KGB goes American with burgers

Those unfamiliar with chef Kerry Simon's latest venture at Harrah's Las Vegas can be forgiven for thinking the "rock and roll" chef has gone Russian.

Despite the name, KGB, and the 1960s Russian propaganda posters adorning the walls, the cuisine is the most American of American fare: burgers.

After his 2005 appearance on "Iron Chef America," when ground beef was the theme and his Ultimate Burger put him over the top against Iron Chef Cat Cora, Simon says he was inspired to one day open a gourmet burger joint. In May, he made a deal with Harrah's to open Kerry's Gourmet Burgers, or KGB.

"I like doing easy food that people can relate to," Simon says. "I got an award at Palms Place for my burger, and at my other places the burgers are important, so (KGB) made sense."

The menu is heavy on the burgers with several options available to nonbeef eaters, including veggie, chicken and turkey burgers as well as salads.

The dining room seats 160 and is designed in a "sexy, secret agent" way, Simon says.

KGB, 3475 Las Vegas Blvd. South, is open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 a.m. Reservations are not required.

Specialties: Mac and cheese sticks with white cheddar dipping sauce, $5; burger cobb salad, $9; Thanksgiving turkey burger with stuffing and cranberry sauce, $12; short rib sloppy Joe, $12

Appetizers: Waffle fry nachos, $6; popcorn shrimp with lemon aioli, $8; fried dill pickles with roasted jalapeno ranch, $4

Soups and salads: Cheeseburger soup, $5; Caesars salad, $7

Burgers: Veggie burger, $11; barbecue bacon burger, $13; Cali chicken burger, $12

Desserts: Captain Crunch shake, $5; trio of milkshakes, $9

Information: 369-5000

By SONYA PADGETT