Karine Bakhoum
"The Iron Palate"
Iron Palate Consulting
Welcome to Iron Palate Consulting, where taste meets innovation in the age of shareable experiences. Founded by the renowned food personality Karine Bakhoum, affectionately known in culinary circles as the “Iron Palate,” our consultancy embodies the spirit of modern hospitality. With an illustrious career spanning over 25 years, Karine has established herself as a trailblazer in the food and hospitality sector, and through Iron Palate Consulting, she extends her unparalleled expertise to shape and refine the future of dining and hospitality.
At Iron Palate Consulting, we understand the power of a first impression. Our philosophy is built around creating memorable dining experiences that resonate with guests long after their meals have ended. We collaborate closely with our clients to curate “destination dishes” and culinary concepts that not only satisfy the palate but also captivate the imagination. Our goal is to craft a unique identity for each brand, ensuring that every element, from flavor to presentation, is impeccable.
Karine’s role as the female judge with the most battles on Food Network’s “Iron Chef America” showcased her exceptional palate and her ability to engage with top chefs, celebrities, and other notables in insightful culinary debate. Her reputation for discernment and quality is further cemented by the distinction of having her palate insured for $1 million by Lloyds of London. This level of expertise and recognition is what Karine brings to each client of Iron Palate Consulting.
Iron Palate Consulting was born out of a vision to help restaurants, chefs, and hospitality brands excel in a competitive landscape where every patron’s experience is instantly broadcasted and scrutinized online. In today’s social media-driven world, where influencers and diners share their culinary journeys in real-time, we help our clients navigate this dynamic with finesse and strategy.
Our services are comprehensive and tailored to each client’s unique needs, offering support in concept development, menu engineering, recipe creation, brand identity, public relations consulting, operational execution, and staff training. From pre-opening buzz to ongoing customer engagement, we are dedicated to ensuring that your brand not only meets the expectations of today’s discerning diners but exceeds them.
Karine’s international upbringing across Switzerland, France, Egypt, and the United States has afforded her a rich palette of culinary influences. Her first project with Iron Palate Consulting involved transforming the dining experience at the DuPont Circle Hotel in Washington, D.C., which swiftly garnered critical acclaim. This is a testament to Karine’s ability to see a restaurant’s DNA and forecast its triumph in the culinary world.
Whether revitalizing existing brands or launching new ventures, Iron Palate Consulting is committed to delivering fresh, simple, and authentic culinary innovations. We invite you to join us in this journey of taste, excellence, and unforgettable experiences.