Michael Solomonov

Michael Solomonov‏‎ is an Israeli-born, American chef and restaurateur. He is best known for his contributions to Philadelphia's culinary scene and his expertise in Israeli cuisine.

Early Life

Solomonov was born in G'nei Yehuda, Israel, and moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, when he was two years old. He returned to Israel at the age of 15, where he began his culinary journey.

Career

Solomonov's career in the culinary industry began in Vermont, where he attended the New England Culinary Institute. After graduation, he moved to Philadelphia and worked at several restaurants before opening his own, Zahav, in 2008. Zahav, which means "gold" in Hebrew, is a restaurant that showcases the Israeli-Mediterranean cuisine.

In addition to Zahav, Solomonov co-owns several other restaurants in Philadelphia, including Federal Donuts, Dizengoff, Abe Fisher, and Goldie. These establishments further highlight his expertise in Israeli cuisine and his innovative approach to food.

Awards and Recognition

Solomonov has received numerous awards for his work in the culinary industry. In 2011, he was awarded the James Beard Foundation Award for "Best Chef, Mid-Atlantic." He won the same award again in 2017, this time for "Outstanding Chef." Zahav also received the James Beard Foundation Award for "Outstanding Restaurant" in 2019.

Personal Life

Solomonov's personal life has been marked by tragedy and triumph. His younger brother, David, was killed while serving in the Israeli Defense Forces, an event that greatly influenced Solomonov's life and career. He has also publicly shared his struggles with addiction and his journey to sobriety.

In Media

Solomonov has been featured in several documentaries and television shows, including the 2015 film, "In Search of Israeli Cuisine," and the Netflix series, "Chef's Table."

See Also

• Israeli cuisine
• List of Israeli chefs
• List of restaurants in Philadelphia