KGB [Harrahs Las Vegas] - Grand Opening - Review

When opening new restaurants, especially in the texture of a casino property, the idea become a basis in how to market to the public but also maintain the identity of the chef, his abilities and the style he brings to the idea.With the Grand Opening of KGB (Kerry's Gourmet Burgers) inside Harrahs Las Vegas, the progression becomes an idea of paradox but with a sense of comfort.The idea grew out of a restaurant concept of a burger bar but with a Russian spy motif attached to it. While architecturally interesting in terms of its split floor seating down into the kitchen, the surrounding comic style mural paintings having ode to "Tomb Raider" *as well as cold war thrillers reflecting with the Soviet iron hammer symbol) gives the feeling of retro futurism which fits in well with the personality of Chef Kerry Simon's cooking.Like his uber renown Sunday Brunch at Palms Place which revels in the same kind of mastery of comfort food created in a trendy cool setting, KGB uses the same perception of food to make it interesting.Cocktails again begin the perception and the introduction of the "Red Army" blending Stoli with cherry liquer and a single stem that stands straight up the glass paints a portrait of salute that maintains the drink all the way through.On the meat side, in an ode to Chef Simon's own intensities, the Iron Chef Slider take a slightly greasy countenance and plays it up with pop without overfilling the guest.Bringing the tactiturn full circle, Simon ushers through a Captain Crunch shake viable in chocolate, vanilla and strawberry that motivates one to draws the sips with urgency reflecting in artisan toppings that speak both to the fun and care that consumes his creation.Like Chef Simon's other outings, KGB works because it understands its identity through and through from cocktails to its namesakes burgers to its luscious shakes.