Chef Michael Solomonov

Mike Solomonov is a beloved champion of Israel's extraordinarily diverse culinary landscape, and the chef widely recognized for bringing Israeli cuisine to diners across the U.S., and around the world. He is Chef of the trailblazing restaurant Zahav, and co-owner of Philadelphia's CookNSolo Restaurants with hospitality entrepreneur, Steve Cook. Solomonov is the co-author of three cookbooks, and the recipient of five James Beard awards including "Outstanding Restaurant" 2019 for Zahav, making it the first Israeli-American restaurant to be awarded this great honor. The CookNSolo portfolio also features Federal Donuts & Chicken, Dizengoff, Goldie, K'Far, Laser Wolf, and Lilah. CookNSolo expanded to Brooklyn in 2022 with much acclaim, bringing grill house sensation Laser Wolf, Israeli bakery & café K’Far, and Jaffa Cocktail & Raw Bar to The Hoxton hotel in Williamsburg. Also, the legendary Zahav Hummus (the restaurant recipe) is now exclusively sold at Whole Foods Markets across the country. Solomonov is a member of the American Culinary Corps and was appointed by President Biden to the President's Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition. Outside of the restaurants, you can often find Mike with Steve at Pho 75 in South Philly, working out the kinks in their Israeli village.