Michael Solomonov is the executive chef and co-owner of Philadelphia’s pioneering Israeli restaurant, Zahav, which was recently named by Food & Wine as one of the "40 Most Important Restaurants of the Past 40 Years." He is the 2011 James Beard Award winner for “Best Chef, Mid-Atlantic," a 2016 James Beard Award winner for “Best International Cookbook” and “Book of the Year” for his and business partner/co-author Steven Cook’s first cookbook, Zahav: A World of Israeli Cooking, and the 2017 James Beard Award's “Outstanding Chef.” In addition to his duties at Zahav, Chef Solomonov co-owns Philadelphia's Federal Donuts, Dizengoff, Abe Fisher, Goldie, and the philanthropic luncheonette Rooster Soup Company, which donates 100% of its profits to Broad Street Ministry Hospitality Collaborative that provides meals and essential services to individuals experiencing homelessness and hunger Philadelphia. Also in 2017, Solomonov and the Israel Ministry of Tourism (IMOT) created a partnership to champion Israel’s extraordinarily diverse and vibrant culinary landscape. Along similar lines, Solomonov starred in the documentary feature film, "In Search of Israeli Cuisine", which explores Israel's culturally diverse culinary landscape. The film is now streaming on Netflix. Michael Solomonov is also the Executive Chef at The American Express Centurion Lounge Philadelphia. The Centurion Lounge is a premium network of airport retreats designed exclusively for Card Members. To learn more, visit thecenturionlounge.com. (Photo credit Steve Legato)
