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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 services, Doxis shares his journey and the dedication it takes to create exceptional dining experiences at 40,000 feet.

Tune in to learn:

👨‍🍳 Chef’s journey: How Doxis transitioned from studying in Greece to working in Michelin-starred kitchens in the UK

👨‍🍳 Innovating airline cuisine: The art and science of creating meals that meet the highest standards of quality, taste, and consistency on a massive scale

👨‍🍳 Behind the numbers: The logistical feats of serving over 240,000 meals daily for Emirates and other airlines

👨‍🍳 Culinary leadership: Doxis’ approach to managing diverse teams, ensuring safety and hygiene, and maintaining exceptional service across global operations

👨‍🍳 Sustainability matters: How Emirates Flight Catering tackles food waste and adopts sustainable practices to improve the industry.

This episode offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at the complexity and creativity behind in-flight dining. Whether you’re a chef, a traveler, or simply curious about what goes into those meals served at cruising altitude, Doxis’ story is packed with insights and inspiration.

Big thanks to our sponsors for supporting this episode:

Chef Middle East (chefmiddleeast.com) - You can follow them on HERE

LuvvFits Gourmet Protein Bars (luvvfits.com) - You can follow them on HERE

Keep your beverages at the perfect temperature with our Chef JKP thermos bottles. Grab yours now at chefjkp.com or DM us on Instagram!

FOLLOW DOXIS:

https://www.instagram.com/doxisbekris/?hl=en

Be sure to follow, share, and subscribe to the podcast. If you loved this episode, leave a review and help us share these amazing stories with the world!

Food is memories. Enjoy the episode! 🍴

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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 and a look forward to many more episodes of truth-telling, laughter, and learning.

P.S. Keep an eye out for an exciting announcement!

00:00 Welcome to the 100th Episode

00:46 A Trip Down Memory Lane

01:59 The Very First Introduction Clip

03:20 Early Challenges and Growth

04:58 Incredible Guests and Their Stories

12:14 Lessons Learned from the Best

21:49 Exciting Announcements and Future Plans

22:39 Thank You and Final Thoughts

 Whether you've been here since day one or you're joining us just now, your support means absolutely everything!

 Here's to the next 100 episodes of truth telling, laughter, and learning. Food is memories! 🍜

A special thank you to our sponsors for their continued support:

Chef Middle East (chefmiddleeast.com) - You can follow them on HERE 

LuvvFits Gourmet Protein Bars (luvvfits.com) - You can follow them on HERE

Food is Memories !

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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 to opening two of Dubai’s most celebrated restaurants, Mythos and Nola Eatery & Social House, simultaneously.

Tune in for a great discussion about:

👨‍🍳Going from finance to food: Fay talks about her early career in banking and venture capital and how those experiences shaped her approach to the restaurant business

👨‍🍳Building iconic restaurants: The challenges and triumphs of creating two beloved dining spots and their influence on Dubai’s culinary scene

👨‍🍳Greek hospitality in Dubai: Insights into evolving Greek cuisine and adapting traditional flavors for a global audience

👨‍🍳Overcoming business challenges: Strategies for marketing pre-social media, managing staff retention, and navigating the hospitality industry’s unique hurdles

👨‍🍳Community and recognition: Reflections on fostering a supportive team culture and earning accolades like being named among the top 50 best discoveries

Whether you’re a restaurateur, a foodie, or an entrepreneur, Faye’s story offers valuable lessons on following your passion and building a lasting legacy.

You can follow Fay on HERE

Fay on LinkedIN

Mythos - follow HERE

Nola - follow HERE

A big thank you to our sponsors for supporting this episode:

Chef Middle East (chefmiddleeast.com)

LuvvFits Gourmet Protein Bars (luvvfits.com)

Stay hydrated with our Chef JKP thermos bottles, perfect for keeping your drinks hot or cold for hours. Order yours now at chefjkp.com or DM us on Instagram!

Don’t forget to follow, share, and subscribe to the podcast to keep up with inspiring stories like Faye’s. If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a review—it helps us reach more listeners and share these incredible journeys!

Food is memories. Enjoy the episode! 🍴

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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 recognized brand, Carmen shares the highs, lows, and lessons learned along the way.

Tune in to learn about:

👨‍🍳 Casino kitchens and leadership: Insights into the fast-paced world of hospitality and becoming a Head Chef at just 20 years old.

👨‍🍳 Building global success: Carmen’s journey to Dubai, her role at Brunch and Cake, and the challenges of managing international teams.

👨‍🍳Star-studded collaborations: Behind-the-scenes stories of working with Tyra Banks and stepping into the world of TV cooking shows.

👨‍🍳 The future of food: Predictions for the food and beverage industry, including cultural trends, sustainability, and innovation.

Carmen’s story is equal parts inspiring and relatable, offering practical advice for aspiring chefs and entrepreneurs while celebrating the creativity and resilience that define great leadership. Whether you’re in hospitality or simply passionate about food, this episode is packed with insights, humor, and heartfelt moments.

• 00:00 Introduction
• 03:56 Early Influences and Unique Food Memories
• 12:29 Launching a Catering Business at 16
• 29:07 Lessons from Casino Kitchens and Leadership
• 42:35 Moving to Dubai and Career Shifts
• 56:33 The Brunch & Cake Story
• 01:08:34 Collaborating with Tyra Banks and TV Experiences
• 01:17:07 Industry Challenges and Hiring Struggles
• 01:25:54 The Future of Food and Beverage
• 01:33:34 Quick Fire Round

You can follow Carmen on HERE 

Thank you to our sponsors for supporting this episode:

• Chef Middle East (chefmiddleeast.com)
• LuvvFits Gourmet Protein Bars (luvvfits.com)

Stay stylish and hydrated with our Chef JKP thermos bottles, perfect for keeping drinks hot or cold. Order yours now at chefjkp.com or DM us on Instagram!

Don’t miss out—follow, share, and subscribe to the podcast on YouTube and all major platforms. If you loved this episode, leave a review and share your favorite takeaways!

Food is memories! 🍴

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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:

👨‍🍳Hospitality leadership: Insights into Emma’s role at Hilton and how she has transformed the company’s food and beverage strategy across the EMEA region

👨‍🍳Driving change: Emma’s innovative initiatives in sustainability and her efforts to promote gender balance in kitchens

👨‍🍳Personal growth: Candid stories about her early career challenges and the lessons that built her resilience and leadership style

👨‍🍳Fostering talent: Emma’s commitment to empowering her team members and collaborating with top chefs to elevate Hilton’s culinary offerings.

Whether you’re an industry professional or just passionate about hospitality, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge on leadership, sustainability, and fostering a positive work culture. Emma’s journey is both motivating and insightful, packed with practical advice for aspiring professionals.

00:00 Introduction

03:48 Emma’s Early Culinary Journey in Asia

14:46 Climbing the Hospitality Ladder

26:10 Emma’s Role at Hilton and Strategic Insights

35:27 Engaging Teams and Partnerships

44:32 Exclusive Team Member Trips

53:03 Sustainability and Gender Diversity Initiatives

01:18:18 Quick Fire Questions with Emma

Special thanks to our sponsors:

Chef Middle East (chefmiddleeast.com)

LuvvFits Gourmet Protein Bars (luvvfits.com)

Check out our Chef JKP thermos bottles, perfect for keeping drinks hot or cold for hours. Order now at chefjkp.com or DM us on Instagram!

Be sure to follow, share, and subscribe to the podcast for more inspiring stories from industry leaders. Leave us a review and let us know your favorite moment from Emma’s episode!

Follow Emma on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/ladybanks_/?hl=en

Food is memories! 🍴

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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, and plenty of laughter, this episode dives into the trends shaping 2024, the rise of Emirati cuisine, and reflections on the Michelin awards in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, looking forward into the dining trends in 2025!

Tune in and enjoy:

👨‍🍳 Festive fun and culinary highlights: Kick off the season with cheerful banter, gift exchanges, and a look at what’s trending in 2024

👨‍🍳 Michelin’s impact: Celebrate the recognition of outstanding restaurants in Dubai and Abu Dhabi and what it means for the region’s culinary scene

👨‍🍳 Emirati cuisine on the rise: Insights into how local flavors are taking center stage globally

👨‍🍳 Behind the scenes: Personal reflections from JKP and his guests on press trips, exciting projects, and chef collaborations.

This festive episode is the perfect mix of inspiration, insight, and holiday cheer. Whether you’re interested in culinary trends, Michelin accolades, or just want to soak up the seasonal vibes, this conversation is packed with something for everyone.

• 00:00 Introduction
• 03:02 Gifts and Holiday Cheer
• 03:58 Culinary Trends for 2024
• 09:35 Chef Collaborations and Industry Highlights
• 16:03 Michelin Awards in Dubai and Abu Dhabi
• 19:55 Exploring Abu Dhabi’s Culinary Scene
• 27:18 Ryba’s Journey to Michelin Recognition
• 37:21 Best Chef Awards and Industry Perspectives
• 49:49 Remembering Chef Greg Malouf
• 55:42 Challenges in Dubai’s Dining Scene
• 01:07:46 Trends: Non-Alcoholic Pairings and Supper Clubs
• 01:15:27 Future Culinary Predictions for Dubai
• 01:29:37 Memorable Dining Experiences of the Year
• 01:42:13 Advice for Surviving the Festive Season

A special thank you to our sponsors for spreading the holiday spirit:

• Chef Middle East (chefmiddleeast.com)
• No More Bottles (nomorebottles.ae)
• Luvv Fits Gourmet Protein Bars (luvvfits.com)

Celebrate the season in style with our Chef JKP thermos bottles, perfect for keeping your drinks warm this winter. Order now at chefjkp.com or DM us on Instagram!
Follow Courtney or Liam on Instagram.

Don’t miss this festive celebration—follow, share, and subscribe to the podcast on YouTube and all major platforms. Share the cheer by leaving a review and letting us know your favorite festive moment from this episode!

Food is memories.

 Enjoy the episode! 🍴

Support the show

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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 No More Bottles is revolutionizing the way we think about water.

Tune in to learn:

👨‍🍳Plastic waste problem: The environmental and health risks posed by plastic bottles and what businesses can do to minimize them

👨‍🍳Hospitality industry insights: Eye-opening statistics on water consumption in hotels and restaurants and how sustainable solutions can make a difference

👨‍🍳 Innovative solutions: The benefits of adopting water filtration and purification systems, and how No More Bottles is transforming the way businesses and individuals consume water

👨‍🍳 Educational initiatives: How Sandy and his team are raising awareness about the importance of filtered water and reducing plastic waste.

This episode offers practical advice and inspiring stories for anyone interested in sustainability, health, and the future of water consumption. Whether you’re in the hospitality industry or simply looking to make eco-conscious changes, Sandy’s insights are a must-hear.

00:00 Introduction

02:23 Sandy’s Journey into Sustainability

18:45 Transition to the Middle East and No More Bottles’ Mission

41:13 Water Consumption in Hospitality

45:11 Health Risks of Plastic Bottles

47:11 Educational Efforts and Raising Awareness

53:30 Filtered Water in Restaurants

01:05:06 Challenges and Future Predictions

01:10:43 Quick Fire Questions

Special thanks to our sponsors:

Chef Middle East (chefmiddleeast.com)

No More Bottles (nomorebottles.ae)

LuvvFits Gourmet Protein Bars (luvvfits.com)

Make the sustainable choice with our Chef JKP thermos bottles, perfect for keeping your drinks hot or cold. Order yours today at chefjkp.com or DM us on Instagram!

Be sure to follow, share, and subscribe to the podcast. Leave a review and share your favourite takeaways from this inspiring episode!

Food is memories! 🍴

Support the show

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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:

👨‍🍳Meeting under David Thompson: How their paths crossed in the kitchens of London while working under the legendary David Thompson

👨‍🍳The birth of Bo.Lan: Insight into their journey of opening one of Bangkok’s most iconic restaurants and the challenges they overcame to make it a success

👨‍🍳Netflix fame: Reflections on their feature in Chef’s Table and how it brought their mission to a global audience

👨‍🍳Preserving Thai culinary heritage: Their unwavering commitment to sustainability and cultural preservation in every dish they create

👨‍🍳The future of dining: Discussion on the evolution of the dining scene in the Middle East and beyond.

This episode is brimming with humor, passion, and invaluable insights from two chefs who have dedicated their lives to preserving Thai cuisine while pushing culinary boundaries. Whether you’re a budding chef, a food lover, or simply seeking inspiration, Bo and Dylan’s story is sure to captivate.

A huge thank you to our incredible sponsors:

Chef Middle East (chefmiddleeast.com)

No More Bottles (nomorebottles.ae)

LuvvFits Gourmet Protein Bars (luvvfits.com)

Stay hydrated in style with our Chef JKP thermos bottles, perfect for keeping your drinks hot or cold for hours. Order yours now at chefjkp.com or DM us on Instagram!

Don’t forget to follow, share, and subscribe to the podcast. Leave a five-star review to support the show and help us share these incredible stories with the world.

FOLLOW CHEF BO & DYLAN

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bo.lan_essentially_thai/

Food is memories. Enjoy the episode! 🍴

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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:

👨‍🍳 Humble beginnings: Daniel recalls his childhood food memories and his transition from engineering to the world of culinary arts

👨‍🍳Life in Dubai: Daniel talks about making the leap to Dubai, setting up high-end restaurants, and the challenges of navigating the city’s dynamic dining scene

👨‍🍳The Michelin moment: An emotional reflection on earning two Michelin stars and the dedication it takes to sustain that level of excellence

👨‍🍳Lessons from the Best: Insights on working alongside mentor Jason Atherton, building a knowledgeable team, and the art of balancing service and events.

👨‍🍳Advice for aspiring chefs: Practical tips and inspiration for the next generation of culinary talent.

This episode is a masterclass in resilience, passion, and discipline from a chef who has reached the pinnacle of his profession. Whether you’re an aspiring chef or a foodie, Daniel’s story will leave you inspired and hungry for more.

00:00 Introduction 

01:13 Teaser

01:33 Guest Introduction: Daniel Birk

09:15 From Engineering to Full-Time Chef

39:24 Dubai Dreams: A New Opportunity

01:19:07 Achieving Michelin Stars

01:44:32 Advice for Aspiring Chefs

A big thank you to our amazing sponsors for supporting this episode:

Chef Middle East (chefmiddleeast.com)

No More Bottles (nomorebottles.ae)

Love Fit Gourmet Protein Bars (luvvfits.com)

Get your hands on our Chef JKP thermos bottles, perfect for keeping your drinks hot or cold for hours. 
Visit chefjkp.com or DM us on Instagram to order yours today!

Don’t forget to follow, share, and subscribe to the podcast—it’s the best way to support the Chef JKP community. Leave us a five-star review and let us know your favorite moments from this episode!

Find Daniel on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dan.birk/

Food is memories. Enjoy the episode! 🍴

Filmed and produced by Poddster - www.poddster.com

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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 studio setting, bringing a refreshed vibe to your favourite episodes.
👨‍🍳Headline sponsor: A warm welcome back to Chef Middle East, our headline sponsor for Season 8!
👨‍🍳Supporting partners: Excited to partner with No More Bottles and Luvv Fits Gourmet Protein Bars to make this season possible.
👨‍🍳Fresh guest lineup: Expect insightful discussions, laughter, and plenty of culinary wisdom that will leave you hungry for more.
👨‍🍳ChefJKP merch: We’ve launched our official merchandise! Check out the stylish thermos bottles available now at chefjkp.com or DM us on Instagram. 

00:00 Welcome to Season Eight!
00:52 Exciting New Partnerships
01:22 Sneak Peek of Inspirational Guests
03:05 Personal Stories and Career Highlights
04:35 Special Announcements and Achievements
06:23 Reflecting on the Journey
07:18 Embracing Change and Moving Forward
08:56 Final Thoughts and Thank Yous

Click and support our sponsors the way they are supporting this show:
Chef Middle East – www.chefmiddleeast.com 
No More Bottles – www.nomorebottles.ae
Luvv Fits – www.luvvfits.com

Filmed and produced by Poddster - www.poddster.com

Don’t forget to share this episode and subscribe to the podcast - it’s the best way to support us and help grow the ChefJKP community.

Remember: Food is memories. Enjoy Season 8, culinary brothers and sisters! 🍴

Support the show

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