Send us a textIn 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, Reim emphasises the importance of perseverance, building relationships, and developing strong camera presence and visibility -...

Send us a textIn 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 chef to a culinary producer and touchs on the challenges and successes faced in opening Lila Taqueria. Key Topics Discussed...

Send us a textIn 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 oils, and shares her passion for educating people on the incredible health benefits of high-quality olive oil. Key Topics ...

Send us a textIn 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 childhood food memories growing up in Cyprus with his Greek grandfather.The challenges of learning social media and video content creation from ...

Send us a textIn 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 kitchens, including a detailed exploration of her time in the butchery. Key Topics Discussed:Prachi’s time in the butchery and her transi...

Send us a textIn 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 experiences working in iconic hotels like the Burj Al Arab and Burj Khalifa, as well as opening the renowned Sushi Samba restaurant in Dubai.&nb...

Send us a textIn 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.From his co-authorship of eight influential books to his role in bringing Middle Eastern flavours to the global stage, Greg was more tha...

Send us a textIn 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 Middle East.Key Topics Discussed:Growing up in rural Alabama and the food scene thereMichelle's educational and career path, from accounting to...

Send us a textIn 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 into journalism and content creation. Key Topics Discussed:David’ first food memories growing up in the UK and how his palate expanded th...

Send us a textIn 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:Cooking and working at a young age to support his familyWorking with and learning from renowned chefs like Alain Ducasse and Heinz BeckCom...

Send us a textIn 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 Wolseley. He discusses his passion for cooking, his drive to succeed, and the challenges he faced along the way. Key Topics Discussed:Growing u...

Send us a textIn 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 the entrepreneurial spirit and passion that drives his business. Key Topics Discussed:Mihai’s transition to Dubai and entrepreneurial spiri...

Send us a textIn 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 always, it is customary for James to kick off the first show of every season, with so much going on in terms of the gastronomic landscape, thi...

Send us a textIn 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. Topics discussed:· Sustainability Practices in the Hospitality Industry· Journey in the Culinary Industry· ...

Send us a Text Message.The Chef JKP Podcast, hosted by James Knight-Paccheco, features an insightfulinterview 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 shares valuable insights on managing successful restaurants,consultancy roles, team dynamics, and the importance of sustainability in theindustry...

Send us a Text Message.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 his focus on sustainability, community support, and training future chefs.Topics discussed:· Russell Impiazzi's Culinary Jo...

Send us a Text Message.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 also highlights the evolution of Chef Middle East, focusing on product development, strategic partnerships, and future growth plans ...

Send us a Text Message.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, culinary applications, and sustainable farming practices involving Salicornia. Dr. Lyra shares her passion for her work, the chall...

Send us a Text Message.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 for young professionals.Topics discussed:· Chang's Culinary Journey· Business Ventures· Unique...

Send us a Text Message.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 work-life balance, culinary excellence, and teamwork in the culinary world.Topics discussed:· Early Culinary Journey·&n...

Send us a Text Message.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 of collaboration between finance and culinary teams for success. The episode is filled with valuable insights and personal ...

Send us a Text Message.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-openings in the hotel industry, and his decision to work in Dubai's gastronomic landscape. Anand also talks about his focus on...

Send us a Text Message.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, the recent acquisition of Chef's Warehouse, and the future of food distribution post-COVID. Steve shares insights into the culinary...

Send us a Text Message.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, challenges in the industry, and strategies for success.Topics discussed:· Marvin Alballi's Journey in the Hospitality Indu...