Rock ‘n’ roll chef Kerry Simon dies

Chef Kerry Simon, known as the rock 'n' roll chef, has passed away. Ethan Miller/Getty Images for Vegas Uncork'd by Bon Appetit/AFP

Kerry Simon — known in the culinary world as the rock ‘n’ roll chef — passed away Friday morning, September 11 from complications of multiple system Atrophy (MSA). Simon was diagnosed with the degenerative neurological disorder in 2013. He was 60 years old.

Simon fuelled his passion for cooking at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. In 1989, after working in a handful of notable restaurants, he was hired by Ivana Trump to be the executive chef in The Plaza Hotel’s Edwardian Room. In 1991, he was named one of the top personalities of the year by Rolling Stone Magazine. The magazine gave him the title of rock ‘n’ roll chef.

Throughout his culinary career, Simon cooked for Led Zeppelin, Mötley Crüe, Alice Copper and Cheap Trick. He opened several restaurants in Las Vegas, where he was based, as well as in New York and most recently, Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic.

Earlier this year, reports surfaced that Simon would close two of his Las Vegas restaurants — KGB: Kerry’s Gourmet Burgers and Simon Restaurant & Lounge — amid failing health. His restaurant Carson Kitchen in Las Vegas will remain open.

The Carson Kitchen team paid tribute to their fallen chef on social media: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Kerry Simon. Kerry fought a long and courageous battle, and through it all we’ve admired his passion for life and his amazing desire for greatness in each of our restaurants. There are no words to describe how much we will miss our colleague, our leader, and our friend. In his passing we will forever hold onto Kerry’s love for bringing people together through food. Keep Calm and Kerry On.”