The Chef JKP Podcast

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What does it take to build a pizza empire in one of the world’s most competitive food cities?In this live edition of the Chef JKP Podcast, host James Knight-Paccheco sits down with Michele and Bill Johnson - the powerhouse duo behind Pitfire Pizza - for a no-filter conversation about passion, perseverance, and the pursuit of the perfect slice.🎙️ Live from Time Out Market Dubai, they share the story behind one of Dubai’s most beloved pizza joints - from humble beginnings and family baking memories to scaling a brand known for quality, consistency, and fire.You’ll hear:🍕 How Bill perfected his dough recipe over years🍕 The secrets to managing quality across multiple branches🍕 What makes a truly great pizza (it’s not just ingredients)🍕 Tips for anyone dreaming of launching their own food brand00:00 Introduction01:13 The Joy of Pizza: Pitfire's Mission02:14 Meet the Legends: Michele and Bill Johnson03:43 Bill's Pizza Journey08:20 Opening Pitfire Pizza11:01 From JLT to Time Out Market14:17 Maintaining Quality Across Branches16:52 Centralizing Dough Production: Pros and Cons17:29 Training, Technique & Team Culture18:24 Branding, Artistry & the Brotherhood of Pizza19:10 Managing a Large Team in Dubai22:05 Pizza Ovens and Baking Techniques23:28 Signature Pizzas at Pitfire24:56 Quick Fire Questions28:01 Future Plans and Advice for RestaurateursFollow Pitfire Pizza on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pitfirepizzabakersThis 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. Enjoy the episode! 🍴Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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In this live edition of the Chef JKP Podcast, host James Knight-Paccheco dives deep into the world of luxury flavours with two of Dubai’s most exciting artisan creators: Orit Mohamed from Boon Coffee and Zubin Doshi from Scoopi – home of the iconic Black Diamond, a $3,000 liquid nitrogen ice cream.From the aroma of Ethiopian highlands to scoops topped with saffron and truffle, this isn’t just about taste – it’s about passion, precision, and pushing boundaries. Expect bold business advice, origin stories, and practical insights for food entrepreneurs navigating Dubai’s competitive culinary scene.00:00 Introduction01:06 Today’s Topic: The Black Diamond01:48 Meet Orit (Boon Coffee) & Zubin (Scoopi)03:26 Orit’s Coffee Journey from Ethiopia to Dubai04:25 Zubin's Liquid Nitrogen Ice Cream Adventure13:39 Crafting The Black Diamond Ice Cream16:07 Business Challenges & Key Lessons24:03 Quick Fire Round26:17 Final Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs29:15 Farewell & Wrap-UpFollow Boon Coffee: https://www.instagram.com/booncoffeeFollow Scoopi: https://www.instagram.com/scoopicafeThis season of the Chef JKP Podcast is proudly brought to you by Time Out Market Dubai.🎧 Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChefJKP🎙️ Listen on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts.Food is memories. Enjoy the episode! 🍴Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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What do the kitchens of Gaggan, Switzerland’s Michelin-starred fine dining scene, and Dubai’s vibrant Masti have in common? One man behind the pass: Chef Prashant.In this episode of the Chef JKP Podcast, recorded live at Time Out Market Dubai, James Knight-Paccheco sits down with Chef Prashant, whose journey spans some of the world’s most influential kitchens.They get real about:- What it takes to cook at a Michelin-starred level- Creating menus that evolve without losing soul- The pressure of running a top kitchen in Dubai- Why mastering the basics still matters more than everWhether you’re an aspiring chef or a full-blown food nerd, this one’s packed with insights, inspiration, and bold perspectives.This is Season 10.This is Chef JKP x Time Out Market Dubai!00:00 Introduction01:46 Today’s Guest: Chef Prashant03:50 Culinary Journey & Early Influences04:21 Life at Gaggan06:48 Switzerland & Michelin Kitchens10:04 Building the Menu at Masti15:09 The Craft of Training & Consistency22:08 Quick Fire Round25:57 Final Thoughts and FarewellFollow Chef Prashant:https://www.instagram.com/prashantchipkar/This season of the Chef JKP Podcast is proudly brought to you by Time Out Market Dubai.Want to support the show? Subscribe to our YouTube channel:👉 https://www.youtube.com/@ChefJKPFood is memories! 🍴Enjoy the episode.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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For the first time ever, the Chef JKP Podcast goes LIVE - and we’re bringing the fire straight from Time Out Market Dubai. In this epic new season you can expect:🔥 12 episodes🎤 1 epic live audience🌍 100% Dubai food cultureHost James Knight-Pacheco kicks off season 10 with a no-holds-barred conversation featuring three of Dubai’s culinary heavyweights: Spero and Alex from BB Social Dining and Chef Athanasios Kargatzidis, also known as Chef Tommy, from À La Grecque.This isn’t your average food chat. It’s raw, unfiltered, and straight from the heart of Dubai’s food culture. From their earliest food memories to the daily grind of running food stalls, these chefs drop truth bombs about creativity, pressure, and what it really takes to make it in one of the world’s most competitive dining scenes.This is Season 10. This is Chef JKP Podcast x Time Out Market.00:00 Introduction01:46 Today's Special Guests and Live Audience04:32 Spero and Alex from BB Social07:04 Chef Tommy from À La Grecque09:00 Challenges and Experiences at Time Out Market24:26 Quick Fire Questions26:41 Advice for Aspiring Restaurateurs31:17 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsFollow BB Social Dining: https://www.instagram.com/bbdifc/?hl=enand À La Grecque: https://www.instagram.com/alagrecque.dxb/This season of the Chef JKP Podcast is proudly brought to you by Time Out Market Dubai.Want to support the show? Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ChefJKPLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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In the fifth and final episode of this special Valrhona x Chef JKP Podcast series recorded at the iconic Louvre Abu Dhabi, we’re bringing it home with one of the UAE’s rising culinary stars — Chef Khaled Al Saadi.Host James Knight-Pacheco dives into an inspiring conversation about:🍽️ The evolution of the Emirati food scene👨‍🍳 Why collaboration is key to culinary growth🍫 And why Chef Khaled proudly chooses Valrhona for his creative chocolate workYou can follow Chef Khaled on - https://www.instagram.com/khaleds.uae/Recorded amidst the immersive Le Fil Rouge event by Valrhona, this conversation explores heritage, innovation, and the power of culinary connection.This limited series is proudly brought to you by Valrhona — supporting pastry chefs and chocolatiers around the world with ethically sourced, premium chocolate.👉 Visit www.valrhona.com to discover more.🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the Chef JKP Podcast on your favourite platform!And as always — Food is memories.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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What happens when two of the world’s most creative chefs meet in the halls of the Louvre? They’ve cooked for royals, redefined fine dining, and now - they’re reimagining chocolate.Join in the conversation with two luminaries of the culinary world: Chef Carmen Rueda Hernandez, recently honored as MENA's Best Pastry Chef 2025 by the Middle East & North Africa's 50 Best Restaurants, and Chef Kelvin Cheung, the visionary behind Dubai's acclaimed Jun's restaurant, renowned for its innovative 'Third Culture' cuisine.Recorded at the iconic Louvre Abu Dhabi, this episode delves into the artistry of fine chocolate, celebrating creativity, culture, and community in partnership with Valrhona. The chefs share nostalgic food memories, their unique approaches to crafting sophisticated dishes, and the significance of storytelling through food. 00:00 Introduction01:53 Special Edition: Celebrating Fine Chocolate03:19 Food Memories with Chocolate06:50 Creating Dishes for the Event16:35 Challenges and Inspirations in Culinary Arts23:03 Quick Fire Questions29:49 Conclusion and FarewellFollow the guests on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefkelvincheung/ https://www.instagram.com/chefcarmenrueda6A huge thank you to our partners Valrhona for making this special series possible!www.valrhona.comPlease leave us a review on any podcast platform - it’s the best way to support the show!Food is Memories !Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Host James Knight-Paccheco takes listeners on a rich, multi-sensory journey into the world of fine chocolate in partnership with Valrhona and the Louvre Abu Dhabi. The episode spotlights Le Fil Rouge, a one-of-a-kind event uniting over 250 chefs, artists, and visionaries from around the globe!This episode’s guest Olivier Morel, Chief Business Officer at Valrhona, shares insights on the fusion of community, creativity, and culture through the lens of chocolate. He offers reflections on his global chocolate journey and discusses how shifting cocoa markets are shaping the future of fine chocolate.Joining the conversation are celebrated chefs Reif Othman and Hadrien Villedieu, who speak about their culinary inspirations, memorable chocolate moments, and the artistry behind collaborating with Valrhona. From sourcing premium ingredients to curating unforgettable menus, this episode is a heartfelt tribute to chocolate as both craft and culture.00:00 Introduction01:06 Celebrating Fine Chocolate with Valrhona02:15 Olivier’s Chocolate Journey08:45 Global Chocolate Trends & Challenges22:02 The Art of Chocolate & Culinary Fusion28:40 Personal Chocolate Memories29:10 Hadrian’s Culinary Creations29:52 Curating the Menu31:02 Raf’s Chocolate Philosophy31:37 Collaborating with Valrhona34:44 Chefs’ Tips for Collaboration36:55 Conversations Beyond the Kitchen38:15 Using Chocolate in Cooking39:42 Describing Themselves as Desserts40:18 Quick Fire Questions41:39 Conclusion and FarewellFollow the featured guests on socials:https://fr.linkedin.com/in/olivier-morel-58689313 https://www.instagram.com/reifo.kee https://www.instagram.com/hadrienvilledieu/ A huge thank you to our partners Valrhona for making this special series possible!www.valrhona.comPlease leave us a review on any podcast platform - it’s the best way to support the show!Food is Memories !Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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What happens when chocolate, culture, and craftsmanship come together?In this special edition of the Chef JKP Podcast, host James Knight-Paccheco shares the 2nd episode of a special series with Valrhona, one of the world’s most prestigious chocolate makers.This episode highlights a collaboration between Valrhona and Louvre Abu Dhabi, exploring how fine chocolate is both an art form and a cultural connector. JKP sits down with Valrhona’s General Manager Guillaume Lafaix, who shares his personal chocolate memories, his career journey across continents, and his thoughts on the Middle East’s growing love for sweets.Whether you’re a chef, a chocolate enthusiast, or simply love a good story, this short but rich episode offers a glimpse into how gastronomy, artistry, and global connection all melt into one unforgettable experience.00:00 Introduction 01:34 Celebrating Fine Chocolate: A Special Edition03:03 Meet Valrhona’s General Manager04:53 Chocolate Memories, Career Journey & Global Trends07:32 Why the Middle East Loves Chocolate09:13 Valrhona x Louvre Abu Dhabi: A Cultural Collaboration17:39 Personal Favorites & Culinary Reflections19:30 Conclusion and FarewellYou can follow Valrhona on HEREA huge thank you to our partners Valrhona for making this special series possible!www.valrhona.comPlease leave us a review on any podcast hosting platform - it’s the best way to support the show!Food is Memories !Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Welcome to a special edition of the Chef JKP Podcast!In this special edition of the Chef JKP Podcast, host James Knight-Paccheco sits down with Chef Brice Konan-Ferrand, a renowned chocolatier and pastry chef who has worked around the globe. Chef Brice shares his inspiring culinary journey, from training in France and working in various kitchens worldwide to specialising in chocolate and taking part in major events like the one being discussed in this series - 'Le Fil Rouge.' brought to you by Valrhona, held at the prestigious Louvre in Abu Dhabi.This episode delves into the importance of culture, community, and creativity in the culinary world, highlighting the growing recognition of pastry chefs and offering advice for aspiring culinarians. Chef Brice also talks about his international experiences, including time spent in Hong Kong, Japan, and now Dubai, shaping his unique approach to fine chocolate and pastry.00:00 Introduction to the Chef JKP Podcast01:48 Special Edition: Celebrating Fine Chocolate03:19 Guest Introduction: Chef Brice from Le Verona04:31 Chef Brice's Journey: From Ivory Coast to France06:34 Culinary Education and Early Career09:46 Specializing in Pastry and International Experience24:14 Unexpected Career Opportunities25:54 Chef Brice’s First Impressions of Hong Kong26:55 Living and Working in Japan28:41 Dubai: A New Adventure31:43 The Louvre Abu Dhabi Event34:44 Overcoming Challenges and Celebrating Successes41:09 Recognition in the Culinary World47:12 Advice for Aspiring Chefs50:04 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsYou can follow chef Brice on HEREYou can follow all things Varlhona on HERETune in for an exciting and insightful conversation with one of the culinary world’s finest, as Chef Brice shares his journey, passion for chocolate, and advice for future chefs.A huge thank you to our partners Valrohna for making this special series possible!www.valrhona.comPlease leave us a review on any podcast streaming platform - it’s the best way to support the show!Food is Memories !Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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What if success isn’t something you chase, but something you prepare from within?

Before the coaching empire, wellness retreats, and global stages, Regan Hillyer was stuck in burnout, fear, debt, and disconnection. In this season finale of the Chef JKP Podcast, host James Knight-Paccheco unpacks Regan’s journey from breakdown to breakthrough, and how she built a worldwide business rooted in inner work, mindset, and frequency.

This episode is a deep dive into what it really takes to stay aligned under pressure, move through fear without losing momentum, and lead with energy that lasts.

In this episode, we cover:

• How frequency impacts leadership, performance, and presence
• Mindset tools high performers use to stay aligned and focused
• Moving through fear, resistance, and burnout without falling off track
• Why inner work is the foundation of lasting success
• Protecting your energy in high-pressure environments
• The energy behind food and intention in preparation

Timestamps

00:00 Opening remarks and season reflections
 02:46 Meet Regan Hillyer
 04:36 Early life, food memories, and formative influences
 07:31 The turning point and discovering purpose
 10:01 The 80/20 rule for mindset, energy, and focus
 19:21 Overcoming fear, resistance, and burnout
 35:38 Reprogramming your mind and relationship with time
 47:48 Soul desires vs ego desires
 53:48 Frequency conditioning and daily manifestation alarms
 01:02:51 High-pressure environments, stress, leadership, and stillness
 01:14:55 The energy behind food and preparation
 01:18:07 Staying grounded while wearing many hats
 01:21:48 Quick fire round and final thoughts

Follow Regan Hillyer: https://www.instagram.com/reganhillyer/

A huge thank you to our partner Luvv Fits – luvvfits.com
Stay sharp and hydrated with the Chef JKP thermos bottle – available at chefjkp.com or via DM

Please leave us a review on all podcast platforms, it’s the best way to support the show.
 Food is Memories.

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