The Chef JKP Podcast

This podcast episode explores Tom Allen’s culinary journey rooted in childhood experiences. 
Raised in a family deeply connected to food and nature, he developed an early appreciation for farm-to-table practices.
 Venturing into a professional kitchen as a teenager, he found a second family at a small hometown restaurant. He shares memories of impactful dishes, the evolution of the culinary scene, and working alongside Heston Blumenthal. 
Tune in for insights into a culinary career shaped by family, mentors, and an unyielding passion for food.

ChefJKP and Tom discuss:

•               Childhood connection to food and nature

•               Early exposure to farm-to-table practices

•               Culinary journey starting in a hometown restaurant

•               Memories of impactful dishes

•               Working alongside Heston Blumenthal

You can follow Tom on HERE

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

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In this episode of the ChefJKP Podcast, Peggy reflects on the importance of food education and how it is lacking in today's society. 
She mentions that most children these days only see food in packages in the fridge and don't have the opportunity to learn about the origins and quality of the ingredients. 

Listen in as Peggy provides a glimpse into her childhood memories of Hong Kong street food, the vibrant and bustling atmosphere of Temple Street, the raw and authentic wet market experience, and the importance of food education.

ChefJKP and Peggy discuss:

•               Importance of Food Education

•               Peggy's Transition  to Hospitality

•               Winning a Bid for Lord's Cricket Ground Catering

•               Opening a Pub for Guy Ritchie and Madonna

•               Moving to Michelin Starred Operations

You can follow Peggy on HERE 

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

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In this episode of the ChefJKP Podcast, host James Knight-Paccheco interviews Chef Carmine Farovolo. 
They discuss Carmine's culinary journey, starting from his formative years cooking with his grandmother in Naples to his experiences working with renowned chefs around the world. 
Carmine shares stories of his time in the kitchen, including a memorable incident where he forgot to cook a beef fillet for a VIP table. 
He also talks about the importance of traditional Italian cuisine and his goal to be one of the best Italian restaurants in Dubai.

ChefJKP and Carmine discuss:

•               Working in Michelin-Starred Restaurants and Making Mistakes

•               Street Foods in Naples, including Pizza Varieties

•               Challenges and Aggressiveness in Kitchen Environments

•               Differences in Cooking Styles between Italy and Spain

•               Importance of Training and Developing Kitchen Staff

You can follow chef Carmine on HERE

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

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Welcome to another packed Season of The Chef JKP Podcast !

Another packed show full of remarkable guests within the world of hospitality.
Host of the show James Knight-Paccheco aka Chef JKP, teases what is in store for the upcoming season.

James also discusses a topic that is close to everyone - failure!
Discussing his own failures, he touches upon as to how this familiar subject,  should also be celebrated.

Link to the TEDx Talk is HERE
Link to the advisory board - HERE
The Hotel Show Advisory Board - HERE

This show is bought to you by Twentyone06 - you can see who they are on HERE

Follow The Chef JKP Podcast on Instagram HERE

In this festive episode of the Chef JKP Podcast, host James Knight Pacheco is joined by the renowned Liam Collens for a Merry Christmas special. 

The two dive into a captivating conversation, unwrapping the culinary highlights and lowlights of 2023. 

Liam Collens AKA - Eat, Go, See!  He is a distinguished figure in the  world of all things gastronomy, travel and writing, the episode provides a flavourful blend of insights, anecdotes, and expert commentary on the trends that shaped the restaurant landscape throughout the past year. 
The episode not only reflects on the exceptional moments that defined 2023 but also explores forward-thinking visions for 2024. Join them as they share their reflections, lessons learned, and aspirations for the exciting year ahead.

ChefJKP and Liam discuss:

• Community initiatives in response to tragedies
• Shifting restaurant dynamics in Dubai
• Fine dining trends and award considerations
• Culinary highlights and lowlights of 2023
• Predictions and wishes for the culinary scene in 2024

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In the final episode of the Chef JKP Podcast season 4, James Knight-Paccheco interviews the extremely humble and talented, Himanshu Saini, the corporate chef for the Passion F&B Group, the chef and driving force behind the world famous double Michelin starred Trèsind Studio.

They discuss Saini's journey from being a trainee to becoming a sous chef at a young age. 
They also talk about the anticipation and excitement of receiving a Michelin star. 

Tune in to hear Saini's insights and experiences in the culinary world, and what advice he gives to everyone listening.

 On this episode, James and his guest discuss:

·      First foray into a professional kitchen

·      Leaving the restaurant industry

·      Working with language barriers

·      Chef’s challenging moments

·      Dealing with pressure and mental health

You can follow Himanshu on - https://www.instagram.com/chefhimanshusaini/

This show is bought to you by the Dubai Chef's Collective - https://www.dubaichefscollective.com/

Follow The Chef JKP Podcast on Instagram HERE

In this fast-paced episode of the Chef JKP Podcast, host James Knight-Paccheco interviews Solemann Haddad, a 27-year-old self taught chef patron of the acclaimed Michelin starred restaurant - Moonrise! 
Solemann has achieved remarkable success in the culinary world.

Haddad shares his favourite food memory, his early experiences in his grandfather's restaurant, and his passion for cooking.
He also shares his philosophy on what can be achieved with pure self belief !

 On this episode, James and his guest discuss:

·      Embracing diverse culinary influences

·      Creating a unique Dubai cuisine

·      Breaking chains of self-doubt

·      The overwhelming nature of success

·      The food scene in Dubai

You can follow Solemann on - https://www.instagram.com/solemann.xyz/

This show is bought to you by the Dubai Chef's Collective - https://www.dubaichefscollective.com/

Follow The Chef JKP Podcast on Instagram HERE

In this episode of the Chef JKP Podcast, host James Knight-Paccheco welcomes Claudia De Brito, the vice chair for the world's top 50 best restaurants MENA region. 

Claudia shares her incredible upbringing, surprising pasta making skills, and offers advice for budding writers. She also discusses her experiences working at a film and TV production company and traveling to film markets like Cannes. 

The conversation includes stories about unique dining experiences, including a South Korean restaurant and anecdotes about South America.
Tune in for laughter, serious discussions, and valuable life lessons on the Chef JKP Podcast.

On this episode, James and his guest discuss:

·      San Pellegrino 50 Best Restaurants

·      Dubai’s diverse melting pot

·      Chefs and constructive criticism

·      Soft opening and customer expectations

·      Unusual cuisines

·      Tips for budding food writters

You can email Claudia on - Cfdbrito@gmail.com

To follow Claudia on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/claudebrito

This episode is bought to you by The Dubai Chef's Collective - https://www.dubaichefscollective.com 

Follow The Chef JKP Podcast on Instagram HERE

In this episode of the Chef JKP Podcast, James interviews Nick Alvis, the founder of KMS (Kitchen Management Solutions) and one of the most accomplished and celebrated chef 's in Dubai and the Gulf Region. 

They discuss Nick's journey in the culinary world, working with renowned chefs such as Gordon Ramsay, Marcus Wareing, and his experiences in the UAE. 

Nick shares his passion for cooking and making people happy through food.
He talks about his early career decisions and the importance of enjoying what you do.

 On this episode, James and his guest discuss:

·      The importance of diverse work experience

·      Mentality is key in tough kitchens

·      Career progression and self-awareness

·      Character building through challenging experiences

·      Don't chase money, prioritize knowledge

You can follow Nick on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/chefnickalvis

This episode is bought to you by the Dubai Chef's Collective - https://www.dubaichefscollective.com

Follow The Chef JKP Podcast on Instagram HERE

In this episode of the Chef JKP Podcast, host James Knight-Paccheco takes listeners on a culinary journey filled with food memories, laughter, and lessons for life. 

On this weeks show . 
The episode features an enlightening conversation with Fahim Al Qasimi, Co-founder of Seafood Souq, a digital platform that sheds light on the seafood industry.

He reminisces about picking fresh black cherries from a tree in his childhood home in Germany, highlighting the special connection between food and memories.
Paccheco promises that this episode is a game changer, urging listeners to tune in and discover the wealth of information it offers.

 On this episode, James and his guest discuss:

·      Seafood traceability and mislabeling

·      Overfishing and political activism

·      Investing in our oceans

·      Fusion in Emirati cuisine

·      Michelin-starred UAE-based restaurant

·      Memorable culinary experiences

To follow Fahim on Instagram, click HERE

To see everything to do with Seafood Souq click HERE

Follow The Chef JKP Podcast on Instagram HERE

In this episode of the Chef JKP Podcast, Stasha shares her journey from Serbia to the UAE and her vision of serving modern Balkan cuisine. 

She opens up about the challenges she faced in the hospitality industry and how she turned strangers into friends at her restaurant. 
Stasha also shares his experience with previous head chefs and the excitement of the restaurant receiving a coveted Michelin Bib Gourmand Award. 

Tune in for laughter, serious discussions, and lessons for life in this delightful episode.

On this episode, James and his guest discuss:

·      Balkan hospitality

·      Opening luxury restaurants in Dubai

·      Emiratis’ reaction to Balkan food

·      Reopening after COVID closure

·      The Michelin Bib Gourmand

You can follow Stasha on HERE

This podcast is bought to you by The Dubai Chef's Collective, you can follow them on HERE

Follow The Chef JKP Podcast on Instagram HERE

In this episode of the Chef JKP Podcast, James Knight Pacheco and his guest Liam Collens, discuss the importance of giving and receiving feedback in the restaurant industry. 
He questions whether people truly want feedback or if they are seeking validation instead. Liam also emphasizes the need for a holistic approach when critiquing a restaurant, considering factors such as ambience, atmosphere, value for money, service, and wine selection. The conversation then shifts to the lack of representation of certain cuisines in the industry and the tendency to stick to proven models instead of embracing variety. 
Liam Collens, the founder of EatGoSee, joins the discussion, highlighting the importance of showcasing diverse and enjoyable cuisines. Tune in for insightful perspectives and lessons for life in the culinary world. 

On this episode, James and his guest discuss:

·      Underrepresented cuisines in the industry

·      Losing motivation in the restaurant industry

·      Eurocentric bias in culinary awards

·      Michelin and 50 Best Awards

·      Food writer feedback to chefs

You can follow Liam on Instagram HERE

This podcast is bought to you by The Dubai Chef's Collective, you can follow them on HERE

Follow The Chef JKP Podcast on Instagram HERE

This episode of the Chef JKP Podcast features an interview with none other than the award winning Jason Atherton, a renowned chef and restaurateur. Host James Knight-Paccheco explores Atherton's early food memories, including his mom's prawn cocktail night at their guest house. 
They also discuss Atherton's journey into the culinary world of Michelin, his experiences working with famous chefs, including Marco Pierre White, and Gordon Ramsay,  his success in opening and maintaining Michelin-starred restaurants. 
The episode offers insights into Atherton's passion for cooking and his unmatched dedication to his craft.

On this episode, James and his guest discuss:

• The future of fine dining
• The pressure and buzz of a kitchen
• Working with Gordon Ramsay
• Michelin-star dining experiences
• The evolving dining scene in the Gulf

Follow Jason on Instagram on  HERE

This podcast is bought to you by The Dubai Chef's Collective - You can follow them on HERE

Follow The Chef JKP Podcast on Instagram HERE

In this episode of the Chef JKP Podcast, Duncan Fraser Smith, a veteran of the hospitality industry, recounts stories of working in the back of the house, where he witnessed the intense pressure and high standards of a professional kitchen. From plates being pushed onto the floor if not served quickly enough to throwing knives at targets on the wall, Duncan highlights the relentless pursuit of perfection in the culinary world. Despite the challenges, Duncan's mentor reminds him that even with a 90% success rate, there will always be room for improvement. Tune in for an entertaining and enlightening conversation on the realities of the industry and the lessons learned along the way.

On this episode, James and his guest discuss:

·      Traditional culinary skills and education

·      Taking creative leaps in F&B

·      Underestimating profitability in restaurants

·      MasterChef as a passion project

·      Approaching investors

·      Duncan’s passion for hospitality

To see Duncan's agency, you can check his website on HERE.

This podcast is bought to you by the Dubai Chef's collective, you can follow them on HERE.

Follow The Chef JKP Podcast on Instagram HERE

In this episode of the Chef JKP Podcast, Jean Winter, founder and CEO of Touch, shares her love of food and how it has brought people together throughout her life. She emphasizes the importance of equality in food and how her community projects give back. Jean also discusses her extensive travels and restaurant reviews. Above all, she expresses her desire to help as many people as possible through the power of food. Tune in to this inspiring episode for laughter, lessons for life, and a celebration of the connection food brings to us all.

On this episode, James and his guest discuss:

·      Wet markets and sensory experiences

·      Access to food limitations

·      Scaring yourself with challenges

·      Building unity in diverse communities

·      The transient nature of the restaurant scene

·      Workers’ living conditions

To see what Touch do, click the link HERE.

This episode is bought to you by The Dubai Chef's Collective, you can follow them on here.

Follow The Chef JKP Podcast on Instagram HERE

In this episode of the Chef JKP Podcast, host James Knight-Paccheco interviews Tom Arnel, managing director of EATX, a company with multiple dining concepts in Dubai. Arnell discusses his transition from being a classically trained chef to a successful restaurateur. Together, James and Tom offer insights, stories, and lessons for both aspiring chefs and food enthusiasts alike. Tune in for a delightful blend of laughter, seriousness, and life lessons in the world of culinary arts.

On this episode, James and his guest discuss:

·      Changing priorities in the culinary industry

·      Opening a successful restaurant in Abu Dhabi

·      Unique, vibrant, and diverse dining experiences

·      Adapting to change is crucial

·      Drive and self-belief lead to success


This podcast is bought to you by the Dubai Chef's Collective, you can follow them on HERE.

You can follow Tom's company on HERE.

Follow The Chef JKP Podcast on Instagram HERE

In Season 4 of the Chef JKP Podcast, host James Knight-Paccheco is back with a lineup of incredible topics and guests. This season, the podcast includes not only audio but also visual content. The discussions dive deeper into various subjects, promising an engaging and thought-provoking experience. In this episode, James shares stories from his early days in a fine dining restaurant and his encounter with Gordon Ramsay. The episode also touches on the importance of keeping a restaurant fresh and the expectations of anonymous voters in the industry. Tune in to Season 4 for more exciting and insightful episodes of the Chef JKP Podcast.

This podcast is bought to you by the Dubai Chef's Collective, you can follow them on HERE.

 Follow The Chef JKP Podcast on Instagram HERE.

Follow The Chef JKP Podcast on Instagram HERE

In this episode of the Chef JKP Podcast, James Knight-Paccheco sits down with multi-award winning chef and entrepreneur, Reif Othman. They discuss Reif's impressive career in the culinary industry and delve into topics such as the importance of hard work and listening, adapting to the needs of the customer, and the role of innovation in achieving culinary excellence. Join them for a fascinating conversation filled with laughter, seriousness, and valuable life lessons.

 On this episode, James and his guest discuss:

·      American culinary hierarchy

·      Building a family in the kitchen

·      Testing the Dubai food scene

·      Business mindset for chefs

·      Crazy moments in the kitchen

This podcast is bought to you by the Dubai Chef's Collective www.dubaichefscollective.com 

Follow The Chef JKP Podcast on Instagram HERE

This podcast is bought to you by Gulfood - https://www.gulfood.com and Meelz - https://meelz.me
For the last two episodes, we are doing a two-part special on one of the most celebrated and highly decorated chefs of our time.

He is known to most as the godfather of modern Middle Eastern cooking, the one and only Greg Malouf!
http://gregmalouf.com

In the second part, we now discuss all the award-winning books that he has co-written with Lucy Malouf, as well his love of the Middle East.

With so many to chose from , I wanted to delve into which ones were the most tricky to write.The ones he found the most challenging, were Saha, Turquoise, Saraban, as travel books, these are an interpretation, specifically of Persian food, the taste was not the issue, it is how to make it look attractive. It was all about keeping the integrity of the dishes, but it was a way to play around with the cuisine but keeping the respect and the culture.

We also talked about how he feels about Lebanese food, all about how the food has hit a brick wall, he wants to push the boundaries, a new world thinking if you like! What Greg is doing, is to elevate the food up a notch, with always keeping the foundations of a place he truly loves.

Dubai came in the way of an opportunity, he came here to be close to Lebanon, and to cook in the Middle East. He opened a beautiful restaurant called Zahira, the food was a representation of the entire Gulf region, focussing on the produce, ensuring the quality is delivered to his guests. He is also a consultant, for many other projects, and is also embarking on another book.

His life has always been about his love of Lebanese food, the fond memories that are discussed, not just came from his Mum, it also came from his dad who used to go to the weekend markets. His childhood to this day still plays a significant role, whether writing books or menus, it something that he talks about with a huge grin on his face.

Greg has made a huge impact on the culinary world, his books have won awards, his restaurants have won major accolades, the mark on Middle Eastern cuisine is one that will influence the world over.

One of the greatest and humble chefs of our time.

For me, it was one of the most memorable and interesting interviews I have had the pleasure of conducting, thank you Chef Malouf for the opportunity and the time.

To see what he is doing, you can follow him on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/gregmaloufchef

Thank you to our partners Gulfood and Meelz, make sure to click on their links at the very top of the page.
Until next time, food is memories!

Follow The Chef JKP Podcast on Instagram HERE

This podcast is bought to you by Gulfood - https://www.gulfood.com and Meelz - https://meelz.me
For the last two episodes of this season, we are doing a two-part special on one of the most celebrated and highly decorated chefs of our time.
He is known to most as the godfather of modern Middle Eastern cooking, the one and only Greg Malouf!
http://gregmalouf.com

 His curiosity and thirst to learn the trade, have taken him all over the globe, along the way he has picked awards after awards, including a Michelin star and a James Beard award for his writting.
In the first episode, we start at the very beginning of what drove him to become a humble chef.
It all started with his appetite as a child, he always knew he wanted to cook, growing up in Melbourne Australia, in a Lebanese household, there was always a bounty of exotic ingredients.

Always having the desire to work in a professional kitchen, he was not keen to waste time, so he left to go and work in Sydney as a kitchen hand for a Mexican restaurant.

Then came back home, and he targeted a high end French restaurant, this gave him the opportunity to go and study in a culinary college studying one day a week, and to gain the experience he desired.

However, staying in his native country was never going to be enough, he wanted to experience first-hand European cuisine, so he packed his bags and went onto to work in Austria, Belgium, France, Italy. Picking up all of the culture and the languages, there was so much he to learn and experience, bearing in mind he was only 19 at the time.

After this, Hong Kong was calling, coming to learn another culture altogether, dumplings, soup, the street food, the crowds. The level of energy in that city is something that resonated with the young chef. He ran a western restaurant with a full Chinese brigade, Greg mentions fondly, that they managed him and not the other way around.

With so much professional experience at such a young age, it was inevitable that success would proceed. In the back of his mind he always wanted to cook Arabic food. The stage was set for the Chef to explore his talent, which gave way to his cooking style  furthermore it was in a pub no less, to the point that it was one of the first pubs in Australia to receive a coveted Chef’s Hat, the equivalent of a Michelin star. 

MOMO would be his next restaurant, one of the most famous in the dining scene at the time, this also led him to become an author, with his then wife - Lucy.
After doing everything possible in his native country, he then moved to London, as he wanted to have a bigger audience to fly the flag for Lebanese food. Petersham nurseries, would be his next project, another success, and this time retaining the Michelin star!
Quite a journey, but it didn't finish there.
In next week's show,  we discuss all of his books, as well as his time in Dubai!

 To see what he is doing, you can follow him on Instagram; https://www.instagram.com/gregmaloufchef

 Thank you to our partners Gulfood and Meelz, make sure to click on their links at the very top of the page.
Until next time, food is memories!

Follow The Chef JKP Podcast on Instagram HERE