Michael Solomonov Delivers Commencement Keynote
Hyde Park, NY 鈥 Michael Solomonov, executive chef and co-owner
of Philadelphia鈥檚 acclaimed Zahav, was the keynote
speaker during graduation ceremonies at the New York campus of The Culinary Institute of
America on January 18.
Chef Solomonov is known for his
skill in transforming simple foods into culinary masterpieces. He won James
Beard Foundation Awards for Outstanding Chef in 2017, Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic
in 2011, and Book of the Year in 2016 for Zahav: A World of Israeli Cooking. Eater named him its National Chef of
the Year in 2014.
鈥淭he restaurant world is leading the charge in terms of
change. You are part of that,鈥 said Solomonov, who
was born in Israel and raised in Pittsburgh, PA. 鈥淵ou are going to go out
tomorrow and you are going to literally change the world, if you can show up on
time and bring a good attitude every single day.鈥
Solomonov opened Zahav鈥擧ebrew for 鈥済old鈥濃攚ith restaurateur Steven Cook in
2008. It quickly garnered rave reviews and honors, being named one of 贰蝉辩耻颈谤别鈥s best new restaurants in
America. Their company, CookNSolo Restaurant
Partners, has a portfolio of concepts that includes Philadelphia restaurants
Rooster Soup Company, Federal Donuts, Dizengoff, Abe
Fisher, and Goldie. Dizengoff also has locations in
New York City and Miami, and Federal Donuts has another location in Miami.
Chef Solomonov, who has spoken
publicly about the support he received while battling drug addiction, is known
for giving back to his community. Rooster Soup Company donates all profits to
programs providing the city鈥檚 homeless with meals, medical care, and legal help.
The entire CIA commencement ceremony, including Chef Solomonov鈥檚 address to recipients of associate degrees in Culinary Arts and Baking & Pastry Arts, can be .
Photo Caption and Hi-Res Image:
Michael Solomonov, winner of the
James Beard Award for Outstanding Chef in 2017, speaks to the graduating class
of The Culinary Institute of America on January 18, 2019. Solomonov is the executive chef and co-owner of Zahav in
Philadelphia and a leader in Israeli cuisine. (Photo credit: CIA/Phil Mansfield)
Media Contact:
Jeff Levine
Communications Writer
845-451-1372
Jeff.Levine@culinary.edu
About The Culinary Institute of America:
Founded in 1946, The Culinary Institute of America is the world鈥檚 premier culinary college. Dedicated to developing leaders in foodservice and hospitality, the independent, not-for-profit CIA offers master鈥檚, bachelor鈥檚, and associate degrees with majors in culinary arts, baking & pastry arts, food business management, hospitality management, culinary science, and applied food studies. The college also offers executive education, certificate programs, and courses for professionals and enthusiasts. Its conferences, leadership initiatives, and consulting services have made the CIA the think tank of the food industry and its worldwide network of more than 50,000 alumni includes innovators in every area of the food world. The CIA has locations in New York, California, Texas, and Singapore.
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