Iron Chef Kerry Simon Dies: Reactions, Legacy

Image via Getty

Sad news out of Las Vegas today. The Las Vegas Sun reported that Kerry Simon, a Vegas culinary fixture and the “Rock ‘n Roll Chef,” passed away early this morning at age 60. Simon had been battling Multiple System Atrophy, a degenerative brain disorder, and died under hospice care.

The Iron Chef America champ had several restaurants in Vegas, including Carson Kitchen and spots at Palms Place and Harrah’s. He also opened establishments in Atlantic City, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Punta Cana. Simon is credited as an integral part of the Vegas culinary boom. He went public with his illness in 2013.

Since the news broke, several chefs have tweeted out their condolences:

extremely heart broken that my dear brother @kerrysimon has left the planet earth for a more serene place xxxxxxxxxx. ri fucking p buddy…

— Mario Batali (@Mariobatali) September 11, 2015

RIP Kerry Simon. Such a great guy, he’ll really be missed.

— Ivan Orkin (@ivanramen) September 11, 2015

 

Condolences to the family & friends of @kerrysimon #KerrySimon We thank him for his culinary contributions; he will remain in our hearts.

— Thomas Keller (@Chef_Keller) September 11, 2015

Below is the video of Simon’s Iron Chef victory against Cat Cora, when he became famous for his hamburgers.  

[Las Vegas Sun]

[Las Vegas Weekly]

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