The Chef JKP Podcast

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 Middle East.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Growing up in rural Alabama and the food scene there
• Michelle's educational and career path, from accounting to human resources
• The origins of the Pitfire Pizza brand name and concept
• Overcoming challenges and legal battles in the early days of Pitfire
• Developing the Pitfire menu and recipes

You can follow Michele on HERE

This show is brought to you by LUVV FITS Gourmet Protein Bars, you can follow them on HERE

Support the show

Follow The Chef JKP Podcast on Instagram HERE

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 into journalism and content creation. 

Key Topics Discussed:

• David’ first food memories growing up in the UK and how his palate expanded through travel
• Lessons learned from David’s time in the kitchen, including the challenges of long hours and rigid processes
• How David transitioned from the kitchen into travel writing and eventually joining Fact Magazine
•  Fact Magazine's approach to restaurant reviews, including how they handle negative feedback
• Advice for aspiring writers on building a portfolio and getting started in the industry

You can follow David on HERE

This show is Brough to you by KATA, you can follow them on HERE

Support the show

Follow The Chef JKP Podcast on Instagram HERE

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:

• Cooking and working at a young age to support his family
• Working with and learning from renowned chefs like Alain Ducasse and Heinz Beck
• Comparison of Pre-recorded TV and Live Studio TV
• Discussing his time on the TV show “The Kitchen”
• The journey of opening Kata Restaurant
• The future of cooking

You can follow Marwan on HERE

This show is brought to you by KATA, you can follow them on HERE

Support the show

Follow The Chef JKP Podcast on Instagram HERE

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 Wolseley. He discusses his passion for cooking, his drive to succeed, and the challenges he faced along the way.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Growing up in Naples and early food memories with pizza, meat ragout, and street food.
• Early desires to become a chef and the challenges he faced in pursuing his passion.
• Luigi’s journey to the UK, including his determination to work in Michelin-starred restaurants.
• Luigi’s experience applying for a job with Gordon Ramsay and the difficult interview process.
• The decision to join The Wolseley to grow his career.
• The move to the Middle East.
• Leaving the kitchen to work in Front of the House

You can follow Luigi on HERE

The show is brought to you by The Truffle House, you can follow them on HERE

Support the show

Follow The Chef JKP Podcast on Instagram HERE

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 the entrepreneurial spirit and passion that drives his business.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Mihai’s transition to Dubai and entrepreneurial spirit
• Venturing into truffles and establishing Truffle House
• Truffle season, pricing and industry insights
• Educational engagement with young chefs

This show is brought to you by The Truffle House, you can follow them on HERE

Support the show

Follow The Chef JKP Podcast on Instagram HERE

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 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, this season's theme is all about perseverance, even during the toughest of times and tribulations, people within this industry have this one topic in common!

James shares a few personal anecdotes, as well as what he believes can push people to the limit.

Support the show

Follow The Chef JKP Podcast on Instagram HERE

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. 

Topics discussed:

·    Sustainability Practices in the Hospitality Industry

·    Journey in the Culinary Industry

·    Innovation and Sustainability in the Culinary World

·    Human Sustainability in the Hospitality Industry

·    Future of the Culinary Industry

Key takeaways and lessons:

• Sustainability is crucial in the hospitality industry, from sourcing to operations.
• Valuing staff members and empowering them leads to better sustainability outcomes.
• Understanding local culture and ingredients is key to culinary success.
• Making small, measurable changes can have a significant impact on sustainability.
• The future of the industry lies in homegrown concepts and a stronger connection with local producers.
• Listeners are encouraged to subscribe and share to join a culinary community seeking solace, sharing memories, and gaining valuable life lessons.

You can follow Omar on HERE

This show is proudly brought to you by our partners Chef Middle East, you can follow them on HERE 

Support the show

Follow The Chef JKP Podcast on Instagram HERE

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 shares valuable insights on managing successful restaurants,
consultancy roles, team dynamics, and the importance of sustainability in the
industry.
Topics discussed:

 Journey in the Hospitality Industry
 Challenges Faced
 Consultancy in Hospitality
 Business Ideas and Project Development
 Restaurant Project Execution
 Financial Planning and Marketing
 Leadership and Female Representation
 Sustainability and Industry Predictions
 Restaurant Landscape in UAE

Here are key takeaways and lessons:

 Passion over pride projects and the importance of patience, listening, and
leadership in managing diverse personalities in a team.
 Strategic budget allocation for marketing and the significance of
staggered restaurant openings for quality focus.
 Creating a family-like environment for employees, transparency, and
respect for labour contribute to low attrition rates.
 The industry predicts a shift towards smaller, lower CapEx restaurants,
luxury markets, and fine casual dining.

Follow Panchali on HERE

This show is bright to you by Chef Middle East, follow them on HERE

Support the show

Follow The Chef JKP Podcast on Instagram HERE

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 his focus on sustainability, community support, and training future chefs.

Topics discussed:

·    Russell Impiazzi's Culinary Journey

·    Leadership and Sustainability in the Culinary Industry

·    Community Support and Initiatives

·    Russell's Culinary Insights and Future of the Industry

Key takeaways and lessons:

• Culinary journey: Russell's dedication, hard work, and love for food shaped his successful career in the competitive culinary world.
• Leadership and sustainability: Importance of nurturing leadership, collaboration, and focus on sustainability in the kitchen for creating positive change.
• Community support: Russell's involvement in initiatives like food banks and breast cancer awareness showcases the power of food in bringing comfort and support to the community.
• Personal interaction: Emphasising the significance of personal connections in the culinary world and the impact of human connection through shared meals.

You can follow Russell on HERE

This show is brought to you by our amazing partners Chef Middle East - you can follow them on HERE 

Support the show

Follow The Chef JKP Podcast on Instagram HERE

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 also highlights the evolution of Chef Middle East, focusing on product development, strategic partnerships, and future growth plans in the Middle East food industry.

Topics discussed:

·    Ben Milner's Culinary Journey

·    Importance of Ethical Food Sourcing

·    Running Bombetta London

·    Evolution of Chef Middle East

·    Future Growth Plans

·    Culinary Preferences and Culinary Heroes

·    Advice and Future Plans

Key takeaways:

• The importance of passion, quality, and ethical sourcing in the food industry.
• Challenges and adaptations faced by restaurant businesses during COVID-19.
• Strategies for growth, development, and sustainability in the evolving food distribution market.
• Inspiring culinary journey reflecting dedication, hard work, and consistency.
• Nostalgia, creativity, and collaboration as driving forces in the culinary world.

You can follow Ben on HERE

The show is brought to you by our partners Chef Middle East, you can follow them on HERE

Support the show

Follow The Chef JKP Podcast on Instagram HERE