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

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 Podcast 02:08 Meet Neha and Chef Kelvin 03:39 The Journey to Little Jun’s 04:42 Building a Culinary Vision 10:11 The Concept of Third Culture Cooking 20:19 Empowering Kelvin: Trust and Free Reign 22:43 Celebrating Success at Timeout Market 23:09 Supporting Local Talent and Community 24:15 Curating the Menu and Future Plans 26:25 Advice for Aspiring Chefs and Entrepreneurs 30:20 Quick Fire Questions 33:59 Final Thoughts and Farewell This 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

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=en This 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

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 Introduction 01:13 Meet the Guests: Penelope and Omar 04:34 Omar's Culinary Journey 06:52 Penelope's Culinary Beginnings 10:16 Challenges and Triumphs in the Culinary World 13:36 Fusion Ceviche: Penelope's Dream Realized 16:46 Slab Kitchen: Omar's Seasonal Approach 18:48 Menu Evolution and Specials 19:59 Exclusive Dishes and Menu Curation 20:48 The Rise and Fall of Peruvian Cuisine 23:15 Challenges of Running a Restaurant 25:01 Future Plans and Expansion 26:26 Quick Fire Questions This 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

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 New 02:17 The Journey to Time Out Market Dubai 04:19 Opening Day Challenges and Successes 04:50 Adapting Isan Cuisine for Dubai 07:41 Spice Levels and Customer Feedback 14:53 Chili Competitions 16:59 Designing the Menu 19:35 Challenges in the Hospitality Industry 20:40 Zero Waste Practices in the Kitchen 23:07 Future Plans and Expansion 23:55 Quick Fire Questions 25:43 Signature Dishes at Café Isan 27:50 Advice for Aspiring Restaurateurs Follow Café Isan: Instagram: @cafeisan_thai This 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

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 brand 00:00 Introduction 01:13 The Joy of Pizza: Pitfire's Mission 02:14 Meet the Legends: Michele and Bill Johnson 03:43 Bill's Pizza Journey 08:20 Opening Pitfire Pizza 11:01 From JLT to Time Out Market 14:17 Maintaining Quality Across Branches 16:52 Centralizing Dough Production: Pros and Cons 17:29 Training, Technique & Team Culture 18:24 Branding, Artistry & the Brotherhood of Pizza 19:10 Managing a Large Team in Dubai 22:05 Pizza Ovens and Baking Techniques 23:28 Signature Pizzas at Pitfire 24:56 Quick Fire Questions 28:01 Future Plans and Advice for Restaurateurs Follow Pitfire Pizza on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pitfirepizzabakers This 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

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