The Chef JKP Podcast

• Season 9 -Episode 10 - Jack Jarrott - Screaming Guests, Openings, Live Fire Cooking!

  What does it take to lead a world-class kitchen rooted in fire and flavour? In this episode of the Chef JKP Podcast, host James Knight-Paccheco sits down with Chef Jack Jarrott, the driving force behind Sand and Koal at Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi. Jack takes us on a raw and honest journey through his career - from growing up in Australia to mastering open-fire cooking in London under the Gordon Ramsay empire, and eventually becoming a rising star in the UAE culinary world. The conversation explores everything from leadership and kitchen culture to navigating cultural shifts, earning accolades, and Jack’s mission to make Sand and Koal a globally recognized destination. Tune In To Learn: 👩‍🍳 What it really takes to lead a modern open-fire kitchen 👩‍🍳 How Jack adapted from Australia to London to the UAE 👩‍🍳 The power of mentorship, discipline, and legacy 👩‍🍳 Real talk about hotel kitchens vs. standalone restaurants 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Announcement 02:26 Meet Today’s Guest: Chef Jack Jarrott 03:46 From Aussie Kitchens to Culinary Dreams 13:49 London Life & The Gordon Ramsay Era 34:48 Relocating to the UAE 45:30 Lessons from The Guild & High-Volume Service 54:19 Accolades, Recognition & Next Steps 56:46 Building Sand and Koal at Emirates Palace 01:02:35 Mastering the Art of Open Fire Cooking 01:08:16 The Westholme Partnership 01:13:02 Hotel Life: Expectations vs. Reality 01:20:07 Jack’s Vision for the UAE Culinary Scene 01:25:20 Quick Fire Round & Final Thoughts Follow Jack on HERE A huge thank you to our partner Luvv Fits – luvvfits.com, as well as as Westholme Australian Wagyu - Westholme.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 on Spotify - 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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• Season 9 - Episode 9 - Raj Dagstani - Marmellata !

  What does it take to build a cult-favourite pizza bakery from scratch? We’re already at the Episode 9 from Season 9 of the show, and this time James Knight-Paccheco welcomes the passionate and resilient Raj Dagstani, founder of multi winning Marmellata Pizzeria. Raj shares his remarkable journey from early food memories to creating one of the United Arab Emirates most beloved pizza concepts. The conversation covers the challenges of starting a business, the importance of mental health and balance in the hospitality world, and how Marmellata evolved into a community-driven success story. Tune in to learn: 👩‍🍳 How Raj built Marmellata Bakery into a must-visit destination 👩‍🍳 Why authenticity and resilience matter more than trends 👩‍🍳 Real stories of growth, setbacks, and building a brand with purpose 👨‍🍳 Advice for aspiring chefs and business owners 00:00 Podcast Announcement 00:47 Introduction to the Chef JKP Podcast 03:58 Meet Today’s Guest: Raj Dagstani of Marmellata Bakery 04:29 Raj's Early Food Memories 06:50 Journey into Professional Cooking and Entrepreneurship 30:18 Lessons in Mentorship and Learning the Hard Way 42:30 Opening Marmellata Bakery: The Big Leap 47:27 Returning to Dubai & Building a Brand 48:45 Finding a Culinary Identity 53:42 Facing Setbacks and Rising Stronger 54:38 The Art of Reinvention and Staying True to Yourself 01:00:07 Scaling Marmellata and Future Visions 01:17:55 Family, Food, and Managing Life with Passion 01:28:47 Quick Fire Questions with Raj You can follow follow Marmellata 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 on all podcast platforms - it’s the best way to support the show! Food is memories! Enjoy the episode! 🍴 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Season 9 -Episode 8 - Troy Payne - Crafting Culinary Memories !

  What happens when comfort food meets the desert? In this episode of the Chef JKP Podcast, host James Knight-Paccheco sits down with the inspiring and outspoken Chef Troy Payne for a deep, personal, and unfiltered conversation. From his Melbourne food roots to launching Craft by Side Hustle, the first brewery concept in the MENA region, Troy opens up about the highs and lows of his culinary career. The episode touches on mentorship, his powerful connection with the late Chef Greg Malouf, the mental health challenges of the industry, and finding identity in the Dubai food scene. Tune In To Learn: 👩‍🍳 How Troy’s journey from Australia shaped his food philosophy 👩‍🍳 The emotional toll and importance of mental health in kitchens 👩‍🍳 What it’s like to launch a brewery-meets-comfort food concept in the Middle East 👩‍🍳 How innovation, failure, and purpose intersect in modern hospitality 00:00 Chef JKP Podcast Live Announcement 03:58 Meet Chef Troy Payne 04:29 Growing Up in Melbourne & First Taste of Cooking 06:50 Childhood Food Memories & Influences 11:13 The Path to Professional Cooking 15:34 Mentorship and Growth in the Culinary World 22:47 Finding Confidence and Voice as a Young Chef 30:24 The Influence of Greg Malouf & Their Bond 42:30 A New Adventure: Opening a Restaurant in the Middle East 47:27 Returning to Dubai: A New Beginning 54:38 Innovating Mobile Kitchens 01:00:07 Craft by Side Hustle: The First Brewery in MENA 01:05:22 The Reality of Entrepreneurship in F&B 01:10:56 The Importance of Mental Health in the Culinary Industry 01:17:55 Family, Food, and Balancing Personal Life 01:22:12 Lessons from Failure and Reinvention 01:28:47 Quick Fire Questions & Final Reflections Follow Troy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trotskie/ A huge thank you to our partners Luvv Fits – luvvfits.com 🚨Catch more unfiltered conversations like this one at Timeout Market Dubai. Live recordings continue on April 27th - don’t miss your chance to be part of the audience! 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 on Spotify - it’s the best way to support the show! Food is memories! Enjoy the episode! 🍴 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Season 9 - Episode 7 - Hospitality & Headspace with Scott Armstrong !

  Can hospitality thrive without mental wellness? In this very special live episode of the Chef JKP Podcast, James Knight-Paccheco sits down with Scott Armstrong, journalist-turned-mental-health-advocate and founder of MENTL, to have an unfiltered, honest conversation about the state of mental health in the workplace - particularly in high-pressure industries like hospitality. This episode dives deep into psychological safety, breaking down stigma, and how investing in mental health isn’t just the right thing to do - it’s good for business.  Scott shares his journey from global editorial roles to launching a platform that challenges cultures of silence and burnout. We also explore how leadership, open dialogue, and structural changes can drive well-being at every level of the team. Tune In To Learn: 👩‍🍳 The critical link between mental health and team performance 👩‍🍳  Scott’s personal journey from journalism to wellness advocacy 👩‍🍳 The red flags of anxiety, burnout, and toxic leadership 👩‍🍳  How businesses can create a culture of psychological safety 👩‍🍳  What the upcoming Mental Health Awards mean for the industry 00:00 Live Podcast Announcement 03:02 Meet Scott Armstrong & His Journey 21:20 Global Journalism to Leadership Challenges 36:03 Shifting from Media to Mental Health Advocacy 46:36 Why Mental Health is a Business Imperative 01:04:09 Addressing Toxic Cultures & Workplace Stress 01:10:08 Mental Health in High-Pressure Environments 01:16:52 The Mental Health Awards & How to Nominate 01:23:34 The Power of Open, Honest Conversations 01:29:52 Quick Fire Round with Scott Armstrong 01:40:26 Final Thoughts & Farewell You can learn everything about Scott's organisation by heading to - https://mentl.space/ A huge thank you to our partner Luvv Fits – luvvfits.com 🚨Catch more unfiltered conversations like this one at Timeout Market Dubai. Live recordings continue on April 20th and 27th - don’t miss your chance to be part of the audience! Please leave us a review, 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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• Season 9 - Episode 6 - Health Hacks for Hospitality with Michael Canas!

  Is your lifestyle helping or hurting your performance in the kitchen? In this episode of the Chef JKP Podcast, host James Knight-Paccheco welcomes Michael Canas, a transformation coach with a passion for helping people in demanding careers - like hospitality - take back control of their health. From sleep and cravings to nutrition, alcohol, stress, and the power of small, consistent habits, this episode is packed with practical, real-world advice for anyone struggling to stay healthy in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment. Whether you're a chef, restaurant owner, or just someone trying to juggle long hours with better habits, this is your blueprint for sustainable health and wellness. Tune in to learn: 👩‍🍳 The real impact of nutrition vs. exercise - and where to focus first 👩‍🍳 What alcohol really does to your body, and how to drink smarter 👩‍🍳 How mental health, movement, and discipline all go hand in hand 👩‍🍳 The coaching mindset: how accountability and self-awareness lead to long-term results 01:00 Chef JKP Podcast Announcement 02:47 Meet Michael Canas: Transformation Coach 07:40 From Pub Chef to Fitness Professional 22:12 Nutrition vs. Exercise: Which Matters More? 33:21 The Sleep–Cravings Connection 41:38 Breaking Habits & Coaching Real Talk 48:15 Health Struggles in Hospitality 59:51 Common Health Myths and Missteps 01:08:57 Alcohol & Long-Term Health 01:18:43 Longevity, Habits & Healthspan 01:22:29 Accountability & Self-Improvement 01:34:46 Quick Fire Round 01:42:54 Final Thoughts & Takeaways Follow Michael on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelcanasmc/ A huge thank you to our partners: Luvv Fits – luvvfits.com Westholme – westholme.com 🚨 The Chef JKP Podcast is going LIVE! 🚨 Join us for unfiltered, real conversations on April 13th, 20th, and 27th at Timeout Market Dubai. Expect deep insights, audience Q&As, and a chance to connect with industry leaders. 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

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