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

The Chef's Cut

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


More 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


2026-07-27 31 min
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