The Chef JKP Podcast

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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

Follow The Chef JKP Podcast on Instagram HERE

Send us Fan Mail

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

Follow The Chef JKP Podcast on Instagram HERE

Send us Fan Mail

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! 🍴

Support the show

Follow The Chef JKP Podcast on Instagram HERE

Send us Fan Mail

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

Support the show

Follow The Chef JKP Podcast on Instagram HERE

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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 Partnerships01:22 Sneak Peek of Inspirational Guests03:05 Personal Stories and Career Highlights04:35 Special Announcements and Achievements06:23 Reflecting on the Journey07:18 Embracing Change and Moving Forward08:56 Final Thoughts and Thank YousClick and support our sponsors the way they are supporting this show:Chef Middle East - chefmiddleeast.comNo More Bottles - nomorebottles.aeLuvv Fits - luvvfits.comFilmed and produced by Poddster - www.poddster.comDon’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! 🍴Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Support the show

Follow The Chef JKP Podcast on Instagram HERE

Send us Fan Mail

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

Follow The Chef JKP Podcast on Instagram HERE

Send us Fan Mail

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, Reim emphasises the importance of perseverance, building relationships, and developing strong camera presence and visibility - lessons that are applicable not just for chefs, but for anyone looking to build a successful career. Key Topics Discussed:Childhood food memories growing up in Libya, including the prominence of pasta, bread, and spicy Libyan dishes like harissaDiscovering a passion for television and media at a young ageThe founding of her production company TI 22 Films and how it evolved over the yearsThe critical importance of having strong camera presence and visibilityAdvice for budding presenters, including finding your niche, being persistent, and leveraging social mediaYou can follow Reim on HEREThis show is proudly brought to you by Luvvfits, your go to gourmet protein bar, you can follow them on HERESupport the showFollow The Chef JKP Podcast on Instagram HERELearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Support the show

Follow The Chef JKP Podcast on Instagram HERE

Send us Fan Mail

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, Reim emphasises the importance of perseverance, building relationships, and developing strong camera presence and visibility - lessons that are applicable not just for chefs, but for anyone looking to build a successful career.

 Key Topics Discussed:

• Childhood food memories growing up in Libya, including the prominence of pasta, bread, and spicy Libyan dishes like harissa
• Discovering a passion for television and media at a young age
• The founding of her production company TI 22 Films and how it evolved over the years
• The critical importance of having strong camera presence and visibility
• Advice for budding presenters, including finding your niche, being persistent, and leveraging social media

You can follow Reim on HERE

This show is proudly brought to you by Luvvfits, your go to gourmet protein bar, you can follow them on HERE

Support the show

Follow The Chef JKP Podcast on Instagram HERE

Send us Fan Mail

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 chef to a culinary producer and touchs on the challenges and successes faced in opening Lila Taqueria.Key Topics Discussed:Childhood food memories and culinary influencesTransition from politics to culinary careerLessons learned from working with Rick BaylessInspiration and journey to establish Lila TaqueriaThe unique dining experience at Lila TaqueriaYou can follow Shaw on HEREThis show is Brough to you by Luvvfits - your go to guilt free protein bar, you can follow them on HERE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Support the show

Follow The Chef JKP Podcast on Instagram HERE