Season 10 - Episode 2 - From Gaggan to Dubai: Chef Prashant’s Culinary Evolution

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 Introduction 01:06 Today’s Topic: The Black Diamond 01:48 Meet Orit (Boon Coffee) & Zubin (Scoopi) 03:26 Orit’s Coffee Journey from Ethiopia to Dubai 04:25 Zubin's Liquid Nitrogen Ice Cream Adventure 13:39 Crafting The Black Diamond Ice Cream 16:07 Business Challenges & Key Lessons 24:03 Quick Fire Round 26:17 Final Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs 29:15 Farewell & Wrap-Up Follow Boon Coffee: https://www.instagram.com/booncoffee Follow Scoopi: https://www.instagram.com/scoopicafe This 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

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 ever Whether 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 Introduction 01:46 Today’s Guest: Chef Prashant 03:50 Culinary Journey & Early Influences 04:21 Life at Gaggan 06:48 Switzerland & Michelin Kitchens 10:04 Building the Menu at Masti 15:09 The Craft of Training & Consistency 22:08 Quick Fire Round 25:57 Final Thoughts and Farewell Follow 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/@ChefJKP Food is memories! 🍴 Enjoy the episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 culture Host 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 Introduction 01:46 Today's Special Guests and Live Audience 04:32 Spero and Alex from BB Social 07:04 Chef Tommy from À La Grecque 09:00 Challenges and Experiences at Time Out Market 24:26 Quick Fire Questions 26:41 Advice for Aspiring Restaurateurs 31:17 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Follow BB Social Dining: https://www.instagram.com/bbdifc/?hl=en and 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/@ChefJKP Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 work You 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

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 Introduction 01:53 Special Edition: Celebrating Fine Chocolate 03:19 Food Memories with Chocolate 06:50 Creating Dishes for the Event 16:35 Challenges and Inspirations in Culinary Arts 23:03 Quick Fire Questions 29:49 Conclusion and Farewell Follow the guests on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/chefkelvincheung/  https://www.instagram.com/chefcarmenrueda6 A huge thank you to our partners Valrhona for making this special series possible! www.valrhona.com Please 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

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 Introduction 01:06 Celebrating Fine Chocolate with Valrhona 02:15 Olivier’s Chocolate Journey 08:45 Global Chocolate Trends & Challenges 22:02 The Art of Chocolate & Culinary Fusion 28:40 Personal Chocolate Memories 29:10 Hadrian’s Culinary Creations 29:52 Curating the Menu 31:02 Raf’s Chocolate Philosophy 31:37 Collaborating with Valrhona 34:44 Chefs’ Tips for Collaboration 36:55 Conversations Beyond the Kitchen 38:15 Using Chocolate in Cooking 39:42 Describing Themselves as Desserts 40:18 Quick Fire Questions 41:39 Conclusion and Farewell Follow 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.com Please 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

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 Edition 03:03 Meet Valrhona’s General Manager 04:53 Chocolate Memories, Career Journey & Global Trends 07:32 Why the Middle East Loves Chocolate 09:13 Valrhona x Louvre Abu Dhabi: A Cultural Collaboration 17:39 Personal Favorites & Culinary Reflections 19:30 Conclusion and Farewell You can follow Valrhona on HERE A huge thank you to our partners Valrhona for making this special series possible! www.valrhona.com Please 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

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 Podcast 01:48 Special Edition: Celebrating Fine Chocolate 03:19 Guest Introduction: Chef Brice from Le Verona 04:31 Chef Brice's Journey: From Ivory Coast to France 06:34 Culinary Education and Early Career 09:46 Specializing in Pastry and International Experience 24:14 Unexpected Career Opportunities 25:54 Chef Brice’s First Impressions of Hong Kong 26:55 Living and Working in Japan 28:41 Dubai: A New Adventure 31:43 The Louvre Abu Dhabi Event 34:44 Overcoming Challenges and Celebrating Successes 41:09 Recognition in the Culinary World 47:12 Advice for Aspiring Chefs 50:04 Conclusion and Final Thoughts You can follow chef Brice on HERE You can follow all things Varlhona on HERE Tune 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.com Please 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

What if success isn’t something you chase, but something you prepare from within? Before the coaching empire, wellness retreats, and becoming a global speaker, Regan Hillyer was stuck in a cycle of burnout, fear, debt, and disconnection.  In this powerful season finale of the Chef JKP Podcast, host James Knight-Paccheco explores Regan’s extraordinary journey from breakdown to breakthrough. From humble beginnings in New Zealand to becoming a global force in personal development. Regan shares the raw and real story of how she turned fear into fuel and built a worldwide empire rooted in inner work, mindset, frequency tuning, and practical techniques for manifesting abundance. This episode is more than just a conversation, it’s a masterclass in living a purpose-driven life, tuning into your highest frequency, and creating success from the inside out. Tune in to learn: 👩‍🍳 How frequency affects leadership, food, and performance 👩‍🍳 The mindset tools top performers use to stay aligned and on purpose 👩‍🍳 How to move through fear and failure without losing momentum 👩‍🍳 Why inner work is the foundation of lasting success 👩‍🍳 How leaders can protect their energy in high-pressure environments 00:00 Opening Remarks and Season Reflections 02:46 Meet Regan Hillyer: Energy Coach, Speaker & Entrepreneur 04:36 Early Life, Food Memories & Formative Influences 07:31 The Turning Point: Discovering Purpose 10:01 The 80/20 Rule: Mindset, Energy & Focus 19:21 Overcoming Fear, Resistance & Burnout 35:38 Reprogramming Your Mind and Relationship with Time 47:48 Soul Desires vs. Ego Desires: Knowing the Difference 53:48 Frequency Conditioning & Daily Manifestation Alarms 01:02:51 High-Pressure Environments: Stress, Leadership & Stillness 01:14:55 The Energy Behind Food: Frequency in Preparation 01:18:07 Staying Grounded While Wearing Many Hats 01:21:48 Quick Fire Round & Final Thoughts Follow Regan on HERE 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 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefjkppodcast/ Please leave us a review us on all podcast hosting platforms - it’s the best way to support the show! Food is Memories! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when two visionaries join forces ? In this extraordinary episode of the Chef JKP Podcast, host James Knight-Paccheco welcomes Chef Torsten Vildgaard (formerly of Noma) and iconic Chef Björn Frantzén, both globally acclaimed for redefining modern gastronomy. Now leading the charge at FZN at Atlantis, The Palm, they’re reshaping fine dining in the Middle East. The conversation takes us through their personal stories, culinary philosophies, and the intense discipline of Michelin kitchens - as well as the unique opportunity and challenge of bringing Scandinavian excellence to the Gulf.  This episode is a masterclass in what it takes to operate at the highest level in hospitality. Tune in to learn: 👩‍🍳 How Torsten transitioned from Noma to opening his own Michelin-starred restaurant 👩‍🍳 What it really takes to build and maintain a Michelin-level restaurant 👩‍🍳 What three elements are the heart of elite kitchens 👩‍🍳 How FZN is redefining luxury dining in the Middle East 00:00 Opening Remarks and Personal Reflections 02:00 Meet Torsten Vildgaard & Björn Frantzén 04:40 Childhood Food Memories & Early Influences 12:50 First Steps into Professional Kitchens 25:42 Opening & Running Michelin-Starred Restaurants 41:31 Expanding to Dubai: The FZN Vision 46:12 Training, Guest Experience & Team Culture 51:53 Menu Development & Local Ingredients 54:13 Operating with Excellence in the Middle East 01:13:12 Quick Fire Round 01:20:45 Advice for Young Chefs You can follow Bjorn on HERE You can follow Torsten on HERE 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 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefjkppodcast/ Please leave us a review us on all podcast hosting sites - it’s the best way to support the show! Food is Memories !🍽️ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices