Michael Solomonov and Steven Cook are the visionary co-owners behind CookNSolo Restaurants, a pioneering Philadelphia-based hospitality group, who are celebrated for their commitment to showcasing the rich diversity of Israeli cuisine. Together, they have earned three James Beard Foundation Awards, while Michael has received two additional Beard Awards for his role as Chef at Zahav, including the prestigious 2017 "Outstanding Chef" award. Zahav, their flagship restaurant, is renowned for its innovative celebration of Israeli cuisine, earning international recognition. In 2019, Zahav made history as the first Israeli and Philadelphia-based restaurant to win the James Beard Award for "Outstanding Restaurant."

Join us on Wednesday, November 13 at 7 p.m., as we welcome Michael Solomonov and Steven Cook to the Merage JCC as part of the 2024 OC Jewish Arts Festival.

With more than 20  restaurants in four states, five James Beard Awards, and three highly acclaimed cookbooks between them, Solomonov and Cook are widely recognized for introducing American diners to their distinct take on Israeli and Mediterranean cuisine. Additionally, this past January, they released their signature smooth Zahav Hummus, made with the restaurant’s renowned recipe, exclusively at Whole Food Markets nationwide.

Solomonov, a member of the American Culinary Corps, was recently appointed by President Biden to the President's Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition. Cook, a graduate of the Wharton School of Business and the French Culinary Institute, is recognized as one of the top minds in the restaurant industry. The duo has also co-authored three acclaimed cookbooks: Zahav: A World of Israeli Cooking (a two-time James Beard Award winner), Federal Donuts: The (Partially) True Spectacular Story, and Israeli Soul: Easy, Essential, Delicious.

In addition to their many achievements and accolades, Solomonov and Cook's latest venture, their fourth cookbook called ZAHAV HOME: Cooking for Friends & Family, offers a personal glimpse into how they cook for their growing, busy families. Since Zahav's opening, their families have expanded from one child to seven, and this cookbook reflects the recipes they cherish in their home kitchens. ZAHAV HOME features 125 accessible, crowd-pleasing recipes, all inspired by the foundational flavors of the Zahav kitchen and adapted for home cooks. These dishes have been tried, tested, and loved by Solomonov, Cook, and their families, making it an inviting and practical guide for everyday meals that won’t challenge even home cooks.

No stranger to the Merage JCC, Michael Solomonov was a featured headliner at the 2023 OC Jewish Arts Festival where he spoke to a sold-out crowd and charmed the audience with his passion for food and sense of humor. As one Board member said: “Having Michael here at the Merage JCC last year was magical! He has the ability to be warm and welcoming to both intimate and large audiences (and he had both!) and is laid back and funny and yet poignant in his demeanor! And, oh yeah…his culinary skills and knowledge are unsurpassed!  His restaurants in Philly are award-winning for good reason—and it all starts with hummus!“ Upon being notified that Solomonov would be returning to the J, a member said: “You had me at hummus! Michael Solomonov is a master – his culinary skills and knowledge are top notch, his welcoming yet cool vibe is magical, and we are so lucky to have him visit us yet again here at the Merage JCC!”

We look forward to seeing how Solomonov and Cook engage and captivate our community on Wednesday, November 13 at 7 p.m.

Visit jccoc.org to purchase tickets to join us for a delicious dinner featuring recipes from Zahav Home, followed by a cooking demo and Q&A, as well as to learn more about our other OC Jewish Arts Festival comedians, authors, and films.