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

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Food is Memories !

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