Omnivore - Acclaimed Zahav chef Michael Solomonov comes to Atlanta

The James Beard award winning chef cooks from his new book at Parish next Wednesday

Israeli cuisine is so much more than hummus. Within the pages of renowned chef Michael Solomonov’s new cookbook (co-written with business partner Steven Cook), Zahav: A World of  Israeli Cooking, is a culinary journey that encompasses thousands of years along with influences from a breadth of heritages, cultures, and diasporas. The gorgeous tome of around 150 recipes was released in October and is chock full of Solomonov’s interpretations of authentic Israeli dishes. On Wed., Nov. 11, Atlantans have a chance to meet the author at Inman Park’s Parish :The Brasserie and Neighborhood Cafe (240 N. Highland Ave., 404-681-4434. www.parishatl.com), taste his cooking, and take home an autographed copy.
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? Since opening his acclaimed Philadelphia restaurant Zahav in 2008, Solomonov has received high priase for his take on modern Israeli cuisine, including a 2011 James Beard Best Chef Mid-Atlantic award. His style plays with Israel’s culinary melting pot with recipes inspired by flavors from the Middle East, West Africa, the Mediterranean, and Eastern Europe. In addition to well-known Israeli dishes like kugel, rugelach, and yes, hummus, Solomonov offers Iraqi dumplings called kubbe and duck and foie gras kabobs in the cookbook.  
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? Chef Todd Ginsberg holds Solomonov’s cooking in high regard. While in the final stages of building Yalla., Atlanta’s contemporary Israeli stall in Krog Street Market, Ginsberg and his business partners traveled to Zahav for what he described as a “transcendent” dinner. Words like “magic” and “grace” and “inspiring” were used. ”It was such an inspiring meal,” Ginsberg says. “I took a lot from that experience and then my trip to Israel.” Zahav was definitely influential. “Yalla is obviously not a reflection of Zahav’s style, but the love of Israeli cooking and bringing it to America.” 
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? When asked about Solomonov’s cookbook, Ginsberg called it “absolutely stunning.” He continued, “Reading the story in his cookbook about opening during a recession, overcoming drug addiction, his brother’s death by sniper fire, and now having a business that is not only thriving but redefining Israeli cooking is utterly inspiring.” 
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? Next Wednesday, chef Stuart Tracy will open his Parish kitchen to Solomonov, who will prepare a four-course dinner with wine pairings. Tickets cost $75 each and include an autographed copy of the book. Grab your gold ticket by calling 404-681-4434. (See what we did there? Zahav means “gold” in Hebrew.)
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? Solomonov is also a featured speaker at the Book Festival of the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta, presenting on Thurs., Nov. 12 at 12:30 p.m. RSVP and purchase tickets here.
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?Editors Note: This post was updated to include information about Solomonov’s MJCCA appearance.

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