The Chef JKP Podcast

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Season 11 continues with a very special guest: RJ Harvey, Culinary Director at Potatoes USA.

RJ is a walking encyclopedia of potato knowledge, but more than that, he is a chef who has lived the grind, from his first hotel kitchen job in Denver to competing on Food Network’s Alex vs. America to now leading innovation at the Spud Lab in Denver.

In this conversation, RJ shares how childhood food memories shaped his love for cooking, what it means to support farmers and growers, and how the humble potato continues to reinvent itself across cultures and cuisines. You will also hear about recipe development, chef challenges, and why passion and humility matter just as much as skill.

Proudly brought to you by our Season 11 sponsor: potatogoodness.com

Potatoes USA represents America’s potato growers and is dedicated to inspiring chefs, home cooks, and food lovers around the world. From nutrition to creativity, they showcase why the humble potato is one of the most versatile and powerful ingredients in every kitchen.

What you will hear in this episode
• RJ’s first kitchen memories and the lessons that shaped his cooking
• Competing on Alex vs. America and representing the US potato industry under pressure
• How Potatoes USA develops recipes, trends, and resources for chefs worldwide
• Why processed potato products are tools for innovation
• Advice for young chefs on keeping ego in check
• Over 500 recipes and counting, the scale of potato creativity
• The Spud Lab and reimagining America’s favorite vegetable for a new generation

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and welcome to Season 11
03:20 Childhood food memories and Sunday family meals
09:40 Discovering culinary school and finding passion for cooking
15:10 First professional kitchen job at the Brown Palace Hotel
22:30 Culinary mentors and the lessons that shaped work ethic
28:50 The journey to Potatoes USA and stepping into a marketing role
36:00 Becoming Culinary Director and building the Spud Lab
43:20 Recipe development, potato creativity and global inspiration
51:10 Competing on Alex vs. America and handling the pressure
58:30 Quick fire questions, culinary heroes and closing message

Follow RJ Harvey
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefrjharvey

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rj-harvey-rd-cec%C2%AE-b096b120/

Proudly sponsored by Potato Goodness GCC
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/potatogoodnessgcc

Website - www.potatogoodnessgcc.com/

Follow Chef JKP
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefjkppodcast/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-knight-paccheco-447b1b17/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jamesknightpaccheco

If you enjoyed this episode, hit subscribe and share with someone who loves food. Food is memories! 🥂✨

#chefjkp #season11 #foodispower #hospitality #michelin #potatoesusa #foodpodcast #growthmindset #cheflife #foodismemories

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Chef JKP AKA James Knight-Paccheco gives a warm welcome to Season 11. For the first time the season is extended to 16 episodes, and in this solo opener James shares what he has been up to, talks about the big Michelin moments in Dubai, thanks the hospitality community, introduces Potatoes USA as the season sponsor and launches a listener Q&A.

This episode is an honest, personal update and a short celebration of the people who cook and serve food every day. You will hear kitchen stories, practical tips for chefs and students, why the Michelin guide still matters, and lessons on failure, ego and growth in hospitality.

What you will hear in this episode
• Why Season 11 is the biggest yet, 16 episodes and what to expect
• Potatoes USA, resources and why the humble potato matters
• Michelin Guide news from Dubai and why it still matters to chefs
• James’ updates: judging, food writing, travel and industry panels
• A thank you message to hospitality teams worldwide
• Listener Q&A: culinary school takeaways, kitchen morale, knives, imposter syndrome and more

Follow Chef JKP
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefjkppodcast/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-knight-paccheco-447b1b17/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jamesknightpaccheco

If you enjoyed this episode, hit subscribe and share with someone who loves food. Food is memories.

#chefjkp #season11 #foodispower #hospitality #michelin #potatoesusa #foodpodcast #growthmindset #cheflife #foodismemories

Chapters

00:00: Introduction, welcome to Season 11
01:20: Season announcement, 16 episodes and what to expect
02:40: Sponsor spotlight, Potatoes USA and chef resources
04:30: Personal update, judging, travel, food writing and family
07:10: Michelin Guide in Dubai, three-star wins and why it matters
09:30: Cater Middle East judging and advice on entering awards
11:00: Press trips, panels and industry events update
12:10: A message to the hospitality community, gratitude and respect
14:00: Season theme, growth and launch of listener Q&A
16:00: Listener Q&A begins
20:00: Q&A highlight, does Michelin still matter in the age of Instagram & TikTok
26:00: Q&A highlight, knife essentials every young chef should invest in
28:00: Q&A highlight, imposter syndrome when cooking beside legends
31:00: Q&A highlight, Emirati chefs making their mark internationally
33:00: Q&A highlight, guilty pleasure street food while traveling
39:00: Q&A highlight, funniest kitchen disaster and saving service
46:00: Q&A highlight, lessons learned from failure and humility in the kitchen
54:00: Final wrap-up and message to listeners
56:00: Call to action, merch, follow, subscribe and send questions
58:00: Closing words, food is memories
70:00: End of episode

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We saved the best for last - go behind the scenes of Time Out Market Dubai with the powerhouses shaping the city’s food culture!Recorded live at the market, this episode brings together three key figures shaping the region’s food culture:📣 Yousra Zaki, Group Food Editor of Time Out GCC📣 Argiris Tragoutsis, General Manager of Time Out Market Dubai📣 Michael Marlay, Senior Vice President of Time Out Market Global They reveal what it really takes to build and evolve a world-class food destination, from curating diverse concepts and championing homegrown talent, to striking the perfect balance between street food, fine dining, and unforgettable guest experiences.You’ll also hear insider perspectives on:- Why Dubai is one of the most exciting food cities in the world?- How Time Out Market selects and supports its vendors?- What’s next for the brand globally?Plus, the episode ends with fun rapid-fire questions and personal favourites that give you a glimpse into the people behind the platform!✨ This is the grand finale of Season 10.✨ This is Chef JKP Podcast x Time Out Market Dubai.00:00 Introduction01:13 Dubai's Culinary Scene01:50 Time Out Market Dubai Insights10:50 Creating a Market with Purpose14:33 Local vs. Global: Celebrating Chefs16:43 How Vendors Are Selected24:58 What Makes Dubai Unique27:12 Future of Time Out Market30:09 Quick Fire RoundThis Season 10 of The Chef JKP Podcast is proudly brought to you by Time Out Market Dubai.🎙️ You support the show by leaving a rating on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast!Food is Memories ! 🍽️👨‍🍳👩‍🍳🍣🌯🌮🎂🍦🌟Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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What’s fueling Dubai’s food revolution - street eats, Michelin stars, or the influencers in between?In this live episode of the Chef JKP Podcast, host James Knight-Paccheco sits down with two powerhouse voices in the UAE’s food space: Courtney Brandt, writer and food critic, and Olivera Saponjac, content creator and culinary storyteller.Straight from Time Out Market Dubai, the trio unpacks:- Dubai’s fast-moving culinary trends- The battle between fine dining and street food- The impact of food influencers and honest reviews- Why local talent needs more spotlight on the global stageTune in for smart takes, hot debates, and a rapid-fire round you won’t want to miss.00:00 Introduction 02:15 Meet Courtney Brandt and Olivera Saponjac04:12 Discussion on Dubai’s Food Scene09:38 Michelin vs. Street Food13:26 Collaborations and Global Chefs18:15 Feedback and Food Writing28:29 Quick Fire RoundYou can follow Courtney on - https://www.instagram.com/_courtneybrandt_/You cab follow Olivera on - https://www.instagram.com/foodgoddesme/This episode is proudly brought to you by Time Out Market Dubai.🎙️ You support the show by leaving a rating on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast!Food is Memories ! 🍽️👨‍🍳👩‍🍳Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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How does a backyard barbecue turn into a White House invitation?In this episode of the Chef JKP Podcast, recorded live from Time Out Market Dubai, host James Knight-Paccheco is joined by Hattem Mattar – pitmaster, entrepreneur, and one of the UAE’s most exciting culinary voices.Hattem shares how he went from a career in oil & gas to building a barbecue brand that fuses Emirati heritage with global techniques. From brisket mandy to third-culture barbecue, this conversation is packed with stories about hustle, identity, and the power of food to build community.Expect bold flavors, big dreams, and behind-the-scenes stories from his journey cooking across the U.S. – including at the White House.This is Dubai’s food culture in motion. Don’t miss it.00:00 Introduction 02:07 Today's Guest: Hattem Mattar04:08 Hattem's Culinary Journey08:22 The Art of Barbecue10:02 Third Culture Barbecue13:29 Teaching the Secrets of Barbecue15:15 The Drive to Be the Best15:26 Cooking at the White House16:43 Cultural Conversations Over Barbecue18:12 Achievements and Humble Beginnings21:19 Future Projects and the Gastronomic Landscape23:18 Managing Multiple Brands24:34 Signature Dish at Time Out Market26:10 Quick Fire QuestionsYou can follow Hattem HEREThis episode is proudly brought to you by Time Out Market Dubai.🎙️ You support the show by leaving a rating on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast!Food is memories! 🍽️🌯🍣🍦🌟😊Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Live from Time Out Market Dubai, James Knight-Paccheco sits down with one of the city’s most daring culinary innovators: Chef Reif Othman.Known for blending humor with haute cuisine (yes, he’s the guy behind the viral toilet roll cake), Reif shares his journey from creative concept to culinary cult favorite. But this episode is about much more than viral dishes - it’s about how to stay consistent, adapt to a fast-changing food scene, and build a brand that balances innovation with business smarts.Expect real talk on:- Dubai’s evolving food culture- The creative process behind his most talked-about dishes- Building a sustainable, scalable restaurant brand- Lessons every aspiring chef should hear00:00 Introduction01:06 Dubai's Culinary Scene and Trends02:14 Meet Chef Reif Othman03:56 Reif's Culinary Journey & Viral Creations12:08 Business Advice for Young Chefs16:33 Navigating New Culinary Experiences17:44 Mastering Consistency19:26 Building a Strong Brand21:41 Upcoming Projects22:38 Signature Dishes & Fan Favorites23:55 Quick Fire Round27:07 Final ThoughtsFollow Chef Reif on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reifo.keeThis episode is proudly brought to you by Time Out Market Dubai.🎙️ You support the show by leaving a rating on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast!Food is memories! 👨‍🍳👩‍🍳🌯🍣🌮🍽️Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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What happens when a powerhouse entrepreneur DMs a Michelin-trained chef… and together they rewrite Dubai’s culinary playbook?Live from Time Out Market Dubai, this episode of the Chef JKP Podcast brings you a blend of Asian-American fusion! Host James Knight-Paccheco sits down with the brains behind over 20 restaurant brands, Neha Anand and multi-award winning, Chef Kelvin Cheung from Little Jun’s.Together, they unpack: their unique partnership, challenges, and the evolution of their culinary vision. From Neha’s family’s love for late-night pizza sparking her entrepreneurial journey, to Kelvin reflecting on the risks and rewards of starting over in Dubai.00:00 Introduction to the Chef JKP Podcast02:08 Meet Neha and Chef Kelvin 03:39 The Journey to Little Jun’s04:42 Building a Culinary Vision10:11 The Concept of Third Culture Cooking20:19 Empowering Kelvin: Trust and Free Reign22:43 Celebrating Success at Timeout Market23:09 Supporting Local Talent and Community24:15 Curating the Menu and Future Plans26:25 Advice for Aspiring Chefs and Entrepreneurs30:20 Quick Fire Questions33:59 Final Thoughts and FarewellThis episode is proudly brought to you by Time Out Market Dubai.🍴 Follow Little Jun’s: https://www.instagram.com/junsdubai/?hl=en🍽️ Website: https://www.junsdubai.com/ 🎙️ You support the show by leaving a rating on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast !Food is Memories ! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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What happens when family, tradition, and passion come together to create a culinary legacy?Live from Time Out Market Dubai, this episode of the Chef JKP Podcast dives into the inspiring story of a family trio turning sourdough and hospitality into an award-winning experience.Host James Knight-Paccheco sits down with Eva, Lilian, and Emilie to explore their journey - from honouring family bonds and setting business boundaries to crafting memorable dishes that blend tradition with modern flair. Together, they share the challenges, successes, and heart behind their thriving restaurant.00:00 Introduction and Initial Thoughts 01:13 Welcome to the Chef JKP Podcast 01:44 Meet the Trio Behind Three by Eva 04:48 The Essence of Three by Eva 07:49 The Sourdough Queen's Journey 10:34 Creating a Homey Ambiance 14:01 Balancing Tradition and Innovation 16:21 Curating the Menu for Time Out Market Dubai 18:46 Adapting the Menu for a Diverse Clientele 19:28 Challenges of Creating a Unique Dining Experience 21:09 Recognition and Awards in the Culinary World 23:06 The Importance of Simplicity and Humility in Cooking 25:31 Balancing Family and Business 26:53 The Most Challenging Aspects of the Business 33:20 Final Thoughts and Signature Dish Recommendation🍴 Follow Three by Ava: https://www.instagram.com/threebyeva/?hl=enThis episode is proudly brought to you by Time Out Market Dubai.🎙️ Support the show by leaving a rating on Spotify or Apple Podcasts!Food is Memories !👨‍🍳👌👩‍🍳🍣🎂🍦Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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What happens when two of Dubai’s most passionate chefs bring Latin fire to the stage?Live from Time Out Market Dubai, this episode of the Chef JKP Podcast brings the energy of Latin America straight to you!Host James Knight-Pacheco sits down with two powerhouse chefs: Penelope Diaz from Fusión Ceviche, and Omar Rodriguez from Slab. Together, they dive into the roots of their culinary journeys, the highs and lows of building a brand in Dubai, and the cultural richness of Latin American cuisine.00:00 Introduction01:13 Meet the Guests: Penelope and Omar04:34 Omar's Culinary Journey06:52 Penelope's Culinary Beginnings10:16 Challenges and Triumphs in the Culinary World13:36 Fusion Ceviche: Penelope's Dream Realized16:46 Slab Kitchen: Omar's Seasonal Approach18:48 Menu Evolution and Specials19:59 Exclusive Dishes and Menu Curation20:48 The Rise and Fall of Peruvian Cuisine23:15 Challenges of Running a Restaurant25:01 Future Plans and Expansion26:26 Quick Fire QuestionsThis episode is proudly brought to you by Time Out Market Dubai.🍴 Follow Fusion Ceviche: https://www.instagram.com/fusioncevichedxb22/🍽️ Follow Slab: https://www.instagram.com/slab.uae/🎙️ You support the show by leaving a rating on Spotify or Apple Podcasts!Food is Memories!Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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What does it take to turn a humble home kitchen into one of Dubai’s most talked-about Thai food spots?In this episode of the Chef JKP Podcast, recorded live at Time Out Market Dubai, host James Knight-Pacheco sits down with Lisa Knight and Chef New, the dynamic duo behind Café Isan – an award-winning Thai street food concept known for its bold flavors, authenticity, and community spirit.From cooking for friends in Dubai’s Thai community to building a regional fanbase and earning a coveted spot at Time Out Market, Lisa and Chef New share the story behind their rise, rooted in Isan traditions from northeastern Thailand. Expect honest conversations about spice, sustainability, and staying true to your roots while scaling a modern hospitality brand.🔥 Topics covered:- Adapting Isan flavors for a diverse Dubai audience- Balancing spice levels and customer expectations- Embracing low-waste practices and fermentation- Plans for a farm-stay retreat in Thailand- And yes… chili-eating competitions.00:00 Introduction 01:56 Meet the Guests: Lisa Knight and Chef New02:17 The Journey to Time Out Market Dubai04:19 Opening Day Challenges and Successes04:50 Adapting Isan Cuisine for Dubai07:41 Spice Levels and Customer Feedback14:53 Chili Competitions16:59 Designing the Menu19:35 Challenges in the Hospitality Industry20:40 Zero Waste Practices in the Kitchen23:07 Future Plans and Expansion23:55 Quick Fire Questions25:43 Signature Dishes at Café Isan27:50 Advice for Aspiring RestaurateursFollow Café Isan:Instagram: @cafeisan_thaiThis season of the Chef JKP Podcast is proudly brought to you by Time Out Market Dubai.🎙️ You support the show by leaving a rating on Spotify or Apple Podcasts!Food is Memories ! 😉🌶️🎂🌮🌯🍣Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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