KB Network News is one of the most successful and highly regarded hospitality consulting and PR companies in the country. Founded in 1993 by Karine Bakhoum, KBNN takes a strategic and creative approach to networking and creating news for a wide range of clients. Whether launching a new restaurant, building a lifestyle brand from the ground up, or introducing a new boutique hotel into a competitive market, KBNN recognizes the importance of creating communications campaigns that work strategically for its clients and deliver results. KBNN's experience also includes consulting, ranging in scope from design critique and menu analysis to brand and franchise development, as well as logo and identity development and viral & grass roots marketing.

Karine Bakhoum
The Iron Palate

Tastemaker and Consultant Karine Bakhoum is a visionary of hospitality consulting, public relations and networking. Bakhoum established her sincere passion for food when she began to cook with her family at the age of three. As a teenager, Bakhoum created and sold her own "All Natural, Homemade Honey Nut Bran Muffins" to health food stores on the Upper East Side on Manhattan, a prelude to her future career. Her exposure to a diverse collection of flavors and cultures put her on the path to culinary success as a food expert, restaurant consultant, and imminent cookbook author. In 1993, Bakhoum founded KB Network News (www.kbnetworknews.com), a leading restaurant consulting and public relations firm in New York City. Her remarkable palate and extensive knowledge of food earned her a spot as a frequent judge on Iron Chef America, which led to the creation of her moniker, the Iron Palate™.

A formidable cook herself, Bakhoum has entertained many luminaries of the culinary world over her twenty-plus-year career. In 2007, she became the only person to have her palate insured by Lloyd's of London. Several of Bakhoum's recipes have appeared in Costco's Home Cooking 2009 cookbook and on Showtime's blog site as well as on the iPhone application Rush Hour Meals. In addition to her frequent appearances on Iron Chef America, Bakhoum also served as a judge on the finale of Food Network's Worst Cooks in America, which aired in February 2010. Bakhoum will be featured as a food personality and commentator on Cooking Channel's Unique Eats, and Food Network's 24 Hour Restaurant Battle in episodes airing throughout Summer 2010. Bakhoum is a resident of New York City and is happily married with two wonderful children.

Menu Concept & Collaboration:
• For any existing properties and upcoming venues, Karine would lend her years of experience in building menus from the group up. 

– Service includes one-on-one counsel by KB on the direction of the menu, the names of dishes, the menu categories, the actual menu layout and more.

– Recipe development by KB, in collaboration with chef, if necessary.

Culinary Ambassador:
• Referred to in the industry as a ‘food expert,’ a stamp of approval by the Iron Palate can go a long way.  KB takes on the role of Culinary Ambassador only for those restaurants she believes in 100%. 

– By putting her name in front of a restaurant or brand, she testifies to the exemplary quality, taste and satisfaction. 

–As Culinary Ambassador, KB would advocate for the product to her huge network of industry friends, media contacts, chefs, restaurateurs, critics and more. Can also act as spokesperson for media interviews or broadcast opportunities.

Spot Reviewer:
• Let KB put her ‘Iron Palate’ to the test across your properties.  Known for identifying spices from only a sniff or an exotic ingredient from a mere taste, KB ensures all clients serve dishes that are up to par.

– Service includes anonymous and/or scheduled visits to restaurants for tastings.  Karine and her team can taste as much or as little as you desire her opinion on.

– Following each tasting or round of tastings, KB will provide a detailed Tasting Report, outlining the pros and cons of the menu and dishes.

VIP & Influencer Introductions:
• While having a constant flow of media in your restaurants is an important tactic for a success, it is equally as important to have a constant traffic of VIPs and industry influencers at your table in order to keep the buzz afloat.  As a veteran of the industry, Karine not only knows, but is friends with a large variety of influential people that she constantly dines and entertains with.  This includes the likes of Lee Schraeger of Southern Wine & Spirits, Bruce Seidel of the Food Network and Cooking Channel, etc.  From asking her opinion on the latest “hot spots” to dine, private rooms to book parties or even introductions to potential business partners and investors, tapping into Karine’s network of influencers can be a vital key to a company’s success.