Las Vegas Weekly

July 7, 2010 · 5:29 PM

Counter Intelligence: Social House at CityCenter, Kerry Simon’s KGB

By Robin Leach

Chef Joseph Elevado at the new Social House in Crystals at MGM's CityCenter on July 6, 2010.

Photo: TVT

Hot off the grill! It’s a year in the making for the reopening of the celebrity hotspot Social House, and it was absolutely worth the wait. Last July 4, Pure Management Group shuttered Social House at Treasure Island after new casino hotel owner Phil Ruffin took over from MGM. This July 4, Social House reopened quietly with a new look and tasty additions by brilliant executive chef Joe Elevado to his masterpiece of a menu.

“There’s about a 10 percent change to the menu,” Joe told me. “We have seven preparations of Kobe beef and fish. I still tip my toque to my old boss Nobu with my version of his tuna sashimi with jalapeno on crispy rice. It was a year waiting, but the menu and the restaurant have turned out beautifully.”

Located in Crystals at MGM’s CityCenter, Social House seats 100 in the main dining room and 12 in a private dining room, but it’s the vast indoor yet open terrace for 64 patrons that’s stunning and provides sweeping views of Crystals. The ceremonial opening was today when Pure Management Group owners joined with sake masters to smash open sake barrels. A gala opening will follow later.

Over at T.I., Social House gained a following among celebrities for its menu and design. The new location with a bar and lounge and a one-of-a-kind coffee bar will be a giant hit and has already attracted singer Kelly Rowland and others. The menu still features all the Pan-Asian favorites, with the emphasis on serving items family style. It’s a progression of flavors and textures, with the menu organized by Raw, Tartars, Salads, Hot Dishes, Kobe Beef, Specialty Rolls, Sushi/Sashimi and Social Sweets. The old favorites are there, plus new dishes inspired by chef Joe’s travels throughout Southeast Asia.

They include Salmon, Wasabi Creme Fraiche, Lemon Soy, Garlic Dust and Chives, a Social House Special Nigiri Tasting, Steamed Seasonal Fish, Asian Aromatics, Sake Soy and Crispy Pata, Achara and Ginger/Sili Vinegar. Check out the magnificent menu at PureLV.com/social#/menu.

You’ll instantly recognize Social House with its iconic design elements. The antique Japanese newspapers are now used in a prayer-wheel design along the front wall. The use of birdcages in the original location was a major conversation piece. The new location contains bird’s nest-inspired pieces that contain light fixtures in the dining room. There also is a giant bird’s nest element on the terrace consisting of branches interwoven as a unique art piece. Balancing contemporary and old world ambiance, the design features a warmth and intimacy that fosters a tranquility through the dark woods in rich and warm chocolate, red and orange.

Social House has a sake sommelier on staff, and it’s Siphon machine imported from Japan that uses vapor pressure to create unparalleled crisp, smooth coffee will be a major talking point. It’s one of only six to date in the United States. Social House is open daily at 5 p.m., while lunch and light bar fare is served beginning at noon Fridays through Sundays. Mario Rivera is the GM.

KERRY SIMON’S KGB AT HARRAH’S

Iron Chef winner and star chef Kerry Simon has opened his 156-seat KGB in Harrah’s. Kerry’s Gourmet Burgers’ tip of the toque to the Russian Secret Service is obvious with the posters, logos and even the lighting fixtures. It’s a James Bond-inspired send-up of the Soviet Union era.

Kerry has created seven monster burgers, including a year-round Thanksgiving Turkey Burger, plus a build-it-yourself burger with toppings of your choice. He also has vegan delights, short ribs and salmon filets to round out the menu. Additionally, there’s a frozen bar at center stage of the walk-through barbecue kitchen where various Russian vodkas are on display as accompanying shots and comes complete with a vodka hostess.

Ready to pour drinks, Kerry told me: “I wanted something vey simple and very casual. It’s a complete change for me, but I did win Iron Chef with my secret burger recipe. So we decided to do this with each burger having the secret ingredient. I’ll never reveal it, but it makes the burgers taste awesome. Everybody so far has been raving.” Thanks to Christopher Rauschnot @24kMedia on Twitter for the video of Kerry that he posted on YouTube.

Robin Leach has been a journalist for more than 50 years and has spent the past decade giving readers the inside scoop on Las Vegas, the world’s premier platinum playground.

Follow Robin Leach on Twitter at Twitter.com/Robin_Leach.

Follow Vegas DeLuxe on Twitter at Twitter.com/vegasdeluxe.

Follow VDLX Editor Don Chareunsy on Twitter at Twitter.com/VDLXEditorDon.

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