How Master Chef Mike Solomonov Runs One of Philadelphia's Most Legendary Restaurants — Mise En Place

At one of Philadelphia’s most iconic restaurants, Zahav, reservations are booked out for two months. Chef and owner Michael Solomonov and co-chef Beau Friedman have generated so much acclaim through dishes like fluke kubbeh niyeh, hummus tehina, pomegranate lamb shoulder, and much more.

Producer: Daniel Geneen
Directors: Daniel Geneen, Murilo Ferreira
Camera: Murilo Ferreira, Carla Francescutti
Editor: Charlotte Carpenter

Executive Producer: Stephen Pelletteri
Development Producer: McGraw Wolfman
Supervising Producer: Stefania Orrù
Audience Development: Terri Ciccone, Frances Dumlao, Avery Dalal
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Thanks for watching! Head over to Instagram to follow along with the team! Chef Mike: instagram.com/mikesolomonov, and the restaurant: Instagram.com/Zahavrestaurant

[TheOriginalArchie]

I like how supportive they are of each other, they compliment each other and say humbling things in regards to their skills compared to the other chefs. That may just be for camera, but I feel like they were being genuine about it.

[caglioso]

I’ve had the privilege to eat at Zahav several times and it’s truly worth every penny. Every single dish is absolutely phenomenal. I just wish they would let you order a la carte now but I get why that’s tough.

[tp]

Had the pleasure of doing my apprenticeship here and what you see is what you get. True and dear artists at work

[joshuarusso]

I ate there 5 years ago and was inspired and blown away by not only the food but also the hospitality which were both top notch. The way they made you feel when you entered the restaurant was something that has stayed with me and something I try to pass onto my staff. Sustainability in this industry comes from putting others first

[chaunceylock]

Always cool to see a well run kitchen. Truly impressive.

[eduardoflorianantohe]

That lamb shoulder looks phenomenal. The type of dish that makes you go back to that specific restaurant just to eat it

[amitfink]

I ate at Zahav about a week ago or so, and I was absolutely blown away by the sheer quality of the food, and the way it was prepared! Every morsel that entered my face hole felt like a piece of heaven on earth!!!

My favorite dish by far was the lamb entree that came with rice. My taste buds were so turned on I had to find out who made it in order to thank him personally…
Turns out a young lad by the name of Remy (like the rat in Ratatouille!) absolutely killed it!

If anyone here is ever blessed with the opportunity to visit this restaurant, it would be a *felony* to not ask for the lamb made by Remy himself. If you want the complete experience you’ll 100% be retelling your grandchildren about in 50 years over and over again, ask for his special sauce on top of the rice. You won’t know what hit you, but your tastebuds will make sure you will never forget…

Thank me later.

[edwinsantonio]

The teamwork and how everyone understands their roll in the kitchen is so damn AMAZING. I can see why are they’re so successful.

[sharky]

This is what simple ingredients and love, produce. Well done chefs at Zahav!!

[jtorola]

Mise En Place is far away my favorite YouTube series and I get so happy every time a new one pops up

[Ace-cvxd]

that hummus...ive never seen any smoother than that. looks flipping amazing.

[sebastianjorgecruz]

I love watching the coordination that happens when a kitchen is working smoothly.

[thereissomecoolstuff]

Great to see young people preparing traditional ethnic food. This food looks delicious. Thank you.

[SincerelyBradley]

Everyone from Philly knows this place, one of the hardest reservations to get. Swing by dizengoff if you want their hummus!

[jedediahreaver]

The way he said Palestinian really made me respect him even more, a beautiful soul, very calm and composed, definitely gonna visit his restaurant.

[Linkzelda]

One of my all time favorite middle eastern restaurants I had the Privilege to eat here and go back in the kitchen. The staff here reminds me like my coworkers at my current kitchen job all getting along and helping one another!!

[janicelgo]

My favorite restaurant. Absolutely love laffa, hummus and salads (often get 4-6 small ones), then the various proteins, like duck hearts, lamb and fish are exceptional. Also, Mike run Federal donuts, Goldies, and a number of other Philadelphia institutions.

[dinckelman]

The kind of passion you see in these people is unparalleled

[Tantrumspam]

I've been to Zahav a few times now. From when they first opened to right before covid in 2019...and every single meal has been incredible. From having the back room with my entire family to just a 2 that pomegranate lamb again, I instantaneously started to crave that dish, it's the type of dish it sticks with you, the aroma, the umami, the after taste. If you can get reservations, go go go!