In Memoriam: Kerry Simon

We are deeply saddened by the news that Kerry Simon, chef of several acclaimed restaurants including Carson Kitchen in Las Vegas and others across the country, passed away at the age of 60. Simon had long been suffering from MSA (multiple system atrophy), a severe and rare form of Parkinson's disease. “Kerry Simon was an exciting and inspiring chef, and we were honored to know him and have him as a friend and supporter of our Foundation,” said JBF president Susan Ungaro. “While our community has suffered a great loss, we know that his legacy will leave a lasting mark on the culinary landscape.” Famously dubbed the “Rock ‘n’ Roll Chef” by Rolling Stone magazine, Simon was still actively working on new projects, including a new gastropub in Nevada, despite being confined to a wheelchair. During his lauded career, Simon opened restaurants all over the world for industry icon Jean-Georges Vongerichten, catered tours for Led Zeppelin and other rock stars, won the “Iron Chef” title on the eponymous Food Network show, and was considered one of Las Vegas’s culinary founders. He will be sorely missed, and our thoughts are with his family, friends, and colleagues.