Best Chefjkp Podcasts (2025)

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Season 9 -Episode 8 - Troy Payne - Crafting Culinary Memories ! 1:40:03

6d ago1:40:03

1:40:03

What happens when comfort food meets the desert? In this episode of the Chef JKP Podcast, host James Knight-Paccheco sits down with the inspiring and outspoken Chef Troy Payne for a deep, personal, and unfiltered conversation. From his Melbourne food roots to launching Craft by Side Hustle, the first brewery concept in the MENA region, Troy opens u…

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Season 9 - Episode 7 - Hospitality & Headspace with Scott Armstrong ! 1:44:23

13d ago1:44:23

1:44:23

Can hospitality thrive without mental wellness? In this very special live episode of the Chef JKP Podcast, James Knight-Paccheco sits down with Scott Armstrong, journalist-turned-mental-health-advocate and founder of MENTL, to have an unfiltered, honest conversation about the state of mental health in the workplace - particularly in high-pressure i…

1
Season 9 - Episode 6 - Health Hacks for Hospitality with Michael Canas! 1:48:10

20d ago1:48:10

1:48:10

Is your lifestyle helping or hurting your performance in the kitchen? In this episode of the Chef JKP Podcast, host James Knight-Paccheco welcomes Michael Canas, a transformation coach with a passion for helping people in demanding careers - like hospitality - take back control of their health. From sleep and cravings to nutrition, alcohol, stress,…

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Season 9 - Episode 5 - Natasha Sideris ! CEO and Founder of Tashas Group ! 1:46:26

27d ago1:46:26

1:46:26

How do you turn a single restaurant into a globally recognised dining group? In this episode of the Chef JKP Podcast, James Knight-Paccheco sits down with Natasha Sideris, founder and CEO of the Tashas Group, for an inspiring and candid conversation about her journey from family-run kitchens to launching standout brands like Flamingo Room, Galaxy B…

1
Season 9 - Episode 4 - Pallavi Sangtani! The Complex World of Food Writing ! 1:52:09

1M ago1:52:09

1:52:09

What does it take to write about food in one of the world’s most dynamic culinary cities? In this episode of the Chef JKP Podcast, host James Knight-Paccheco sits down with Pallavi Sangtani, acclaimed food and travel writer, to explore the ever-evolving dining landscape of Dubai and beyond. From fine dining to street eats, Pallavi shares her unique…

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Season 9 - Episode 3 - Mental Health Special with Dr. Bisi and Dr. Gurveen - Clinical Psychologists! 1:59:54

1M ago1:59:54

1:59:54

Is the hospitality industry facing a mental health crisis? 🧠 In this powerful episode of the Chef JKP Podcast, James Knight-Paccheco sits down with clinical psychologists Dr Bisi Laniyan and Dr Gurveen Ranger of Sage Clinics to tackle one of the biggest challenges in the industry - mental health. From stress and anxiety to burnout and depression, t…

1
Season 9 - Episode 2 - William Drew - Director of Content for the Worlds 50 Best ! 1:19:51

2M ago1:19:51

1:19:51

What really goes into ranking the world’s best restaurants? James Knight-Paccheco sits down with William Drew, Director of Content for the World’s 50 Best Restaurants, to pull back the curtain on the prestigious list that shapes the global dining scene. From the secrecy behind the voting process to the evolution of kitchen culture, William shares i…

1
The Chef JKP Podcast Season 9 - Wellness ! 19:08

2M ago19:08

19:08

Season 9 is here! 🎉 And this time, we’re diving deep into wellbeing in the hospitality industry, as we all know it can be a tough place to be. James Knight-Paccheco returns with a season dedicated to the real struggles and challenges faced by chefs, restaurateurs, and hospitality professionals, featuring raw, honest conversations with inspiring gue…

1
SEASON 8 - Episode 12 - Pierre Koffmann - The Original Bear! 1:45:33

2M ago1:45:33

1:45:33

🚨The Season 8 Finale is here! And we’re closing it out with an absolute legend in the world of gastronomy - Chef Pierre Koffmann. In this special episode, James Knight-Paccheco is joined by Pierre and his brother-in-law Simon for an unforgettable conversation that dives deep into the career of one of the most influential chefs of our time. From sha…

1
SEASON 8 - Episode 11 - Neha Mishra - Kinoya, and a Story of Food ! 1:52:41

3M ago1:52:41

1:52:41

In this episode of the Chef JKP Podcast, James Knight-Paccheco chats with Neha Mishra, the trailblazing chef and founder of Kinoya, one of Dubai’s most celebrated culinary destinations. Neha opens up about her unique journey - from an independent upbringing and diverse career paths to discovering her passion for ramen and transforming it into an in…

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SEASON 8 - Episode 10 - Doxis Bekris - Emirates Flight Catering ! 1:39:45

3M ago1:39:45

1:39:45

In this episode of the Chef JKP Podcast, James Knight-Pacheco welcomes Doxis Bekris, Vice President of Culinary Shared Services and Concept Development at Emirates Flight Catering, for an in-depth conversation about the fascinating world of in-flight culinary operations. From his childhood in Greece to leading one of the world’s largest catering se…

1
S8 Ep9: Season 8 - Episode 9 - Celebrating 100 Episodes ! 29:11

3M ago29:11

29:11

Send us a text In this milestone 100th episode of the Chef JKP Podcast, host James Knight Paccheco reflects on the incredible journey since the podcast's inception in May 2020! JKP explores memorable moments from past episodes with renowned chefs, CEOs, and media personalities. The episode is a celebration of the culinary industry's vibrant stories…

1
S8 Ep8: Season 8 - Episode 8 - Fay Economides - From Strategic Analyst to Award Winning Restaurateur ! 1:50:21

3M ago1:50:21

1:50:21

Send us a text In this episode of the Chef JKP Podcast, James Knight-Paccheco sits down with Fay Economides, Executive Managing Director of M Management Company, to discuss her extraordinary journey from the world of finance to becoming a leading restaurateur in Dubai. Fay shares her inspiring story, from growing up in Athens with a love for food t…

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S8 Ep7: Season 8 - Episode 7 - Carmen Landsberg - Capetown to Brunch & Cake ! 1:56:12

3M ago1:56:12

1:56:12

Send us a text In this episode of the Chef JKP Podcast, James Knight-Paccheco sits down with Carmen Landsberg, Global Executive Chef of Brunch & Cake, to explore her extraordinary culinary journey. From helping her mom in the kitchen as a child in South Africa to navigating the high-stakes world of casino kitchens and leading an internationally rec…

1
S8 Ep6: Season 8 - Episode 6 - Emma Banks - A Hospitality Powerhouse ! 1:36:39

4M ago1:36:39

1:36:39

Send us a text In this episode of the Chef JKP Podcast, James Knight-Paccheco welcomes Emma Banks, Vice President of Food and Beverage Strategy and Development for Hilton EMEA. Emma shares her incredible journey from her early days in Asia to becoming a driving force in one of the world's leading hospitality companies. Here’s what we covered: 👨‍🍳Ho…

1
S8 Ep5: Season 8 - Episode 5 - 2024 Festive Special ! 2:03:35

4M ago2:03:35

2:03:35

Send us a text 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, …

1
S8 Ep4: Season 8 - Episode 4 - Sandy Muirhead - No More Bottles ! 1:27:10

5M ago1:27:10

1:27:10

Send us a text 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…

1
S8 Ep3: Season 8 - Episode 3 - Bo Songvisava & Dylan Jones ! 54:21

5M ago54:21

54:21

Send us a text 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…

1
Season 8 - Episode 2 - Daniel Birk - Leading Michelin Kitchens ! 1:59:27

5M ago1:59:27

1:59:27

Send us a text 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: 👨‍…

1
S8 Ep1: CHEF JKP Podcast Season 8 ! - Change-makers ! 14:28

5M ago14:28

14:28

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 s…

1
S8 Ep1: CHEF JKP Podcast - SEASON 8 ! Change-makers ! 13:28

5M ago13:28

13:28

Send us a text 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 fro…

1
S7 Ep12: Season 7 - Episode 12 - Reim El Houni - If You're not Visible, You're Invisible ! 1:26:43

6M ago1:26:43

1:26:43

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, Rei…

1
S7 Ep12: Season 7 - Episode 12 - Reim El Houni - If You're not Visible, You're Invisible ! 1:27:43

6M ago1:27:43

1:27:43

Send us a text 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 …

1
S7 Ep11: Season 7 - Episode 11 - Chef Shaw Lash - Lila Taqueria and Beyond ! 1:14:17

6M ago1:14:17

1:14:17

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 …

1
S7 Ep10: Season 7 - Episode 10 - Magdalena Orzechowska - The Extra Virgin Olive Oil Sommelier ! 1:35:17

6M ago1:35:17

1:35:17

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…

1
S7 Ep10: Season 7 - Episode 10 - Magdalena Orzechowska 1:34:17

6M ago1:34:17

1:34:17

Send us a text 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 ext…

1
S7 Ep9: Season 7 - Episode 9 - Alex Augusti - Just Food DXB ! 1:10:00

7M ago1:10:00

1:10:00

Send us a text 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 child…

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S7 Ep8: Season 7 - Episode 8 - Prachi Kulkarni - Pushing Beyond Limits! 1:21:13

7M ago1:21:13

1:21:13

Send us a text 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 kitc…

1
S7 Ep7: Season 7 - Episode 7 - Kyung Soo Moon - Culinary Director of Sunset Hospitality 1:31:40

7M ago1:31:40

1:31:40

Send us a text 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 e…

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S7 Ep7: A Tribute to Greg Malouf ! 1:23:46

7M ago1:23:46

1:23:46

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. Fr…

1
S7 Ep6: Season 7 - Episode 6 - Michele Johnson - Pitfire Pizza ! 1:40:52

7M ago1:40:52

1:40:52

Send us a text 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 …

1
S7 Ep5: Season 7 - Episode 5 - David Tapley - Editor in Chief of FACT Magazine ! 1:16:07

8M ago1:16:07

1:16:07

Send us a text 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…

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S7 Ep4: Season 7 - Episode 4 - Marwan Sardouk - Cooking in Michelin to Cooking on TV! 1:24:02

8M ago1:24:02

1:24:02

Send us a text 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:…

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S7 Ep3: Season 7 - Episode 3 - Luigi Vespero - From Culinary into Service and Hospitality ! 1:35:06

8M ago1:35:06

1:35:06

Send us a text 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 …

1
S7 Ep2: Season 7 - Episode 2 - Mihai Florescu - The Truffle House ! 1:13:58

8M ago1:13:58

1:13:58

Send us a text 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 t…

1
S7 Ep1: Season 7 - Episode 1 - Perseverance Works ! 21:36

9M ago21:36

21:36

Send us a text 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 alwa…

1
S6 Ep12: Season 6 - Episode 12 - Omar Shihab - BOCA, Sustainability and Beyond! 1:38:41

9M ago1:38:41

1:38:41

Send us a text 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. …

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S6 Ep11: Season 6 - Episode 11 -Panchali Mahendra - CEO of Atelier House Hospitality ! 1:17:58

9M ago1:17:58

1:17:58

Send us a text 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 shar…

1
S6 Ep10: Season 6 - Episode 10 - Russel Impiazzi - Mentoring The Next Generation of Chef's ! 1:15:14

10M ago1:15:14

1:15:14

Send us a text The Chef JKP Podcast, hosted by James Knight Paccheco, with guest Russell Impiazzi, a prominent executive chef, sharing insights on culinary education, leadership, and inspiring the next generation of chefs. Russell's culinary journey from childhood meals to working in prestigious London and Dubai kitchens is discussed, along with hi…

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S6 Ep9: Season 6 - Episode 9 - Ben Milne - Restaurants to Food Distribution ! 1:12:36

10M ago1:12:36

1:12:36

Send us a text Welcome to the Chef JKP podcast hosted by James Knight Pachecco! In this episode, Ben Milner, the head of commercial development at Chef Middle East, shares his culinary journey, experiences in the food industry, challenges faced during COVID-19, and insights into running a successful restaurant business in London. The discussion als…

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S6 Ep8: Season 6 - Episode 8 - Dr. Dionysia Angeliki Lyra - Halophytes and Hospitality! 1:07:04

10M ago1:07:04

1:07:04

Send us a text In this episode of the Chef JKP podcast, host James Knight Paccheco interviews Dr. Dionisya Angeliki Lyra , a Halophyte agronomist from the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture. They discuss the fascinating world of Halophytes, salt-loving plants, focusing on Salicornia. The conversation delves into the nutritional value, c…

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S6 Ep7: Season 6 - Episode 7 - Chang Sup Shin - 1004 Gourmet and Beyond! 1:09:07

10M ago1:09:07

1:09:07

Send us a text The Chef JKP podcast, hosted by James Knight Paccheco, features a conversation with Chang Sup Shin, the CEO of 1004 Gourmet. The episode delves into Chang's culinary journey, business ventures, the unique concept of 1004 Gourmet, strategic business development in the food industry, product curation, sustainability efforts, and advice…

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S6 Ep6: Season 6 - Episode 6 - George Lyon - Kitchen Lessons ! 1:08:33

10M ago1:08:33

1:08:33

Send us a text Welcome to The Chef JKP Podcast with host James Knight Paccheco. In this episode, chef George Lyon shares his fascinating journey from working in a butcher shop to becoming the head chef at Broadway Brasserie in Abu Dhabi. From childhood food memories to prestigious Michelin kitchen experiences, George discusses the importance of wor…

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S6 Ep5: Season 6 - Episode 5 - Judith Cartwright - Understanding Revenue Management! 1:05:35

11M ago1:05:35

1:05:35

Send us a text Episode Description: In this episode of the Chef JKP podcast, host James Knight Pachecco explores the world of hospitality industry finances with special guest Judith Cartwright, founder and Managing Director of Black Coral Consulting. They discuss revenue generation, team management, common mistakes in businesses, and the importance…

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S6 Ep4: Season 6 - Episode 4 - Anand Kumar - The Accidental Chef ! 1:07:04

11M ago1:07:04

1:07:04

Send us a text In this episode of the Chef JKP podcast, host James Knight Paccheco interviews Anand Kumar, the executive chef of the Melia Desert Palm Resort in Dubai. Anand shares his journey from wanting to be a pilot to accidentally falling into the culinary world. He discusses the challenges of managing Indian weddings, the importance of pre-op…

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S6 Ep3: Season 6 Episode 3 - Steve Pyle - The CEO of Chef Middle East! 1:17:44

11M ago1:17:44

1:17:44

Send us a text The Chef JKP Podcast, hosted by James Knight Pacheco, features an episode where he interviews Steve Pyle, the CEO of Chef Middle East. They discuss topics ranging from Steve's childhood food memories to the evolution of the gastronomic scene in the UK and the Middle East, the importance of exceptional customer service in business, th…

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S6 Ep2: Season 6 - Episode 2 - Marvin Alballi - The Hospitality Guru! 1:14:31

11M ago1:14:31

1:14:31

Send us a text The Chef JKP podcast hosted by James Knight Paccheco features Marvin Alballi, a renowned public speaker, hospitality expert and best selling author of 'Restaurant Excellence'. Marvin shares insights on his journey in the hospitality industry, discussing topics like childhood food memories, the importance of service and hospitality, c…

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S6 Ep1: Season 6 - Episode 1 - Sustainability Within Hospitality! 20:50

12M ago20:50

20:50

Send us a text 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 of…

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S5 Ep14: Etisalat Beach Canteen - Dubai Food Festival 2024 - Part 2 56:26

12M ago56:26

56:26

Send us a text 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 dr…

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