Las Vegas Weekly

May 17, 2010 · 5:34 PM

Strip Scribbles: Kerry Simon has three new restaurants on the way

By Robin Leach

Miss Nevada USA 2010 Julianna Erdesz, Miss Illinois USA 2010 Ashley Bradarich and Miss Washington USA 2010 Tracy Turnure flank Kerry Simon at Simon Restaurant at Palms Place on May 9, 2010.

Photo: Miss Universe Organization

Celebrity culinary king Kerry Simon won his Iron Chef reputation for making the best burger on the planet, and now he’s finally capitalizing on it. Kerry, who has his restaurant Simon in partnership with George Maloof at Palms Place, is spreading his wings. Don’t panic: Those jam-packed pajama brunches every Sunday and the fine food all day long and every night are completely safe.

But I’ve learned exclusively that KGB Burger Bar will open on the Strip at Harrah’s in time for Fourth of July weekend. KGB stands for Kerry’s Great Burgers! One week earlier, Kerry heads to the Hilton in Atlantic City for the June 20 gala opening of his steakhouse Simon Prime.

If two new delicious dining dens aren’t enough, I’m also told a third venue showcasing his savory skills and taste treat talents will be revealed shortly. Wait a few weeks, and we’ll have that overseas exclusive, too.

*The late Liberace’s 91st birthday has been commemorated with a weeklong series of events, but yesterday, on what would’ve been his actual birthday, there was a showbiz celebration at The Liberace Foundation and Museum. Lorraine Hunt-Bono, Dennis Bono and Domenick Allen led the “Happy Birthday” sing-along, and a four-tiered, 65-pound glitzy cake with matching mini cupcakes complete with edible glitter were served to guests courtesy of Retro Bakery. Visitors took photos with the legendary entertainer’s wax figure on loan from Madame Tussauds. Senior Editor John Katsilometes reported from the celebrations.

*Rap star Ludacris performed over the weekend to a packed crowd at Pure in Caesars Palace. Dressed in a black T-shirt and jeans, Luda gave a 30-minute show and then hung out with friends for Conjure Cognac and Patron on the main stage VIP area. Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Warren Sapp were in the house, and thanks to contributing photographer Ron Koch for snapping the action.

*Singer, actor and TV host Nick Cannon, sporting a vest, button-down shirt and slacks, played DJ all night long at Pure and was without superstar wife Mariah Carey. He hung out in the VIP area with his buddies, including Kelly Herndon of the Tennessee Titans, and enjoyed Belvedere cocktails in between spinning.

STAR SURVEILLANCE

Business tycoon Donald Trump and knockout model wife Melania were at XS in Steve Wynn’s Encore. Steve joined them, as did XS co-owner Victor Drai, and all of them were dancing in their VIP booth surrounded by hundreds of fans. Also at XS was The Food Network darling Giada De Laurentiis celebrating a friend’s bachelorette party poolside. XS also was the weekend party spot for Leonardo DiCaprio and Kevin Connolly. They rolled in with 20 friends to celebrate a mutual friend’s bachelor party. Our spywitness reported: “The all-male entourage were the life of the party, and unlike most A-Listers, they left their VIP area and spent much of the night hitting the dance floor where they mixed and mingled with partygoers.” … Kevin wrapped his night with 3 a.m. cocktails at Blush in the Wynn, where the official pre-party for the 2010 Miss USA Pageant was hosted by 2008 Miss USA Crystle Stewart. Also there: former New York Jets star Wayne Chrebet with a group of six and Twitter CEO Evan Williams drinking Veuve Clicquot instead of tweeting. Congrats, BTW, to Blush for being named 2010 Ultra Lounge of the Year by the Hotel Concierge Association. This is Blush’s second honor in this category this year; the Nightclub & Bar Awards also named it Best Ultra Lounge of the Year during the 2010 Nightclub & Bar Convention. … Actress Lindsay Price lounged with friends at Azure Pool in the Palazzo. … Olympic gymnasts Nadia Comaneci, Cathy Rigby-McCoy and other International Gymnastics Hall of Fame members, including Nadia’s gymnast husband Bart Conner and Yuri Korolev, watched Le Reve.

TONIGHT’S TIPS

One of the best Strip views is from the 23rd floor lounge and bar and Twist at Mandarin Oriental, and it’s the exhibit space for the first of the artist showcase Mandarin Mondays to be the third Monday of every month. Our contributing photographer Erik Kabik has been selected to kick off the series, and we’re proud to showcase some of his gallery here. Erik says the late Jim Marshall was one of his influences, so he put together a collection of his concert photos from the past 20 years. Our mutual friend DJ Shoe is spinning. … Penny Tha Prince, Tom Cotter and Bob DiBuono perform twice nightly through Sunday at Riviera Comedy Club. … It’s the launch of the El Gigante cocktail at Hussong’s Cantina in Mandalay Place. One year ago, owner Scott Frost was left paralyzed in an off-road motorcycle accident. Tonight, he launches the Spinal Injury Recovery Foundation, whose mission is to serve as a resource for spinal cord injury victims. The after-party follows Muchas Gracias Monday, and Scott says proceeds from each El Gigante sold goes to the foundation. El Gigante is an infusion of Reposada tequila with grilled ruby red grapefruit, ginger and lemongrass.

TOMORROW’S TEASES

Stunning beauty Hope Dworaczyk, who’s destined for superstardom, sits with me for her first exclusive interview with Vegas DeLuxe after being named 2010 Playboy Playmate of the Year by Hugh Hefner, and the incredible story of her rendezvous with two business friends, one of whom donated his kidney to the other so they could both meet her because there is now Hope to live! Plus, it’s double-award week for Mindfreak magician Criss Angel as he receives the most elite magic presentation for his Cirque du Soleil show Believe at the Luxor.

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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