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In this episode of the ChefJKP Podcast, we delve into the inspiring and challenging journey of Prachi Kulkarni, a highly trained and qualified chef who has overcome cancer.
The episode begins with Prachi sharing her childhood food memories and her transition into the culinary world.
She recounts her experience working in various kitchens, including a detailed exploration of her time in the butchery.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Prachi’s time in the butchery and her transition into fitness as a chef.
• Prachi’s misdiagnosis, subsequent cancer diagnosis, and the beginning of her treatment journey.
• The challenges of continuing work while undergoing chemotherapy.
• Navigating the complexities of cancer treatment and recovery.
• Her love of all things gastronomy.
• Pushing beyond your limits.

You can follow Prachi on HERE

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In this episode, Chef Kyung Soo Moon shares with the podcast his incredible journey from wanting to be a policeman as a child to becoming one of the top chefs in the Middle East.

He discusses his early passion for food, learning Japanese cuisine, and the challenges he faced breaking into the industry. Chef Moon also talks about his experiences working in iconic hotels like the Burj Al Arab and Burj Khalifa, as well as opening the renowned Sushi Samba restaurant in Dubai.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Chef Moon's childhood food memories and decision to become a chef
• Moving to Dubai and working at the Address and Armani Hotels
• Opening and overseeing Sushi Samba in Dubai
• Tailoring menus for different markets and expanding the Sushi Samba brand
• Challenges of managing multiple restaurants globally

You can follow him on HERE

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In this episode, host James Knight-Paccheco is joined by Michelle Johnson, the co-founder and managing partner of the award-winning Pitfire Pizza brand.

Michelle shares the incredible journey of how she and her husband Bill turned their pizza passion into a thriving business, overcoming challenges and building a beloved brand in the Middle East.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Growing up in rural Alabama and the food scene there
• Michelle's educational and career path, from accounting to human resources
• The origins of the Pitfire Pizza brand name and concept
• Overcoming challenges and legal battles in the early days of Pitfire
• Developing the Pitfire menu and recipes

You can follow Michele on HERE

This show is brought to you by LUVV FITS Gourmet Protein Bars, you can follow them on HERE

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In this episode of the ChefJKP Podcast, David Tapley, the Editor-in-Chief of Fact Magazine, shares about his urban lifestyle magazine covering food, art, culture, and travel across the GCC region.

Prior to his role at Fact, David had an unconventional path into media, starting out working in professional kitchens before transitioning into journalism and content creation.

Key Topics Discussed:

• David’ first food memories growing up in the UK and how his palate expanded through travel
• Lessons learned from David’s time in the kitchen, including the challenges of long hours and rigid processes
• How David transitioned from the kitchen into travel writing and eventually joining Fact Magazine
• Fact Magazine's approach to restaurant reviews, including how they handle negative feedback
• Advice for aspiring writers on building a portfolio and getting started in the industry

You can follow David on HERE

This show is Brough to you by KATA, you can follow them on HERE

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In this episode of the ChefJKP Podcast, host James Knight-Paccheco interviews Chef Marwan Sardouk, a culinary expert with experience working for renowned chefs like Alain Ducasse and Heinz Beck.

Marwan shares his journey from working in the streets of Lebanon at a young age to becoming a corporate chef in Dubai.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Cooking and working at a young age to support his family
• Working with and learning from renowned chefs like Alain Ducasse and Heinz Beck
• Comparison of Pre-recorded TV and Live Studio TV
• Discussing his time on the TV show “The Kitchen”
• The journey of opening Kata Restaurant
• The future of cooking

You can follow Marwan on HERE

This show is brought to you by KATA, you can follow them on HERE

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In this episode of the ChefJKP podcast, host James Knight-Paccheco interviews Luigi Vespero, an award-winning hospitality professional with over 20 years of experience in culinary and hospitality. Luigi shares his journey from Naples to working in top Michelin-starred kitchens in London, including Gordon Ramsay at Claridge's and The Wolseley. He discusses his passion for cooking, his drive to succeed, and the challenges he faced along the way.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Growing up in Naples and early food memories with pizza, meat ragout, and street food.
• Early desires to become a chef and the challenges he faced in pursuing his passion.
• Luigi’s journey to the UK, including his determination to work in Michelin-starred restaurants.
• Luigi’s experience applying for a job with Gordon Ramsay and the difficult interview process.
• The decision to join The Wolseley to grow his career.
• The move to the Middle East.
• Leaving the kitchen to work in Front of the House

You can follow Luigi on HERE

The show is brought to you by The Truffle House, you can follow them on HERE

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In this episode of the ChefJKP Podcast, Mihai Florescu, the co-founder of Truffle House Dubai, delves into the world of truffles, exploring the intricacies of sourcing, quality, and the unique experience Truffle House offers to its customers.

Mihai shared his journey from the aviation industry to the world of truffles, highlighting the entrepreneurial spirit and passion that drives his business.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Mihai’s transition to Dubai and entrepreneurial spirit
• Venturing into truffles and establishing Truffle House
• Truffle season, pricing and industry insights
• Educational engagement with young chefs

This show is brought to you by The Truffle House, you can follow them on HERE

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