Rockin' in the Food World

Classic rock isn’t dead—it’s just opened a restaurant. Lynyrd Skynyrd and Kiss are among former musicians rocking their culinary skills with forays into food.

In Las Vegas, Lynyrd Skynyrd has opened Lynyrd Skynyrd BBQ & Beer at Excalibur Hotel & Casino, a rock’n’roll-inspired venue. Serving Texas-style BBQ in a setting reminiscent of “Hell House,” a ramshackle structure in the backwoods of Jacksonville where the Skynyrd sound originated, hungry visitors looking for a edgy, fun style will be pleased. The center of the action will be a concert stage featuring a variety of cover bands and musical acts, including special performances from the legendary band itself throughout the year.

Vegas is also the spot where Kiss will be expanding its Kiss Coffeehouse empire with another location in Sin City this year. The java shop will likely be modeled after the band’s first outlet opened in 2006 in Myrtle Beach, S.C., where Kiss-themed props—like 20-foot-tall smoking platform boots and authentic guitars are showcased throughout the café, which serves up cappuccinos, lattes and tea, as well as Frozen Rockuccinos.

Speaking of Kiss, Gene Simmons is backing a patio restaurant in El Segundo, California named Rock & Brews. It appears to be unassociated with the Kiss coffee houses. Reportedly, Rock & Brews will offer a bar that makes patrons feel as though they are backstage at a concert, complete with “The Great Wall of Rock,” rock posters and rock art and multiple flat-screen televisions.. The restaurant is slated to open in April, with three more locations in the works in Los Angeles, Denver, Atlanta, Maui and Tokyo.—Denise Shoukas

Gaga Family Trattoria

The people responsible for giving the world Lady Gaga—that is, her parents—have also joined the restaurant scene. Unlike the pop icon’s flamboyant persona, her parents have opted to open a traditional Italian joint, Joanne Trattoria, on a quiet side street on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. Inhonor of Gaga’s aunt Joanne, who died of lupus at the age of 19, Joanne Trattoria features chef Charles Arthur "Art" Smith in the kitchen, who has worked for former Florida governor Bob Graham and Jeb Bush and, until 2007, was personal chef to Oprah Winfrey.

Don’t expect to find an ounce of Lady Gaga’s over-the-top style in residence. Rather, the walls are covered with Tuscan-inspired artwork. If you’re hoping to get a peek of Lady Gaga with your six-layer lasagna or veal osso bucco, your best chance is by checking out the family photos near the entrance.

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