Kerry Simon
Encyclopedia
Kerry Simon is an American celebrity chef and restaurateur based in Las Vegas, Nevada. Dubbed the "Rock n' Roll Chef" by Rolling Stone Magazine, Simon is known for "L'American" cuisine, expanding the limits and notions of simple comfort food via his classic training. He is the executive chef and proprietor at his namesake restaurant "Simon" at Palms Place in Las Vegas
. His other restaurants include Simon LA, in Los Angeles, California
, Simon Prime in Atlantic City, New Jersey
and KGB in Las Vegas.
a suburb of Chicago's North Shore
region. His first job was at Little Caesars Pizza, trying to save up for an electric guitar. Someone that worked with him left and opened his own restaurant, Dave’s Italian Kitchen, and convinced Simon to join him. Even though he thought he was going to be a musician (jamming with his 1963 black Fender Stratocaster
is still a favorite pastime), it didn’t take long for Simon, and others around him, to recognize his passion for cooking; he would pull all-nighters practicing dishes, experimenting with Julia Child
's and Graham Kerr
's cookbooks, making soufflés. Dave saw him burning the midnight oil and told him about the Culinary Institute of America
in Hyde Park, New York
. Simon applied, but there was a five-year waiting list. However, within a year the Culinary Institute contacted him; a spot had opened up and was offered to Simon. While at CIA, his weekends were spent in Upstate New York
in an apprenticeship with three-star chef Jean Morel, who provided training in the classic manner, rules, structure, and discipline of French cuisine
.
Upon graduation, Simon worked under such culinary luminaries as Jean-Jacques Rachou at La Côte Basque
and André Soltner
at Lutece
, before a stint as the personal chef for John Addey at Canonbury House in London, England.
Upon returning to New York
, and while working privately for insurance mogul Saul Steinberg
, he wandered over to the Drake Hotel, where one of his inspirations, Louis Outhier
had just opened Lafayette. In the kitchen, the long-haired Simon met Jean-Georges Vongerichten
, who told him that there was no position available, but if he'd cut off his hair he could return the next day and work for free. Simon did just that...shaving off only one side. The synergy between the two led to instant success and four-stars from the New York Times, as well as "New American" ideas such as flavored oils (such as Simon's lobster oil as a vinaigrette) and avocado cookies.
In 1989, Ivana Trump
hired him as executive chef at the Edwardian Room in New York’s Plaza Hotel
—the youngest in the Plaza’s history. Simon refreshed the concept of the chef’s table in the kitchen. It became so hot that it was booked months in advance by a parade of A-listers like David Bowie
and Iman
, Matt Dillon
, Diane Keaton
, Julian Schnabel
, Michael Hutchence
, and Debbie Harry
. In 1991, Rolling Stone named him one of the top personalities of the year.
In search of new adventures and inspirations, Simon left The Plaza’s Edwardian Room in the early and traveled to Russia, Europe and the Far East. When he returned to the U.S., he chose Miami Beach, Florida
for his comeback. He opened Blue Star at the Raleigh Hotel, which became an instant success. It was followed by Starfish (also at the Raleigh), Max's and Mercury.
In 1998, Simon rejoined Jean-Georges, but this time around as cuisine and design developer (read: corporate chef), a challenge that encompassed every phase of restaurant development. He continued to hone his skills by traveling the world developing, opening, or overseeing restaurants in Las Vegas, New York, Hong Kong
, London
, and Chicago
. He was partner at Mercer Kitchen in Manhattan and executive chef/partner at Prime in Las Vegas. In 2001, Elizabeth Blau and Peter Morton
approached him about partnering in a restaurant bearing his name and showcasing his cuisine, resulting in the October, 2002 opening of Simon Kitchen & Bar at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. The restaurant was selected as one of “America’s Best New Restaurants” by Esquire Magazine.
In 2006, Simon went to Los Angeles and opened SIMON LA in the revamped Sofitel Hotel with Blau as a partner. The restaurant's menu is eclectic, ranging from tuna tartare with lemongrass oil and wasabi caviar to meatloaf with garlic mashed potatoes; pizza to yellowtail carpaccio. Dessert features a Hugh Hefner
favorite, Simon's signature junk food platter—a mix of cotton candy
, homemade Cracker Jack
s, Rice Krispie treats, doughnut holes, Sno Balls, cookies, and cupcakes—complete with a vanilla milkshake to wash it all down.
In 2008, Simon partnered with Billy Cross and Mick Doohan for The Cathouse at the Luxor Hotel and Casino, offering European-inspired dishes amidst the vibe of a 1930s bordello. Simon also partnered with George Maloof
on a steak and seafood joint, Simon Restaurant & Lounge at Palms Place. It's also notable for its green design
by architectural firm, the Rockwell Group.
In February, 2010, Simon debuted the L.A. Market restaurant at the JW Marriott Hotel
at L.A. Live, becoming part of the culinary renaissance and redevelopment of downtown Los Angeles. In June, he opened SimonPrime Steakhouse and Martini Bar at the Hilton Atlantic City on the Boardwalk. And in July, Simon unveiled his latest concept, a burger and vodka
bar called KGB (Kerry's Gourmet Burgers). It's located at Harrah's on the Las Vegas Strip
. The winner of Hell's Kitchen Season 8
would become the head chef of the L.A. Market.
(in Battle Dungeness Crab
aka Las Vegas Showdown) in one of only two produced episodes of Iron Chef USA
.
In the second episode of the 2005 season, Simon appeared on Iron Chef America
, challenging and defeating Cat Cora
in Battle Hamburger
. He has also judged for Iron Chef America. As with English and Marcus Samuelsson
's ICA appearances, no mention of Iron Chef USA was made on the latter show.
Aside from Iron Chef America, he has made other appearances on television. He can also be seen on an episode of the Fine Living
's What Makes it Tick
.
Las Vegas metropolitan area
The Las Vegas Valley is the heart of the Las Vegas-Paradise, NV MSA also known as the Las Vegas–Paradise–Henderson MSA which includes all of Clark County, Nevada, and is a metropolitan area in the southern part of the U.S. state of Nevada. The Valley is defined by the Las Vegas Valley landform, a ...
. His other restaurants include Simon LA, in Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles , with a population at the 2010 United States Census of 3,792,621, is the most populous city in California, USA and the second most populous in the United States, after New York City. It has an area of , and is located in Southern California...
, Simon Prime in Atlantic City, New Jersey
Atlantic City, New Jersey
Atlantic City is a city in Atlantic County, New Jersey, United States, and a nationally renowned resort city for gambling, shopping and fine dining. The city also served as the inspiration for the American version of the board game Monopoly. Atlantic City is located on Absecon Island on the coast...
and KGB in Las Vegas.
Biography
Simon grew up in Evanston, IllinoisEvanston, Illinois
Evanston is a suburban municipality in Cook County, Illinois 12 miles north of downtown Chicago, bordering Chicago to the south, Skokie to the west, and Wilmette to the north, with an estimated population of 74,360 as of 2003. It is one of the North Shore communities that adjoin Lake Michigan...
a suburb of Chicago's North Shore
North Shore (Chicago)
The North Shore is a term that refers to the generally affluent suburbs north of Chicago, Illinois bordering the shore of Lake Michigan.- History :Europeans settled the area sparsely after an 1833 treaty with local Native Americans...
region. His first job was at Little Caesars Pizza, trying to save up for an electric guitar. Someone that worked with him left and opened his own restaurant, Dave’s Italian Kitchen, and convinced Simon to join him. Even though he thought he was going to be a musician (jamming with his 1963 black Fender Stratocaster
Fender Stratocaster
The Fender Stratocaster, often referred to as "Strat", is a model of electric guitar designed by Leo Fender, George Fullerton, and Freddie Tavares in 1954, and manufactured continuously by the Fender Musical Instruments Corporation to the present. It is a double-cutaway guitar, with an extended top...
is still a favorite pastime), it didn’t take long for Simon, and others around him, to recognize his passion for cooking; he would pull all-nighters practicing dishes, experimenting with Julia Child
Julia Child
Julia Child was an American chef, author, and television personality. She is recognized for introducing French cuisine to the American public with her debut cookbook, Mastering the Art of French Cooking, and her subsequent television programs, the most notable of which was The French Chef, which...
's and Graham Kerr
Graham Kerr
Graham Kerr is a cooking personality who is best known for his television cooking show The Galloping Gourmet.- Biography :...
's cookbooks, making soufflés. Dave saw him burning the midnight oil and told him about the Culinary Institute of America
Culinary Institute of America
The Culinary Institute of America is a non-profit culinary college located in Hyde Park USA, founded in 1946. The CIA also has branch campuses in St. Helena, California, and San Antonio, Texas, as well as a campus in Singapore. It is a not-for-profit academic institution of higher learning...
in Hyde Park, New York
Hyde Park, New York
Hyde Park is a town located in the northwest part of Dutchess County, New York, United States, just north of the city of Poughkeepsie. The town is most famous for being the hometown of U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt....
. Simon applied, but there was a five-year waiting list. However, within a year the Culinary Institute contacted him; a spot had opened up and was offered to Simon. While at CIA, his weekends were spent in Upstate New York
Upstate New York
Upstate New York is the region of the U.S. state of New York that is located north of the core of the New York metropolitan area.-Definition:There is no clear or official boundary between Upstate New York and Downstate New York...
in an apprenticeship with three-star chef Jean Morel, who provided training in the classic manner, rules, structure, and discipline of French cuisine
French cuisine
French cuisine is a style of food preparation originating from France that has developed from centuries of social change. In the Middle Ages, Guillaume Tirel , a court chef, authored Le Viandier, one of the earliest recipe collections of Medieval France...
.
Upon graduation, Simon worked under such culinary luminaries as Jean-Jacques Rachou at La Côte Basque
La Côte Basque
La Côte Basque was a New York restaurant. It opened in the late 1950s and operated until it closed on March 7, 2004. In business for 45 years, upon its closing the New York Times called it a "former high-society temple of French cuisine at 60 West 55th Street."-History:The restaurant opened in the...
and André Soltner
André Soltner
André Soltner is an internationally recognized French chef and author working in the United States.- Background :...
at Lutece
Lutèce (restaurant)
Lutèce was a famed French restaurant in Manhattan that operated for more than 40 years before closing in 2004. It once had a satellite restaurant on the Las Vegas Strip....
, before a stint as the personal chef for John Addey at Canonbury House in London, England.
Upon returning to New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
, and while working privately for insurance mogul Saul Steinberg
Saul Steinberg (business)
Saul Steinberg is a former financier, insurance executive, and corporate raider. He started a computer leasing company , which he used in an audacious and successful takeover of the much larger Reliance Insurance Company in 1968...
, he wandered over to the Drake Hotel, where one of his inspirations, Louis Outhier
Louis Outhier
Louis Outhier is a French chef best known for Restaurant L'Oasis, a restaurant he ran in La Napoule, a village near Cannes on the French Riviera, from 1954 to 1988.-Career:...
had just opened Lafayette. In the kitchen, the long-haired Simon met Jean-Georges Vongerichten
Jean-Georges Vongerichten
Jean-Georges Vongerichten is a French chef. He was born in Alsace, France, in 1956 and now resides in the United States of America. Vongerichten commands restaurants in culinary capitals Las Vegas, London, Paris and Shanghai, as well as New York's Jean Georges restaurant...
, who told him that there was no position available, but if he'd cut off his hair he could return the next day and work for free. Simon did just that...shaving off only one side. The synergy between the two led to instant success and four-stars from the New York Times, as well as "New American" ideas such as flavored oils (such as Simon's lobster oil as a vinaigrette) and avocado cookies.
In 1989, Ivana Trump
Ivana Trump
Ivana Trump is a former Olympic athlete, socialite, and fashion model noted for her marriage to mogul Donald Trump.-Early years:...
hired him as executive chef at the Edwardian Room in New York’s Plaza Hotel
Plaza Hotel
The Plaza Hotel in New York City is a landmark 20-story luxury hotel with a height of and length of that occupies the west side of Grand Army Plaza, from which it derives its name, and extends along Central Park South in Manhattan. Fifth Avenue extends along the east side of Grand Army Plaza...
—the youngest in the Plaza’s history. Simon refreshed the concept of the chef’s table in the kitchen. It became so hot that it was booked months in advance by a parade of A-listers like David Bowie
David Bowie
David Bowie is an English musician, actor, record producer and arranger. A major figure for over four decades in the world of popular music, Bowie is widely regarded as an innovator, particularly for his work in the 1970s...
and Iman
Iman (model)
Iman Mohamed Abdulmajid , professionally known as Iman , is a Somali-American fashion model, actress and entrepreneur. A pioneer in the field of ethnic cosmetics, she is also noted for her charitable work. She is married to David Bowie.-Early life:Born in Mogadishu, Somalia, Iman is the daughter...
, Matt Dillon
Matt Dillon
Matthew Raymond "Matt" Dillon is an American actor and film director. He began acting in the late 1970s, gaining fame as a teenage idol during the 1980s.- Early life :...
, Diane Keaton
Diane Keaton
Diane Keaton is an American film actress, director, producer, and screenwriter. Keaton began her career on stage, and made her screen debut in 1970...
, Julian Schnabel
Julian Schnabel
Julian Schnabel is an American artist and filmmaker. In the 1980s, Schnabel received international media attention for his "plate paintings"—large-scale paintings set on broken ceramic plates....
, Michael Hutchence
Michael Hutchence
Michael Kelland John Hutchence was an Australian musician and actor. He was the founding lead singer-songwriter of rock band :INXS from 1977 to his death in 1997, a period of twenty years. Hutchence was a member of short-lived pop rock group Max Q and recorded solo material which was released...
, and Debbie Harry
Debbie Harry
Deborah Ann "Debbie" Harry is an American singer-songwriter and actress, best known for being the lead singer of the punk rock and new wave band Blondie. She has also had success as a solo artist, and in the mid-1990s she performed and recorded as part of The Jazz Passengers...
. In 1991, Rolling Stone named him one of the top personalities of the year.
In search of new adventures and inspirations, Simon left The Plaza’s Edwardian Room in the early and traveled to Russia, Europe and the Far East. When he returned to the U.S., he chose Miami Beach, Florida
Miami Beach, Florida
Miami Beach is a coastal resort city in Miami-Dade County, Florida, United States, incorporated on March 26, 1915. The municipality is located on a barrier island between the Atlantic Ocean and Biscayne Bay, the latter which separates the Beach from Miami city proper...
for his comeback. He opened Blue Star at the Raleigh Hotel, which became an instant success. It was followed by Starfish (also at the Raleigh), Max's and Mercury.
In 1998, Simon rejoined Jean-Georges, but this time around as cuisine and design developer (read: corporate chef), a challenge that encompassed every phase of restaurant development. He continued to hone his skills by traveling the world developing, opening, or overseeing restaurants in Las Vegas, New York, Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is one of two Special Administrative Regions of the People's Republic of China , the other being Macau. A city-state situated on China's south coast and enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea, it is renowned for its expansive skyline and deep natural harbour...
, London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
, and Chicago
Chicago
Chicago is the largest city in the US state of Illinois. With nearly 2.7 million residents, it is the most populous city in the Midwestern United States and the third most populous in the US, after New York City and Los Angeles...
. He was partner at Mercer Kitchen in Manhattan and executive chef/partner at Prime in Las Vegas. In 2001, Elizabeth Blau and Peter Morton
Peter Morton
Peter Morton was the co-founder with Isaac Tigrett of the Hard Rock Café, a chain of casual dining restaurants. His father is Arnie Morton, founder of Morton's, and his son is Harry Morton, founder of Pink Taco restaurants...
approached him about partnering in a restaurant bearing his name and showcasing his cuisine, resulting in the October, 2002 opening of Simon Kitchen & Bar at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. The restaurant was selected as one of “America’s Best New Restaurants” by Esquire Magazine.
In 2006, Simon went to Los Angeles and opened SIMON LA in the revamped Sofitel Hotel with Blau as a partner. The restaurant's menu is eclectic, ranging from tuna tartare with lemongrass oil and wasabi caviar to meatloaf with garlic mashed potatoes; pizza to yellowtail carpaccio. Dessert features a Hugh Hefner
Hugh Hefner
Hugh Marston "Hef" Hefner is an American magazine publisher, founder and Chief Creative Officer of Playboy Enterprises.-Early life:...
favorite, Simon's signature junk food platter—a mix of cotton candy
Cotton candy
Cotton candy , candy floss or candyfloss or candy buttox , or fairy floss is a form of spun sugar. Since cotton candy is mostly air, a small initial quantity of sugar generates a tremendously greater final volume, causing servings to be physically large and voluminous...
, homemade Cracker Jack
Cracker Jack
Cracker Jack is a U.S. brand of snack consisting of strong molasses flavored candy-coated popcorn and peanuts, well known for being packaged with a prize of nominal value inside. Some food historians consider it the first junk food...
s, Rice Krispie treats, doughnut holes, Sno Balls, cookies, and cupcakes—complete with a vanilla milkshake to wash it all down.
In 2008, Simon partnered with Billy Cross and Mick Doohan for The Cathouse at the Luxor Hotel and Casino, offering European-inspired dishes amidst the vibe of a 1930s bordello. Simon also partnered with George Maloof
George J. Maloof, Jr.
George J. Maloof, Jr. , also credited as George Maloof Jr. of the Maloof Family, is the son of Colleen and George J. Maloof, Sr...
on a steak and seafood joint, Simon Restaurant & Lounge at Palms Place. It's also notable for its green design
Sustainable design
Sustainable design is the philosophy of designing physical objects, the built environment, and services to comply with the principles of economic, social, and ecological sustainability.-Intentions:The intention of sustainable design is to "eliminate negative environmental...
by architectural firm, the Rockwell Group.
In February, 2010, Simon debuted the L.A. Market restaurant at the JW Marriott Hotel
JW Marriott Hotels
JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts, namesake of John Willard Marriott, Founder, Chairman & CEO of is a luxury hotel chain. Found in major cities as well as vacation destinations world-wide, JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts are becoming known in the hospitality industry for their practical approach to luxury...
at L.A. Live, becoming part of the culinary renaissance and redevelopment of downtown Los Angeles. In June, he opened SimonPrime Steakhouse and Martini Bar at the Hilton Atlantic City on the Boardwalk. And in July, Simon unveiled his latest concept, a burger and vodka
Vodka
Vodka , is a distilled beverage. It is composed primarily of water and ethanol with traces of impurities and flavorings. Vodka is made by the distillation of fermented substances such as grains, potatoes, or sometimes fruits....
bar called KGB (Kerry's Gourmet Burgers). It's located at Harrah's on the Las Vegas Strip
Las Vegas Strip
The Las Vegas Strip is an approximately stretch of Las Vegas Boulevard in Clark County, Nevada; adjacent to, but outside the city limits of Las Vegas proper. The Strip lies within the unincorporated townships of Paradise and Winchester...
. The winner of Hell's Kitchen Season 8
Hell's Kitchen (U.S. season 8)
Season 8 of the American competitive reality television series Hell's Kitchen was broadcast on the Fox Network on September 22, 2010 and ended on December 15, 2010. Sous Chef Nona Sivley won the season and was awarded a head chef position at the L.A. Market restaurant at the JW Marriott Hotel at L.A...
would become the head chef of the L.A. Market.
Iron Chef
In 2001, Simon challenged and lost to Iron Chef American Todd EnglishTodd English
William Todd English is a celebrity chef, restaurateur, author, entrepreneur, and television personality based in Boston, Massachusetts, United States...
(in Battle Dungeness Crab
Dungeness crab
The Dungeness crab, Metacarcinus magister , is a species of crab that inhabits eelgrass beds and water bottoms on the west coast of North America. It typically grows to across the carapace and is a popular seafood...
aka Las Vegas Showdown) in one of only two produced episodes of Iron Chef USA
Iron Chef USA
Iron Chef USA was the first American adaptation of the Japanese television series Iron Chef. Iron Chef USA appeared on the UPN television network in 2001. Only two episodes were aired : "Las Vegas Showdown" and "Holiday Battle"; neither received critical acclaim...
.
In the second episode of the 2005 season, Simon appeared on Iron Chef America
Iron Chef America
Iron Chef America: The Series is an American cooking show based on Fuji Television's Iron Chef, and is the second American adaptation of the series, following the failed Iron Chef USA. The show is produced by Food Network, which also carried a dubbed version of the original Iron Chef. Like the...
, challenging and defeating Cat Cora
Cat Cora
Catherine "Cat" Cora is a Greek-American professional chef best known for her featured role as an "Iron Chef" on the Food Network television show Iron Chef America.-Early life:...
in Battle Hamburger
Hamburger
A hamburger is a sandwich consisting of a cooked patty of ground meat usually placed inside a sliced bread roll...
. He has also judged for Iron Chef America. As with English and Marcus Samuelsson
Marcus Samuelsson
Marcus Samuelsson is a Swedish chef and co-owner of Aquavit restaurant in New York City and C-House Restaurant, located in the Affinia Hotel in Chicago.-Early life and career:...
's ICA appearances, no mention of Iron Chef USA was made on the latter show.
Aside from Iron Chef America, he has made other appearances on television. He can also be seen on an episode of the Fine Living
Fine Living
Fine Living Network was an American specialty television network owned by Scripps Networks Interactive...
's What Makes it Tick
What Makes it Tick
What Makes it Tick is a TV series on Fine Living that takes a behind-the-scenes look at cities and events. The series is produced by NorthSouth Productions; Executive Producers are Charlie DeBevoise and Mark Hickman. Co-executive Producer is Blaine Hopkins...
.
External links
- http://twitter.com/kerrysimon
- http://kerry-simon.love.com/
- http://www.hsn.com/cnt/prod/default.aspx?webp_id=3131836&web_id=3131836&sf=qc&dept=qc0001&cat=qc0002&prev=hp!sf!dept!cat
- http://www.tv.com/iron-chef-america/iron-chef-cat-cora-vs.-kerry-simon/episode/390865/recap.html?tag=episode_recap;recap
- http://secretsauce.ivillage.com/food/archives/2008/02/kerry-simon-iron-chef-slider-1.html
- http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jay-weston/simon-la----kerry-simons_b_546136.html
- http://www.starchefs.com/KSimon/KSimon_bio.html
- http://weeklyseven.com/dining/2010/may/06/kerry-simon
- http://www.slashfood.com/2010/06/24/rock-and-roll-chef-kerry-simon-hits-his-prime/
- http://twitter.com/kerrysimon
- http://www.zagat.com/Blog/Detail.aspx?SCID=42&BLGID=8265
- http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/02/29/earlyshow/saturday/chef/main3892020.shtml
- http://dailyfiasco.com/tag/palms-place/
- http://www.hauteliving.com/?x=0&y=0&s=Kerry+Simon
- http://www.formula1movies.com/video/fNHC4sCYIxw/Channel-8-Las-Vegas-morning-show-with-kerry-simon.html?vid=fNHC4sCYIxw
- http://www.vegaschatter.com/special/search?q=KGB+Kerry+Simon&cx=000880140035110026912%3Azg4udib7dxo&cof=FORID%3A11&x=0&y=0
- http://www.atlanticcityweekly.com/multimedia/kerry_simon_the_rock_n_roll_chef_debuts_simon_prime_at_ac_hilton-96962854.html
- http://www.zimbio.com/Kerry+Simon
- http://www.findeatdrink.com/Index/Restaurants/Entries/2010/4/19_kerry_simon.html