Kerry Simon, dubbed the “Rock ‘n’ Roll Chef” by Rolling Stone magazine, was honored with the inaugural culinary memorabilia case at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on Thursday, July 17 (Photo: © Erik Kabik / Retna / www.erikkabik.com).
Photo: © Erik Kabik / Retna / www.erikkabik.com.
Warner Gaming executive Don Marrandino and Warwick Stone, memorabilia curator of Hard Rock Hotel, were on hand to unveil the memorabilia display with Simon.
Photo: © Erik Kabik / Retna / www.erikkabik.com.
Upon graduating from culinary school in New York, Simon found himself working with multiple culinary legends including Jean-George Vongerichten. His talent was soon noticed by Ivana Trump and he was appointed executive chef of Edwardian Room at The Plaza Hotel. Following, Simon began developing culinary establishments in Miami, Hong Kong, New York, London, Chicago and finally, Las Vegas.
Photo: © Erik Kabik / Retna / www.erikkabik.com.
In 2002, Simon partnered with restaurateur Elizabeth Blau to open Simon Kitchen & Bar at Hard Rock Hotel. The venue was selected as one of “America’s Best New Restaurants” by Esquire Magazine in 2003.
Photo: © Erik Kabik / Retna / www.erikkabik.com.
Simon has gone on to become a two-time competitor and judge on Food Network’s “Iron Chef America” and defeated Kat Kora on the station’s “Battle Hamburger.”Playgirl magazine even named him as one of the country’s sexiest chefs and featured an interview with Simon in the April 2003.
Photo: © Erik Kabik / Retna / www.erikkabik.com.
The display boasts a photograph of Simon and longtime friend actor Bill Murray in matching Elvis suits, a bust of Simon painted purple, black chef coat from Simon Kitchen & Bar, autographed guitar, culinary knives, image of him as a young chef with Bianca Jagger and various awards.
Photo: © Erik Kabik / Retna / www.erikkabik.com.
The memorabilia at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is hand selected and carefully displayed throughout the resort by Stone to honor legends in the entertainment industry. Some of the unique displays include a shimmery, white glove once worn by the one-and-only Michael Jackson; an array of rare collection items from The Beatles; the original drum kit Rick Allen of Def Leppard used following a near fatal car accident; a Nirvana display featuring a leather jacket autographed by Kurt Cobain; and many more.
Photo: © Erik Kabik / Retna / www.erikkabik.com.
Photo: © Erik Kabik / Retna / www.erikkabik.com.
Photo: © Erik Kabik / Retna / www.erikkabik.com.
Photo: © Erik Kabik / Retna / www.erikkabik.com.
Photo: © Erik Kabik / Retna / www.erikkabik.com.
Photo: © Erik Kabik / Retna / www.erikkabik.com.
Photo: © Erik Kabik / Retna / www.erikkabik.com.
Photo: © Erik Kabik / Retna / www.erikkabik.com.
