The Chef JKP Podcast

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of the ChefJKP Podcast, Kelvin Cheung shares his formative years working in his dad's restaurant and his path into the industry. 
Kelvin also touches on the challenges of maintaining a work-life balance in the demanding world of hospitality. 
Despite the accolades and recognition, including being featured in the Michelin Guide and the prestigious Gault and Millau Guide, Kelvin remains focused on the simple joy of feeding people and creating memorable experiences for his guests.

ChefJKP and Kelvin discuss:

• The Demands of the Hospitality Industry
• Advice for Young Chefs
• Transition to a More Positive Management Approach
• Kelvin's Growth and Changes in Management Philosophy
• Unique Disciplinary Methods in the Kitchen
• Discussing Mental Health and Wellness in Kitchens

You can follow Kelvin on HERE

This show is bought to you by TwentyOne06, you can follow them on HERE

Support the show

Follow The Chef JKP Podcast on Instagram HERE

Send us Fan Mail

Giovanni's passion for his craft is palpable. 
In this episode, he shares how he believes in the power of food to bring people together, to create memories, and to evoke emotions. 

It is this belief that drives him to constantly push the boundaries of Italian cuisine and create dishes that not only satisfy the palate but also touch the soul. 

With a coveted Michelin star and two toques in the Gault and Millau guide, Giovanni has become a prominent figure in the MENA region's gastronomy.

ChefJKP and Giovanni discuss:

•               Guest's Impact on UAE Food Scene and Michelin Recognition

•               Challenges and Growth in Shanghai's Culinary Scene

•               Learning Through Language Barriers and Kitchen Dynamics

•               Seasonal Work Patterns and Exploring New Cuisines

•               Transition to Dubai and Joining Armani Ristorante

•               Humility and Growth: Stepping into Sous-Chef Role in Dubai

You can follow Giovanni on HERE

The podcast is bought to you by Twentyone06 - you can follow them on HERE

Support the show

Follow The Chef JKP Podcast on Instagram HERE

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, we meet Chef Hadrien Villedieu discusses his formative years as a fussy eater and his journey into the culinary world. 
They talk about his time in Morocco, where he faced challenges in adapting to a different culture and learning the local cooking techniques. Hadrien shares his experiences working with Joël Robuchon and Alain Passard, highlighting the precision and creativity they instilled in him. 
The conversation then shifts to Hadrien's transition from being an executive chef to teaching cookery classes in a cooking school. 
Finally, the host and Hadrien talk about his latest venture, Chez Wam, a restaurant in Dubai that offers a unique dining experience.

ChefJKP and Hadrien discuss:

•  The Decision to Attend Culinary School

•  Experience as a Chef in Morocco and Lessons Learned

•  Hadrien’s Role as Executive Chef at Inked and the Concept of the Food Platform

•  Hadrien’s Passion for Junk Food and the Origin of the "Junk Food Man" Nickname

•  The Decision to Open Chez Wam and the Meaning Behind the Name

You can follow Hadrien on HERE

This show is bought to you by Twentyone06 - 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, Kelvin Kelly reveals a unique odyssey from South African family braais to becoming an executive chef in Dubai. 
The episode explores childhood memories, culinary traditions, and unexpected detours, including a stint as a private investigator. Kelvin recounts his culinary school experience, leading to a remarkable rise in the professional kitchen. 
The conversation delves into the nuances of South African cuisine, corporate catering innovations, and the distinctions between a "braai" and a barbecue. 
The narrative takes an adventurous turn when Kelvin, seeking change, moves to Dubai, adding a fascinating layer to this culinary tale.

ChefJKP and Kelvin discuss:

•               South African family braais influence on culinary journey

•               Culinary school veers from becoming a doctor

•               Catering reveals challenges of large-scale events

•               Rapid progression from school to executive chef

•               Dubai's multicultural culinary scene and gastronomic offerings

You can follow Kelvin on HERE

This podcast is bought to you by Twentyone06 - you can follow them on HERE

Support the show

Follow The Chef JKP Podcast on Instagram HERE

Send us Fan Mail

Chef Alex, a culinary maestro, shares his riveting journey from a 15-year-old apprentice in Germany to helming Zuma Dubai. 
This culinary saga unfolds in kitchens across Europe, with stops in London and a pivotal moment in Zuma, where Alex's passion for Asian cuisine ignited. 
The podcast delves into his experiences, from managing a bustling kitchen in London to navigating the challenges of opening Zuma Dubai, defying supply chain odds for quality ingredients. 
The narrative weaves through personal milestones, including family struggles and the impactful decision to leave Zuma. 
This rich account encapsulates Alex's evolution, culminating in his own venture, where culinary prowess and business acumen converge.

ChefJKP and Alex discuss:

•               Early culinary beginnings

•               Asian cuisine infatuation

•               Challenges in kitchen management

•               Decision to leave Zuma

•               Alex’s entrepreneurial ventures

You can follow Alex on HERE

This show is bought to you by Twentyone06 - you can follow them on HERE

Support the show

Follow The Chef JKP Podcast on Instagram HERE

Send us Fan Mail

Creativity is a fundamental aspect of interior design, and Shepley's approach to his craft is deeply rooted in collaboration and understanding the needs and desires of his clients. 
In this episode of the ChefJKP Podcast, he highlights the importance of working closely with chefs and owners to create spaces that not only reflect their vision but also enhance the overall dining experience. 
By involving the chef from the start, Shepley ensures that the design of the space aligns with the culinary concept and creates a cohesive and immersive experience for diners.

ChefJKP and Govind discuss:

•               Designing with Chefs for Kitchen and Interiors

•               Joining F&B Leaders and Designing for Jamie Oliver's

•               Pressure and Challenges in Design Industry

•               Design Industry Differences: London vs Dubai

•               Confidence and Client Relationships in Design Projects

You can follow Govind on HERE

This show is bought to you by Twentyone06 - you can follow them on HERE

Support the show

Follow The Chef JKP Podcast on Instagram HERE

Send us Fan Mail

This podcast episode explores Tom Allen’s culinary journey rooted in childhood experiences. 
Raised in a family deeply connected to food and nature, he developed an early appreciation for farm-to-table practices.
 Venturing into a professional kitchen as a teenager, he found a second family at a small hometown restaurant. He shares memories of impactful dishes, the evolution of the culinary scene, and working alongside Heston Blumenthal. 
Tune in for insights into a culinary career shaped by family, mentors, and an unyielding passion for food.

ChefJKP and Tom discuss:

•               Childhood connection to food and nature

•               Early exposure to farm-to-table practices

•               Culinary journey starting in a hometown restaurant

•               Memories of impactful dishes

•               Working alongside Heston Blumenthal

You can follow Tom on HERE

This show is bought to you by Twentyone06 - 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, Peggy reflects on the importance of food education and how it is lacking in today's society. 
She mentions that most children these days only see food in packages in the fridge and don't have the opportunity to learn about the origins and quality of the ingredients. 

Listen in as Peggy provides a glimpse into her childhood memories of Hong Kong street food, the vibrant and bustling atmosphere of Temple Street, the raw and authentic wet market experience, and the importance of food education.

ChefJKP and Peggy discuss:

•               Importance of Food Education

•               Peggy's Transition  to Hospitality

•               Winning a Bid for Lord's Cricket Ground Catering

•               Opening a Pub for Guy Ritchie and Madonna

•               Moving to Michelin Starred Operations

You can follow Peggy on HERE 

This show is bought to you by Twentyone06 - 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, host James Knight-Paccheco interviews Chef Carmine Farovolo. 
They discuss Carmine's culinary journey, starting from his formative years cooking with his grandmother in Naples to his experiences working with renowned chefs around the world. 
Carmine shares stories of his time in the kitchen, including a memorable incident where he forgot to cook a beef fillet for a VIP table. 
He also talks about the importance of traditional Italian cuisine and his goal to be one of the best Italian restaurants in Dubai.

ChefJKP and Carmine discuss:

•               Working in Michelin-Starred Restaurants and Making Mistakes

•               Street Foods in Naples, including Pizza Varieties

•               Challenges and Aggressiveness in Kitchen Environments

•               Differences in Cooking Styles between Italy and Spain

•               Importance of Training and Developing Kitchen Staff

You can follow chef Carmine on HERE

This show is bought to you by Twentyone06 - you can follow them on HERE

Support the show

Follow The Chef JKP Podcast on Instagram HERE

Send us Fan Mail

Welcome to another packed Season of The Chef JKP Podcast !

Another packed show full of remarkable guests within the world of hospitality.
Host of the show James Knight-Paccheco aka Chef JKP, teases what is in store for the upcoming season.

James also discusses a topic that is close to everyone - failure!
Discussing his own failures, he touches upon as to how this familiar subject,  should also be celebrated.

Link to the TEDx Talk is HERE
Link to the advisory board - HERE
The Hotel Show Advisory Board - HERE

This show is bought to you by Twentyone06 - you can see who they are on HERE

Support the show

Follow The Chef JKP Podcast on Instagram HERE