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In this episode of the Chef JKP Podcast, James Knight-Paccheco welcomes Emma Banks, Vice President of Food and Beverage Strategy and Development for Hilton EMEA. Emma shares her incredible journey from her early days in Asia to becoming a driving force in one of the world's leading hospitality companies.

Here’s what we covered:

👨‍🍳Hospitality leadership: Insights into Emma’s role at Hilton and how she has transformed the company’s food and beverage strategy across the EMEA region

👨‍🍳Driving change: Emma’s innovative initiatives in sustainability and her efforts to promote gender balance in kitchens

👨‍🍳Personal growth: Candid stories about her early career challenges and the lessons that built her resilience and leadership style

👨‍🍳Fostering talent: Emma’s commitment to empowering her team members and collaborating with top chefs to elevate Hilton’s culinary offerings.

Whether you’re an industry professional or just passionate about hospitality, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge on leadership, sustainability, and fostering a positive work culture. Emma’s journey is both motivating and insightful, packed with practical advice for aspiring professionals.

00:00 Introduction

03:48 Emma’s Early Culinary Journey in Asia

14:46 Climbing the Hospitality Ladder

26:10 Emma’s Role at Hilton and Strategic Insights

35:27 Engaging Teams and Partnerships

44:32 Exclusive Team Member Trips

53:03 Sustainability and Gender Diversity Initiatives

01:18:18 Quick Fire Questions with Emma

Special thanks to our sponsors:

Chef Middle East (chefmiddleeast.com)

LuvvFits Gourmet Protein Bars (luvvfits.com)

Check out our Chef JKP thermos bottles, perfect for keeping drinks hot or cold for hours. Order now at chefjkp.com or DM us on Instagram!

Be sure to follow, share, and subscribe to the podcast for more inspiring stories from industry leaders. Leave us a review and let us know your favorite moment from Emma’s episode!

Follow Emma on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/ladybanks_/?hl=en

Food is memories! 🍴

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Follow The Chef JKP Podcast on Instagram HERE

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It’s a special festive episode of the Chef JKP Podcast! James Knight-Paccheco spreads the holiday cheer as we celebrate the podcast’s new availability on YouTube and welcome special guests Courtney Brandt and Liam Collens for a lively discussion about what’s next in the culinary world.

With gifts exchanged, festive vibes in the air, and plenty of laughter, this episode dives into the trends shaping 2024, the rise of Emirati cuisine, and reflections on the Michelin awards in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, looking forward into the dining trends in 2025!

Tune in and enjoy:

👨‍🍳 Festive fun and culinary highlights: Kick off the season with cheerful banter, gift exchanges, and a look at what’s trending in 2024

👨‍🍳 Michelin’s impact: Celebrate the recognition of outstanding restaurants in Dubai and Abu Dhabi and what it means for the region’s culinary scene

👨‍🍳 Emirati cuisine on the rise: Insights into how local flavors are taking center stage globally

👨‍🍳 Behind the scenes: Personal reflections from JKP and his guests on press trips, exciting projects, and chef collaborations.

This festive episode is the perfect mix of inspiration, insight, and holiday cheer. Whether you’re interested in culinary trends, Michelin accolades, or just want to soak up the seasonal vibes, this conversation is packed with something for everyone.

• 00:00 Introduction
• 03:02 Gifts and Holiday Cheer
• 03:58 Culinary Trends for 2024
• 09:35 Chef Collaborations and Industry Highlights
• 16:03 Michelin Awards in Dubai and Abu Dhabi
• 19:55 Exploring Abu Dhabi’s Culinary Scene
• 27:18 Ryba’s Journey to Michelin Recognition
• 37:21 Best Chef Awards and Industry Perspectives
• 49:49 Remembering Chef Greg Malouf
• 55:42 Challenges in Dubai’s Dining Scene
• 01:07:46 Trends: Non-Alcoholic Pairings and Supper Clubs
• 01:15:27 Future Culinary Predictions for Dubai
• 01:29:37 Memorable Dining Experiences of the Year
• 01:42:13 Advice for Surviving the Festive Season

A special thank you to our sponsors for spreading the holiday spirit:

• Chef Middle East (chefmiddleeast.com)
• No More Bottles (nomorebottles.ae)
• Luvv Fits Gourmet Protein Bars (luvvfits.com)

Celebrate the season in style with our Chef JKP thermos bottles, perfect for keeping your drinks warm this winter. Order now at chefjkp.com or DM us on Instagram!
Follow Courtney or Liam on Instagram.

Don’t miss this festive celebration—follow, share, and subscribe to the podcast on YouTube and all major platforms. Share the cheer by leaving a review and letting us know your favorite festive moment from this episode!

Food is memories.

Enjoy the episode! 🍴

Support the show

Follow The Chef JKP Podcast on Instagram HERE

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In this episode of the Chef JKP Podcast, James Knight-Paccheco sits down with Sandy Muirhead, Director of No More Bottles, to discuss the pressing issue of plastic waste and its impact on sustainability.
From Sandy’s roots in Scotland to leading a mission for conscious water consumption in the Middle East, this episode dives into how No More Bottles is revolutionizing the way we think about water.

Tune in to learn:

👨‍🍳Plastic waste problem: The environmental and health risks posed by plastic bottles and what businesses can do to minimize them

👨‍🍳Hospitality industry insights: Eye-opening statistics on water consumption in hotels and restaurants and how sustainable solutions can make a difference

👨‍🍳 Innovative solutions: The benefits of adopting water filtration and purification systems, and how No More Bottles is transforming the way businesses and individuals consume water

👨‍🍳 Educational initiatives: How Sandy and his team are raising awareness about the importance of filtered water and reducing plastic waste.

This episode offers practical advice and inspiring stories for anyone interested in sustainability, health, and the future of water consumption. Whether you’re in the hospitality industry or simply looking to make eco-conscious changes, Sandy’s insights are a must-hear.

00:00 Introduction

02:23 Sandy’s Journey into Sustainability

18:45 Transition to the Middle East and No More Bottles’ Mission

41:13 Water Consumption in Hospitality

45:11 Health Risks of Plastic Bottles

47:11 Educational Efforts and Raising Awareness

53:30 Filtered Water in Restaurants

01:05:06 Challenges and Future Predictions

01:10:43 Quick Fire Questions

Special thanks to our sponsors:

Chef Middle East (chefmiddleeast.com)

No More Bottles (nomorebottles.ae)

LuvvFits Gourmet Protein Bars (luvvfits.com)

Make the sustainable choice with our Chef JKP thermos bottles, perfect for keeping your drinks hot or cold. Order yours today at chefjkp.com or DM us on Instagram!

Be sure to follow, share, and subscribe to the podcast. Leave a review and share your favourite takeaways from this inspiring episode!

Food is memories! 🍴

Support the show

Follow The Chef JKP Podcast on Instagram HERE