The Marjorie & Lewis Katz Jewish Community Center, with generous support from Seashore Wealth Management, will host an exclusive evening of culinary conversation on Monday, July 14 at 6 p.m., featuring Michael Solomonov and Steven Cook, co-owners of the James Beard Award-winning Israeli restaurant Zahav. The event, Zahav Home, offers guests an intimate look behind the scenes of one of America’s most celebrated culinary partnerships, highlighting the flavors, stories and inspiration that brought Middle Eastern cuisine to the forefront of Philadelphia’s food scene
The conversation will be moderated by Cookie Till, a respected South Jersey restaurateur and Atlantic County community leader. Till is the owner of Steve & Cookie’s By the Bay, co-owner of Ventnor No. 7311 and Florida Cold Cuts, founder of the Margate Community Farmers Market, and the visionary behind A Meaningful Purpose at Reed’s Farm, a nonprofit promoting food justice and youth empowerment.
Steven Cook, the son of a rabbi, is a graduate of both the Wharton School of Business and the French Culinary Institute. He left a career as an investment banker in New York to follow his passion for food and hospitality. Together with Solomonov, Cook has played a key role in shaping the narrative of modern Israeli cuisine in America through a blend of entrepreneurial vision and culinary innovation.
Attendees will enjoy light bites inspired by Zahav and receive a personal copy of the cookbook Zahav Home. The evening’s discussion will delve into the philosophy behind Zahav’s bold flavors, essential kitchen techniques, signature dishes, and the personal journey that led Solomonov and Cook to culinary acclaim.
Michael Solomonov is a five-time James Beard Award winner and co-owner of several of Philadelphia’s most acclaimed restaurants, including Federal Donuts, Abe Fisher, Goldie, Merkaz, Dizengoff, K’Far, and Laser Wolf. He is also a vocal advocate for mental health awareness, openly sharing his own journey of addiction and recovery while emphasizing the importance of community support in personal healing.
Cookie Till has been a driving force behind inclusive food and wellness initiatives across the region. A two-time James Beard Award nominee, she is known for her efforts in promoting local agriculture, nutrition education and youth mentorship through her nonprofit work at Reed’s Organic Farm.
Tickets are $40 and can be purchased online at jccatlantic.org or in person at the Katz JCC Welcome Center. Space is limited. For more information, please contact Brian M. Adler at 609.822.1167, Ext. 159 or email badler@jccatlantic.org.
