Episodes

  • The Chef JKP Podcast - Limited Series with Varlhona ! Chef Khaled !

    The Chef JKP Podcast - Limited Series with Varlhona ! Chef Khaled !
    Jun 5 2025
    In the fifth and final episode of this special Valrhona x Chef JKP Podcast series recorded at the iconic Louvre Abu Dhabi, we’re bringing it home with one of the UAE’s rising culinary stars — Chef Khaled Al Saadi. Host James Knight-Pacheco dives into an inspiring conversation about:🍽️ The evolution of the Emirati food scene👨‍🍳 Why collaboration is key to culinary growth🍫 And why Chef Khaled proudly chooses Valrhona for his creative chocolate work You can follow Chef Khaled on - https://www.instagram.com/khaleds.uae/ Recorded amidst the immersive Le Fil Rouge event by Valrhona, this conversation explores heritage, innovation, and the power of culinary connection. This limited series is proudly brought to you by Valrhona — supporting pastry chefs and chocolatiers around the world with ethically sourced, premium chocolate. 👉 Visit www.valrhona.com to discover more. 🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the Chef JKP Podcast on your favourite platform!And as always — Food is memories. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    31 mins
  • The Chef JKP Podcast - Limited Series with Valrhona ! Carmen and Kelvin !

    The Chef JKP Podcast - Limited Series with Valrhona ! Carmen and Kelvin !
    May 29 2025
    What happens when two of the world’s most creative chefs meet in the halls of the Louvre? They’ve cooked for royals, redefined fine dining, and now - they’re reimagining chocolate. Join in the conversation with two luminaries of the culinary world: Chef Carmen Rueda Hernandez, recently honored as MENA's Best Pastry Chef 2025 by the Middle East & North Africa's 50 Best Restaurants, and Chef Kelvin Cheung, the visionary behind Dubai's acclaimed Jun's restaurant, renowned for its innovative 'Third Culture' cuisine. Recorded at the iconic Louvre Abu Dhabi, this episode delves into the artistry of fine chocolate, celebrating creativity, culture, and community in partnership with Valrhona. The chefs share nostalgic food memories, their unique approaches to crafting sophisticated dishes, and the significance of storytelling through food. 00:00 Introduction 01:53 Special Edition: Celebrating Fine Chocolate 03:19 Food Memories with Chocolate 06:50 Creating Dishes for the Event 16:35 Challenges and Inspirations in Culinary Arts 23:03 Quick Fire Questions 29:49 Conclusion and Farewell Follow the guests on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefkelvincheung/ https://www.instagram.com/chefcarmenrueda6 A huge thank you to our partners Valrhona for making this special series possible! www.valrhona.com Please leave us a review on any podcast platform - it’s the best way to support the show! Food is Memories ! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    36 mins
  • The Chef JKP Podcast - Limited Series with Valrhona ! Olivier, Hadrien and Reif !

    The Chef JKP Podcast - Limited Series with Valrhona ! Olivier, Hadrien and Reif !
    May 28 2025
    Host James Knight-Paccheco takes listeners on a rich, multi-sensory journey into the world of fine chocolate in partnership with Valrhona and the Louvre Abu Dhabi. The episode spotlights Le Fil Rouge, a one-of-a-kind event uniting over 250 chefs, artists, and visionaries from around the globe! This episode’s guest Olivier Morel, Chief Business Officer at Valrhona, shares insights on the fusion of community, creativity, and culture through the lens of chocolate. He offers reflections on his global chocolate journey and discusses how shifting cocoa markets are shaping the future of fine chocolate. Joining the conversation are celebrated chefs Reif Othman and Hadrien Villedieu, who speak about their culinary inspirations, memorable chocolate moments, and the artistry behind collaborating with Valrhona. From sourcing premium ingredients to curating unforgettable menus, this episode is a heartfelt tribute to chocolate as both craft and culture. 00:00 Introduction 01:06 Celebrating Fine Chocolate with Valrhona 02:15 Olivier’s Chocolate Journey 08:45 Global Chocolate Trends & Challenges 22:02 The Art of Chocolate & Culinary Fusion 28:40 Personal Chocolate Memories 29:10 Hadrian’s Culinary Creations 29:52 Curating the Menu 31:02 Raf’s Chocolate Philosophy 31:37 Collaborating with Valrhona 34:44 Chefs’ Tips for Collaboration 36:55 Conversations Beyond the Kitchen 38:15 Using Chocolate in Cooking 39:42 Describing Themselves as Desserts 40:18 Quick Fire Questions 41:39 Conclusion and Farewell Follow the featured guests on socials: https://fr.linkedin.com/in/olivier-morel-58689313 https://www.instagram.com/reifo.kee https://www.instagram.com/hadrienvilledieu/ A huge thank you to our partners Valrhona for making this special series possible! www.valrhona.com Please leave us a review on any podcast platform - it’s the best way to support the show! Food is Memories ! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    48 mins
  • The Chef JKP Podcast - Limited Series with Valrhona - Guillaume Lafaix General Manager !

    The Chef JKP Podcast - Limited Series with Valrhona - Guillaume Lafaix General Manager !
    May 27 2025
    What happens when chocolate, culture, and craftsmanship come together? In this special edition of the Chef JKP Podcast, host James Knight-Paccheco shares the 2nd episode of a special series with Valrhona, one of the world’s most prestigious chocolate makers. This episode highlights a collaboration between Valrhona and Louvre Abu Dhabi, exploring how fine chocolate is both an art form and a cultural connector. JKP sits down with Valrhona’s General Manager Guillaume Lafaix, who shares his personal chocolate memories, his career journey across continents, and his thoughts on the Middle East’s growing love for sweets. Whether you’re a chef, a chocolate enthusiast, or simply love a good story, this short but rich episode offers a glimpse into how gastronomy, artistry, and global connection all melt into one unforgettable experience. 00:00 Introduction 01:34 Celebrating Fine Chocolate: A Special Edition 03:03 Meet Valrhona’s General Manager 04:53 Chocolate Memories, Career Journey & Global Trends 07:32 Why the Middle East Loves Chocolate 09:13 Valrhona x Louvre Abu Dhabi: A Cultural Collaboration 17:39 Personal Favorites & Culinary Reflections 19:30 Conclusion and Farewell You can follow Valrhona on HERE A huge thank you to our partners Valrhona for making this special series possible! www.valrhona.com Please leave us a review on any podcast hosting platform - it’s the best way to support the show! Food is Memories ! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    24 mins
  • Limited Series with Varlhona ! Episode 1 - Brice Konan Ferrand!

    Limited Series with Varlhona ! Episode 1 - Brice Konan Ferrand!
    May 26 2025
    Welcome to a special edition of the Chef JKP Podcast! In this special edition of the Chef JKP Podcast, host James Knight-Paccheco sits down with Chef Brice Konan-Ferrand, a renowned chocolatier and pastry chef who has worked around the globe. Chef Brice shares his inspiring culinary journey, from training in France and working in various kitchens worldwide to specialising in chocolate and taking part in major events like the one being discussed in this series - 'Le Fil Rouge.' brought to you by Valrhona, held at the prestigious Louvre in Abu Dhabi. This episode delves into the importance of culture, community, and creativity in the culinary world, highlighting the growing recognition of pastry chefs and offering advice for aspiring culinarians. Chef Brice also talks about his international experiences, including time spent in Hong Kong, Japan, and now Dubai, shaping his unique approach to fine chocolate and pastry. 00:00 Introduction to the Chef JKP Podcast 01:48 Special Edition: Celebrating Fine Chocolate 03:19 Guest Introduction: Chef Brice from Le Verona 04:31 Chef Brice's Journey: From Ivory Coast to France 06:34 Culinary Education and Early Career 09:46 Specializing in Pastry and International Experience 24:14 Unexpected Career Opportunities 25:54 Chef Brice’s First Impressions of Hong Kong 26:55 Living and Working in Japan 28:41 Dubai: A New Adventure 31:43 The Louvre Abu Dhabi Event 34:44 Overcoming Challenges and Celebrating Successes 41:09 Recognition in the Culinary World 47:12 Advice for Aspiring Chefs 50:04 Conclusion and Final Thoughts You can follow chef Brice on HERE You can follow all things Varlhona on HERE Tune in for an exciting and insightful conversation with one of the culinary world’s finest, as Chef Brice shares his journey, passion for chocolate, and advice for future chefs. A huge thank you to our partners Valrohna for making this special series possible! www.valrhona.com Please leave us a review on any podcast streaming platform - it’s the best way to support the show! Food is Memories ! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    56 mins
  • Season 9 - Episode 12 - Regan Hillyer - From Burnout to Global Icon !

    Season 9 - Episode 12 - Regan Hillyer - From Burnout to Global Icon !
    May 22 2025
    What if success isn’t something you chase, but something you prepare from within? Before the coaching empire, wellness retreats, and becoming a global speaker, Regan Hillyer was stuck in a cycle of burnout, fear, debt, and disconnection. In this powerful season finale of the Chef JKP Podcast, host James Knight-Paccheco explores Regan’s extraordinary journey from breakdown to breakthrough. From humble beginnings in New Zealand to becoming a global force in personal development. Regan shares the raw and real story of how she turned fear into fuel and built a worldwide empire rooted in inner work, mindset, frequency tuning, and practical techniques for manifesting abundance. This episode is more than just a conversation, it’s a masterclass in living a purpose-driven life, tuning into your highest frequency, and creating success from the inside out. Tune in to learn: 👩‍🍳 How frequency affects leadership, food, and performance 👩‍🍳 The mindset tools top performers use to stay aligned and on purpose 👩‍🍳 How to move through fear and failure without losing momentum 👩‍🍳 Why inner work is the foundation of lasting success 👩‍🍳 How leaders can protect their energy in high-pressure environments 00:00 Opening Remarks and Season Reflections 02:46 Meet Regan Hillyer: Energy Coach, Speaker & Entrepreneur 04:36 Early Life, Food Memories & Formative Influences 07:31 The Turning Point: Discovering Purpose 10:01 The 80/20 Rule: Mindset, Energy & Focus 19:21 Overcoming Fear, Resistance & Burnout 35:38 Reprogramming Your Mind and Relationship with Time 47:48 Soul Desires vs. Ego Desires: Knowing the Difference 53:48 Frequency Conditioning & Daily Manifestation Alarms 01:02:51 High-Pressure Environments: Stress, Leadership & Stillness 01:14:55 The Energy Behind Food: Frequency in Preparation 01:18:07 Staying Grounded While Wearing Many Hats 01:21:48 Quick Fire Round & Final Thoughts Follow Regan on HERE A huge thank you to our partner Luvv Fits – luvvfits.com Stay sharp and hydrated with the Chef JKP thermos bottle - available at chefjkp.com or via DM on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefjkppodcast/ Please leave us a review us on all podcast hosting platforms - it’s the best way to support the show! Food is Memories! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 35 mins
  • Season 9 - Episode 11 - Forget Everything You Know About Fine Dining! Bjorn Frantzen & Torsten Vildgaard !

    Season 9 - Episode 11 - Forget Everything You Know About Fine Dining! Bjorn Frantzen & Torsten Vildgaard !
    May 15 2025
    What happens when two visionaries join forces ? In this extraordinary episode of the Chef JKP Podcast, host James Knight-Paccheco welcomes Chef Torsten Vildgaard (formerly of Noma) and iconic Chef Björn Frantzén, both globally acclaimed for redefining modern gastronomy. Now leading the charge at FZN at Atlantis, The Palm, they’re reshaping fine dining in the Middle East. The conversation takes us through their personal stories, culinary philosophies, and the intense discipline of Michelin kitchens - as well as the unique opportunity and challenge of bringing Scandinavian excellence to the Gulf. This episode is a masterclass in what it takes to operate at the highest level in hospitality. Tune in to learn: 👩‍🍳 How Torsten transitioned from Noma to opening his own Michelin-starred restaurant 👩‍🍳 What it really takes to build and maintain a Michelin-level restaurant 👩‍🍳 What three elements are the heart of elite kitchens 👩‍🍳 How FZN is redefining luxury dining in the Middle East 00:00 Opening Remarks and Personal Reflections 02:00 Meet Torsten Vildgaard & Björn Frantzén 04:40 Childhood Food Memories & Early Influences 12:50 First Steps into Professional Kitchens 25:42 Opening & Running Michelin-Starred Restaurants 41:31 Expanding to Dubai: The FZN Vision 46:12 Training, Guest Experience & Team Culture 51:53 Menu Development & Local Ingredients 54:13 Operating with Excellence in the Middle East 01:13:12 Quick Fire Round 01:20:45 Advice for Young Chefs You can follow Bjorn on HERE You can follow Torsten on HERE A huge thank you to our partner Luvv Fits – luvvfits.com Stay sharp and hydrated with the Chef JKP thermos bottle - available at chefjkp.com or via DM on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefjkppodcast/ Please leave us a review us on all podcast hosting sites - it’s the best way to support the show! Food is Memories !🍽️ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 32 mins
  • Season 9 -Episode 10 - Jack Jarrott - Screaming Guests, Openings, Live Fire Cooking!

    Season 9 -Episode 10 - Jack Jarrott - Screaming Guests, Openings, Live Fire Cooking!
    May 8 2025
    What does it take to lead a world-class kitchen rooted in fire and flavour? In this episode of the Chef JKP Podcast, host James Knight-Paccheco sits down with Chef Jack Jarrott, the driving force behind Sand and Koal at Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi. Jack takes us on a raw and honest journey through his career - from growing up in Australia to mastering open-fire cooking in London under the Gordon Ramsay empire, and eventually becoming a rising star in the UAE culinary world. The conversation explores everything from leadership and kitchen culture to navigating cultural shifts, earning accolades, and Jack’s mission to make Sand and Koal a globally recognized destination. Tune In To Learn: 👩‍🍳 What it really takes to lead a modern open-fire kitchen 👩‍🍳 How Jack adapted from Australia to London to the UAE 👩‍🍳 The power of mentorship, discipline, and legacy 👩‍🍳 Real talk about hotel kitchens vs. standalone restaurants 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Announcement 02:26 Meet Today’s Guest: Chef Jack Jarrott 03:46 From Aussie Kitchens to Culinary Dreams 13:49 London Life & The Gordon Ramsay Era 34:48 Relocating to the UAE 45:30 Lessons from The Guild & High-Volume Service 54:19 Accolades, Recognition & Next Steps 56:46 Building Sand and Koal at Emirates Palace 01:02:35 Mastering the Art of Open Fire Cooking 01:08:16 The Westholme Partnership 01:13:02 Hotel Life: Expectations vs. Reality 01:20:07 Jack’s Vision for the UAE Culinary Scene 01:25:20 Quick Fire Round & Final Thoughts Follow Jack on HERE A huge thank you to our partner Luvv Fits – luvvfits.com, as well as as Westholme Australian Wagyu - Westholme.com Stay sharp and hydrated with the Chef JKP thermos bottle - available at chefjkp.com or via DM on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefjkppodcast/ Please leave us a review on Spotify - it’s the best way to support the show! Food is Memories ! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 47 mins