

    Support the show

    Follow The Chef JKP Podcast on Instagram HERE

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 13 mins
  • Season 10 - Episode 12 - Season Finale 📣 Inside Time Out Market with the Team Behind the Magic!
    Aug 28 2025
    We saved the best for last - go behind the scenes of Time Out Market Dubai with the powerhouses shaping the city’s food culture! Recorded live at the market, this episode brings together three key figures shaping the region’s food culture: 📣 Yousra Zaki, Group Food Editor of Time Out GCC 📣 Argiris Tragoutsis, General Manager of Time Out Market Dubai 📣 Michael Marlay, Senior Vice President of Time Out Market Global They reveal what it really takes to build and evolve a world-class food destination, from curating diverse concepts and championing homegrown talent, to striking the perfect balance between street food, fine dining, and unforgettable guest experiences. You’ll also hear insider perspectives on: - Why Dubai is one of the most exciting food cities in the world? - How Time Out Market selects and supports its vendors? - What’s next for the brand globally? Plus, the episode ends with fun rapid-fire questions and personal favourites that give you a glimpse into the people behind the platform! ✨ This is the grand finale of Season 10. ✨ This is Chef JKP Podcast x Time Out Market Dubai. 00:00 Introduction 01:13 Dubai's Culinary Scene 01:50 Time Out Market Dubai Insights 10:50 Creating a Market with Purpose 14:33 Local vs. Global: Celebrating Chefs 16:43 How Vendors Are Selected 24:58 What Makes Dubai Unique 27:12 Future of Time Out Market 30:09 Quick Fire Round This Season 10 of The Chef JKP Podcast is proudly brought to you by Time Out Market Dubai. 🎙️ You support the show by leaving a rating on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast! Food is Memories ! 🍽️👨‍🍳👩‍🍳🍣🌯🌮🎂🍦🌟 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    35 mins
  • Season 10 - Episode 11 - Can Dubai Compete with Global Food Capitals?
    Aug 23 2025
    What’s fueling Dubai’s food revolution - street eats, Michelin stars, or the influencers in between? In this live episode of the Chef JKP Podcast, host James Knight-Paccheco sits down with two powerhouse voices in the UAE’s food space: Courtney Brandt, writer and food critic, and Olivera Saponjac, content creator and culinary storyteller. Straight from Time Out Market Dubai, the trio unpacks: - Dubai’s fast-moving culinary trends - The battle between fine dining and street food - The impact of food influencers and honest reviews - Why local talent needs more spotlight on the global stage Tune in for smart takes, hot debates, and a rapid-fire round you won’t want to miss. 00:00 Introduction 02:15 Meet Courtney Brandt and Olivera Saponjac 04:12 Discussion on Dubai’s Food Scene 09:38 Michelin vs. Street Food 13:26 Collaborations and Global Chefs 18:15 Feedback and Food Writing 28:29 Quick Fire Round You can follow Courtney on - https://www.instagram.com/_courtneybrandt_/ You cab follow Olivera on - https://www.instagram.com/foodgoddesme/ This episode is proudly brought to you by Time Out Market Dubai. 🎙️ You support the show by leaving a rating on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast! Food is Memories ! 🍽️👨‍🍳👩‍🍳 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    33 mins
  • Season 10 - Episode 10 - Hattem Mattar - The Man Behind Dubai’s Most Talked-About BBQ
    Aug 14 2025
    How does a backyard barbecue turn into a White House invitation? In this episode of the Chef JKP Podcast, recorded live from Time Out Market Dubai, host James Knight-Paccheco is joined by Hattem Mattar – pitmaster, entrepreneur, and one of the UAE’s most exciting culinary voices. Hattem shares how he went from a career in oil & gas to building a barbecue brand that fuses Emirati heritage with global techniques. From brisket mandy to third-culture barbecue, this conversation is packed with stories about hustle, identity, and the power of food to build community. Expect bold flavors, big dreams, and behind-the-scenes stories from his journey cooking across the U.S. – including at the White House. This is Dubai’s food culture in motion. Don’t miss it. 00:00 Introduction 02:07 Today's Guest: Hattem Mattar 04:08 Hattem's Culinary Journey 08:22 The Art of Barbecue 10:02 Third Culture Barbecue 13:29 Teaching the Secrets of Barbecue 15:15 The Drive to Be the Best 15:26 Cooking at the White House 16:43 Cultural Conversations Over Barbecue 18:12 Achievements and Humble Beginnings 21:19 Future Projects and the Gastronomic Landscape 23:18 Managing Multiple Brands 24:34 Signature Dish at Time Out Market 26:10 Quick Fire Questions You can follow Hattem HERE This episode is proudly brought to you by Time Out Market Dubai. 🎙️ You support the show by leaving a rating on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast! Food is memories! 🍽️🌯🍣🍦🌟😊 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    33 mins
  • Season 10 - Episode 9 - Reif Othman - The Chef Behind Dubai’s Viral Toilet Roll Cake
    Aug 7 2025
    Live from Time Out Market Dubai, James Knight-Paccheco sits down with one of the city’s most daring culinary innovators: Chef Reif Othman. Known for blending humor with haute cuisine (yes, he’s the guy behind the viral toilet roll cake), Reif shares his journey from creative concept to culinary cult favorite. But this episode is about much more than viral dishes - it’s about how to stay consistent, adapt to a fast-changing food scene, and build a brand that balances innovation with business smarts. Expect real talk on: - Dubai’s evolving food culture - The creative process behind his most talked-about dishes - Building a sustainable, scalable restaurant brand - Lessons every aspiring chef should hear 00:00 Introduction 01:06 Dubai's Culinary Scene and Trends 02:14 Meet Chef Reif Othman 03:56 Reif's Culinary Journey & Viral Creations 12:08 Business Advice for Young Chefs 16:33 Navigating New Culinary Experiences 17:44 Mastering Consistency 19:26 Building a Strong Brand 21:41 Upcoming Projects 22:38 Signature Dishes & Fan Favorites 23:55 Quick Fire Round 27:07 Final Thoughts Follow Chef Reif on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reifo.kee This episode is proudly brought to you by Time Out Market Dubai. 🎙️ You support the show by leaving a rating on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast! Food is memories! 👨‍🍳👩‍🍳🌯🍣🌮🍽️ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    32 mins
  • Season 10 - Episode 8 - From a DM to Dubai: How to build a Culinary Phenomenon
    Jul 31 2025

    Send us a text

    What happens when a powerhouse entrepreneur DMs a Michelin-trained chef… and together they rewrite Dubai’s culinary playbook?Live from Time Out Market Dubai, this episode of the Chef JKP Podcast brings you a blend of Asian-American fusion! Host James Knight-Paccheco sits down with  the brains behind over 20 restaurant brands, Neha Anand and multi-award winning, Chef Kelvin Cheung from Little Jun’s.Together, they unpack: their unique partnership, challenges, and the evolution of their culinary vision. From Neha’s family’s love for late-night pizza sparking her entrepreneurial journey, to Kelvin reflecting on the risks and rewards of starting over in Dubai.00:00 Introduction to the Chef JKP Podcast02:08 Meet Neha and Chef Kelvin 03:39 The Journey to Little Jun’s04:42 Building a Culinary Vision10:11 The Concept of Third Culture Cooking20:19 Empowering Kelvin: Trust and Free Reign22:43 Celebrating Success at Timeout Market23:09 Supporting Local Talent and Community24:15 Curating the Menu and Future Plans26:25 Advice for Aspiring Chefs and Entrepreneurs30:20 Quick Fire Questions33:59 Final Thoughts and FarewellThis episode is proudly brought to you by Time Out Market Dubai.🍴 Follow Little Jun’s: https://www.instagram.com/junsdubai/?hl=en🍽️ Website: https://www.junsdubai.com/ 🎙️ You support the show by leaving a rating on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast !Food is Memories ! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Support the show

    Follow The Chef JKP Podcast on Instagram HERE

    Show More Show Less
    39 mins
  • Season 10 - Episode 7 - The Family Business, Boundaries, & The Mother of Dragons!
    Jul 28 2025
    What happens when family, tradition, and passion come together to create a culinary legacy? Live from Time Out Market Dubai, this episode of the Chef JKP Podcast dives into the inspiring story of a family trio turning sourdough and hospitality into an award-winning experience. Host James Knight-Paccheco sits down with Eva, Lilian, and Emilie to explore their journey - from honouring family bonds and setting business boundaries to crafting memorable dishes that blend tradition with modern flair. Together, they share the challenges, successes, and heart behind their thriving restaurant. 00:00 Introduction and Initial Thoughts 01:13 Welcome to the Chef JKP Podcast 01:44 Meet the Trio Behind Three by Eva 04:48 The Essence of Three by Eva 07:49 The Sourdough Queen's Journey 10:34 Creating a Homey Ambiance 14:01 Balancing Tradition and Innovation 16:21 Curating the Menu for Time Out Market Dubai 18:46 Adapting the Menu for a Diverse Clientele 19:28 Challenges of Creating a Unique Dining Experience 21:09 Recognition and Awards in the Culinary World 23:06 The Importance of Simplicity and Humility in Cooking 25:31 Balancing Family and Business 26:53 The Most Challenging Aspects of the Business 33:20 Final Thoughts and Signature Dish Recommendation 🍴 Follow Three by Ava: https://www.instagram.com/threebyeva/?hl=en This episode is proudly brought to you by Time Out Market Dubai. 
🎙️ Support the show by leaving a rating on Spotify or Apple Podcasts! Food is Memories !👨‍🍳👌👩‍🍳🍣🎂🍦 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    40 mins