With Carson Kitchen, Kerry Simon has given downtown what it’s long needed — a restaurant that rivals the most interesting spots on the Strip. The way the ailing chef (battling the life-threatening illness Multiple System Atrophy) has used his fine-dining experience to elevate simple comfort food classics is nothing short of brilliant. Moreover, it’s perfect for the neighborhood: accessible enough for the young and hip downtown denizens, yet sophisticated enough to attract serious foodies from across the Valley. No dish may illustrate this better than the bacon jam, a deceptively simple spread served with toasted bread.  It's no wonder this restaurant was awarded the 2015 Restaurant Awards for "Appetizer of the Year."