Mike Solomonov, Celebrated Israeli Chef, Visits Culinary Institute of Virginia

Chef Mike Solomonov visited the Culinary Institute of Virginia on April 25, 2018 to share some of his insight into cooking as well as demonstrate what he does at his restaurant. Solomonov is a highly decorated chef. The recipient of multiple awards, he has been honored with the James Beard Award for Outstanding Chef in 2017 as well as winning awards for his international cooking and his cookbook.

Michael Solomonov, owner and executive chef of Philadelphia-based restaurant Zahav, fell into cooking by pure chance at the age of 18. He recounts for Culinary Institute of Virginia students how he walked up and down a street in Israel, unfamiliar with the Hebrew language, and applied at every place that was hiring. The job he was hired for was in a bakery. His love of cooking and, more specifically, cooking Israeli food, became a constant source of enjoyment and fulfillment in his life.

As he demonstrates making hummus and pita bread, staples at his restaurant, Chef Solomonov shares tips, tricks, and observations about cooking and the culinary industry. With humor and honesty, he addresses work/life balance, staying fresh in an environment that's constantly changing, and how to practice self-improvement.

CIV students are rapt listeners as he shared advice he has gotten on how to become a better chef. Such as, when the Iron Chef told him that his food should inspire both his staff and his guests. He is also realistic about making a career in a notoriously tough industry, "The industry is changing so quickly," he says, "You have to evaluate what's important to you."

He also speaks about striving for perfection and emphasized how each student needs to focus on becoming better than they were yesterday. The crucial bit of advice he has, "If you want to be a chef, the most important thing you should do is eat." He encourages the students to go to restaurants they normally wouldn't go to, to eat food they have never had before, and most importantly, to never stop learning about the different foods and cultural dishes the world has produced.

Are you interested in becoming a chef? If you want to earn an Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts, consider ECPI University's Culinary Institute of Virginia for the education you'll need. For more information, connect with a friendly admissions counselor today.

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