Michael Solomonov on Zahav, Addiction, and Why Philly is the Best Food City!!

July 27
31 mins

Episode Description

Adrienne and Joe are joined by acclaimed Chef Michael Solomonov to talk his award-winning restaurants, the thriving Philadelphia restaurant community, and the realities of addiction and recovery in the industry.

In this episode, we also discuss:

  • The origins of Zahav and the inspiration of Israeli food culture

  • Opening a restaurant during the 2008 recession

  • Why Philly’s food scene thrives: affordability and community

  • Moving beyond traditional French and Italian fine dining

  • Ingredient integrity: prioritizing substance over hype

  • Addiction, recovery, and rebuilding a life in the kitchen

  • Building healthier kitchen cultures and leaning on partners

  • Walk In Confession: Cooking out of a neighboring bodega to keep service alive during a power outage.

Follow Michael: @mikesolomonov

Follow the show: @chefscutpod

Follow Adrienne: @chefadriennecheatham 

Follow Joe: @insta.flamm


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