The Chef JKP Podcast

Send us Fan Mail

In this festive episode of the Chef JKP Podcast, host James Knight Pacheco is joined by the renowned Liam Collens for a Merry Christmas special. 

The two dive into a captivating conversation, unwrapping the culinary highlights and lowlights of 2023. 

Liam Collens AKA - Eat, Go, See!  He is a distinguished figure in the  world of all things gastronomy, travel and writing, the episode provides a flavourful blend of insights, anecdotes, and expert commentary on the trends that shaped the restaurant landscape throughout the past year. 
The episode not only reflects on the exceptional moments that defined 2023 but also explores forward-thinking visions for 2024. Join them as they share their reflections, lessons learned, and aspirations for the exciting year ahead.

ChefJKP and Liam discuss:

• Community initiatives in response to tragedies
• Shifting restaurant dynamics in Dubai
• Fine dining trends and award considerations
• Culinary highlights and lowlights of 2023
• Predictions and wishes for the culinary scene in 2024

Support the show

Follow The Chef JKP Podcast on Instagram HERE

Send us Fan Mail

In the final episode of the Chef JKP Podcast season 4, James Knight-Paccheco interviews the extremely humble and talented, Himanshu Saini, the corporate chef for the Passion F&B Group, the chef and driving force behind the world famous double Michelin starred Trèsind Studio.

They discuss Saini's journey from being a trainee to becoming a sous chef at a young age. 
They also talk about the anticipation and excitement of receiving a Michelin star. 

Tune in to hear Saini's insights and experiences in the culinary world, and what advice he gives to everyone listening.

 On this episode, James and his guest discuss:

·      First foray into a professional kitchen

·      Leaving the restaurant industry

·      Working with language barriers

·      Chef’s challenging moments

·      Dealing with pressure and mental health

You can follow Himanshu on - https://www.instagram.com/chefhimanshusaini/

This show is bought to you by the Dubai Chef's Collective - https://www.dubaichefscollective.com/

Support the show

Follow The Chef JKP Podcast on Instagram HERE

Send us Fan Mail

In this fast-paced episode of the Chef JKP Podcast, host James Knight-Paccheco interviews Solemann Haddad, a 27-year-old self taught chef patron of the acclaimed Michelin starred restaurant - Moonrise! 
Solemann has achieved remarkable success in the culinary world.

Haddad shares his favourite food memory, his early experiences in his grandfather's restaurant, and his passion for cooking.
He also shares his philosophy on what can be achieved with pure self belief !

 On this episode, James and his guest discuss:

·      Embracing diverse culinary influences

·      Creating a unique Dubai cuisine

·      Breaking chains of self-doubt

·      The overwhelming nature of success

·      The food scene in Dubai

You can follow Solemann on - https://www.instagram.com/solemann.xyz/

This show is bought to you by the Dubai Chef's Collective - https://www.dubaichefscollective.com/

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 welcomes Claudia De Brito, the vice chair for the world's top 50 best restaurants MENA region. 

Claudia shares her incredible upbringing, surprising pasta making skills, and offers advice for budding writers. She also discusses her experiences working at a film and TV production company and traveling to film markets like Cannes. 

The conversation includes stories about unique dining experiences, including a South Korean restaurant and anecdotes about South America.
Tune in for laughter, serious discussions, and valuable life lessons on the Chef JKP Podcast.

On this episode, James and his guest discuss:

·      San Pellegrino 50 Best Restaurants

·      Dubai’s diverse melting pot

·      Chefs and constructive criticism

·      Soft opening and customer expectations

·      Unusual cuisines

·      Tips for budding food writters

You can email Claudia on - [email protected]

To follow Claudia on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/claudebrito

This episode is bought to you by The Dubai Chef's Collective - https://www.dubaichefscollective.com 

Support the show

Follow The Chef JKP Podcast on Instagram HERE

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of the Chef JKP Podcast, James interviews Nick Alvis, the founder of KMS (Kitchen Management Solutions) and one of the most accomplished and celebrated chef 's in Dubai and the Gulf Region. 

They discuss Nick's journey in the culinary world, working with renowned chefs such as Gordon Ramsay, Marcus Wareing, and his experiences in the UAE. 

Nick shares his passion for cooking and making people happy through food.
He talks about his early career decisions and the importance of enjoying what you do.

 On this episode, James and his guest discuss:

·      The importance of diverse work experience

·      Mentality is key in tough kitchens

·      Career progression and self-awareness

·      Character building through challenging experiences

·      Don't chase money, prioritize knowledge

You can follow Nick on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/chefnickalvis

This episode is bought to you by the Dubai Chef's Collective - https://www.dubaichefscollective.com

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 takes listeners on a culinary journey filled with food memories, laughter, and lessons for life. 

On this weeks show . 
The episode features an enlightening conversation with Fahim Al Qasimi, Co-founder of Seafood Souq, a digital platform that sheds light on the seafood industry.

He reminisces about picking fresh black cherries from a tree in his childhood home in Germany, highlighting the special connection between food and memories.
Paccheco promises that this episode is a game changer, urging listeners to tune in and discover the wealth of information it offers.

 On this episode, James and his guest discuss:

·      Seafood traceability and mislabeling

·      Overfishing and political activism

·      Investing in our oceans

·      Fusion in Emirati cuisine

·      Michelin-starred UAE-based restaurant

·      Memorable culinary experiences

To follow Fahim on Instagram, click HERE

To see everything to do with Seafood Souq click HERE

Support the show

Follow The Chef JKP Podcast on Instagram HERE

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of the Chef JKP Podcast, Stasha shares her journey from Serbia to the UAE and her vision of serving modern Balkan cuisine. 

She opens up about the challenges she faced in the hospitality industry and how she turned strangers into friends at her restaurant. 
Stasha also shares his experience with previous head chefs and the excitement of the restaurant receiving a coveted Michelin Bib Gourmand Award. 

Tune in for laughter, serious discussions, and lessons for life in this delightful episode.

On this episode, James and his guest discuss:

·      Balkan hospitality

·      Opening luxury restaurants in Dubai

·      Emiratis’ reaction to Balkan food

·      Reopening after COVID closure

·      The Michelin Bib Gourmand

You can follow Stasha on HERE

This podcast is bought to you by The Dubai Chef's Collective, 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 Chef JKP Podcast, James Knight Pacheco and his guest Liam Collens, discuss the importance of giving and receiving feedback in the restaurant industry. 
He questions whether people truly want feedback or if they are seeking validation instead. Liam also emphasizes the need for a holistic approach when critiquing a restaurant, considering factors such as ambience, atmosphere, value for money, service, and wine selection. The conversation then shifts to the lack of representation of certain cuisines in the industry and the tendency to stick to proven models instead of embracing variety. 
Liam Collens, the founder of EatGoSee, joins the discussion, highlighting the importance of showcasing diverse and enjoyable cuisines. Tune in for insightful perspectives and lessons for life in the culinary world. 

On this episode, James and his guest discuss:

·      Underrepresented cuisines in the industry

·      Losing motivation in the restaurant industry

·      Eurocentric bias in culinary awards

·      Michelin and 50 Best Awards

·      Food writer feedback to chefs

You can follow Liam on Instagram HERE

This podcast is bought to you by The Dubai Chef's Collective, you can follow them on HERE

Support the show

Follow The Chef JKP Podcast on Instagram HERE

Send us Fan Mail

This episode of the Chef JKP Podcast features an interview with none other than the award winning Jason Atherton, a renowned chef and restaurateur. Host James Knight-Paccheco explores Atherton's early food memories, including his mom's prawn cocktail night at their guest house. 
They also discuss Atherton's journey into the culinary world of Michelin, his experiences working with famous chefs, including Marco Pierre White, and Gordon Ramsay,  his success in opening and maintaining Michelin-starred restaurants. 
The episode offers insights into Atherton's passion for cooking and his unmatched dedication to his craft.

On this episode, James and his guest discuss:

• The future of fine dining
• The pressure and buzz of a kitchen
• Working with Gordon Ramsay
• Michelin-star dining experiences
• The evolving dining scene in the Gulf

Follow Jason on Instagram on  HERE

This podcast is bought to you by The Dubai Chef's Collective - 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 Chef JKP Podcast, Duncan Fraser Smith, a veteran of the hospitality industry, recounts stories of working in the back of the house, where he witnessed the intense pressure and high standards of a professional kitchen. From plates being pushed onto the floor if not served quickly enough to throwing knives at targets on the wall, Duncan highlights the relentless pursuit of perfection in the culinary world. Despite the challenges, Duncan's mentor reminds him that even with a 90% success rate, there will always be room for improvement. Tune in for an entertaining and enlightening conversation on the realities of the industry and the lessons learned along the way.

On this episode, James and his guest discuss:

·      Traditional culinary skills and education

·      Taking creative leaps in F&B

·      Underestimating profitability in restaurants

·      MasterChef as a passion project

·      Approaching investors

·      Duncan’s passion for hospitality

To see Duncan's agency, you can check his website on HERE.

This podcast is bought to you by the Dubai Chef's collective, you can follow them on HERE.

Support the show

Follow The Chef JKP Podcast on Instagram HERE