Renowned chef to share unique cuisine at WPSU Penn State’s Connoisseur’s Dinner

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — An award-winning chef will share his unique interpretations of modern Israeli cuisine during the 24th annual WPSU Penn State Connoisseur’s Dinner and Auction on Saturday, Feb. 6, at the Nittany Lion Inn.

Chef Michael Solomonov — who earned the James Beard Award for “Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic” in 2011 — will serve a fusion of Middle Eastern, North African, Mediterranean and Eastern European flavors based on his signature Philadelphia restaurant, Zahav. The restaurant, which he opened in 2008, has earned praise from several publications, including The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal.

“The cool part about Israeli cuisine is that it’s a mix of centuries-old flavors from across the Mediterranean — Persian, Turkish, Middle Eastern, Eastern European — all of which are rooted in family tradition,” said Solomonov, who was born in Israel and raised in Pittsburgh. “The cuisine from Israel is constantly moving forward, and the cuisine at Zahav plays to that idea. It’s my take on those ancient recipes that will forever be deeply rooted, with an emphasis on cooking with ingredients of the season.”

The themed dinner, “Jewels of the Night: A Middle Eastern Fusion Feast,” will begin with Zahav’s salatim — an assortment of small salads and dips — with hummus and pita before attendees enjoy Moroccan fish stew with couscous and peppers for the second course. The entrée includes Yemenite-style short ribs with carrot rice, while dessert entails carrot semolina cake, cranberries and rose water.  

“I always want people to fall hard for the warm spices, peppery punches and fresh interpretations of Israeli flavor,” said Solomonov. “I’d love for diners to take away a new kind of experience and intimacy around the sharing of food. There are always new stories to tell, and I’ve always found the best are told around the table.”

Before opening Zahav, Solomonov served as executive chef at West Philadelphia’s Marigold Kitchen, which he co-owned until 2009, and was named “Rising Star Chef, 2007” by Restaurant Hospitality magazine and “Best Chef, 2006” by Philadelphia magazine.

The Connoisseur’s Dinner and Auction supports the programming and operations of WPSU-TV. Reservations, which cost $205 per person, can be made at wpsu.org/conndinner2016 or by contacting Chrissy Leidy at 814-863-5597.