It just got infinitely more difficult to get a table at Zahav, the acclaimed Philadelphia eatery that has re-written the book on Israeli cuisine. On Monday of last week, this Philly hotspot won the James Beard Award for Outstanding Restaurant. For those unfamiliar with the James Beard award, it’s to restaurateurs what the Oscars are to filmmakers – and this award – is Best Picture.
Zahav is owned by Michael Solomonov, himself a James Beard award winner for outstanding chef in 2017. Many of you will recognize the name. Last November, more than 250 ITEC supporters got the chance to meet Solomonov and enjoy his outstanding cuisine at our annual gala dubbed, “From Kitchen to Court.” $250,000 of scholarship funds were raised that evening to help at-risk children in Israel.
Born in Israel, Solomonov later moved to Philadelphia where he began his career cooking Italian cuisine. He later re-focused his energy on Israeli and Jewish cuisine after his brother was killed in a military campaign on Yom Kippur. In 2008, he opened Zahav and it took off almost immediately. Reservations are hard to come by and you need to book at least 2 months in advance. Today, he and his partners own several Philadelphia eateries.
Congratulations again to Solomonov and the team at Zahav. To read more about Zahav and the James Beard Award for Outstanding Restaurant: https://cnn.it/2PPTb3L