Friends and family flocked to Hard Rock Hotel & Casino last night (Thursday, July 17) to see the memorabilia case dedication of legendary chef Kerry Simon. Simon, dubbed the “rock ‘n’ roll chef” by Rolling Stone magazine, was honored with the inaugural culinary memorabilia case at the property. More than 100 patrons gathered as Simon, Warner Gaming Executive Don Marrandino and Hard Rock Hotel’s Memorabilia Curator Warwick Stone unveiled the permanent fixture which was flanked by models donning cotton candy wigs, a tribute to Simon’s signature dessert.
“This place has always honored rock stars and we think of Kerry as a rock star,” explained Marrandino during the ceremony. He also made note of the impact that Simon and his culinary talents have had on not only the property but the city. In addition, Marrandino acknowledged his friend’s courageous battle with Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) but that he can’t wait to one day bring another Simon restaurant concept back to the resort.
“Kerry has always kept Vegas in his heart,” praised Stone. Turning to Simon he added, “It is an honor to salute you.”
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.
In 2002, Simon partnered with restaurateur Elizabeth Blau to open Simon Kitchen & Bar at Hard Rock Hotel. The venue quickly became a favorite of celebrities, tourists and Las Vegas notables. It was selected as one of “America’s Best New Restaurants” by Esquire Magazine in 2003. Simon went 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. These days, Simon has numerous restaurant concepts throughout Las Vegas as well as the world.
About Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is Las Vegas’ off-strip playground, just minutes and less than three miles from McCarran International Airport. The premier destination entertainment resort is owned by Brookfield Real Estate Finance Fund II and managed by WG-Harmon, LLC, a subsidiary of Warner Gaming, LLC. Built in 1995, the property completed a $750 million expansion in 2010. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino offers an energetic entertainment and gaming experience with the services and amenities associated with a boutique luxury resort hotel. The property is known for its innovative nightlife and music scene where acts such as The Rolling Stones, Bon Jovi, Paul McCartney, Incubus, Foo Fighters, Carlos Santana, Mötley Crüe and Guns N’ Roses have all performed. Features of the property include an 11-story Casino Tower with 640 guest rooms, 17-story Paradise Tower with 490 rooms and suites, and the HRH All-Suite Tower with 359 suites, eight spa villas and seven penthouse suites; 72,000 square feet of casino space featuring Peacock High-Limit gaming and Asian gaming amenities; 80,000 square feet of flexible meeting and convention space; more than $4 million in rare music memorabilia; Body English Nightclub; Reliquary Water Sanctuary, Spa & Salon; 4.5 acres of tropical pool paradise housing world-famous pool parties REHAB Saturdays and Sundays and RELAX Mondays; live music/entertainment venues The Joint and Vinyl; Hart & Huntington Tattoo Co.; restaurants Culinary Dropout, Nobu, The Ainsworth, 35 Steaks + Martinis, Pink Taco, Mr. Lucky’s Café and 福Fú; a fitness center; and trendsetting retailers John Varvatos, Affliction, Love Jones and Rocks The Jewelers. For room availability and additional information call 800.HRD.ROCK (800.473.7625) or visit hardrockhotel.com. Follow Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the latest news and updates.