Michael Solomonov Returns to Miami
Plus, Valerie Chang's Beard, and David is Breaking my Heart
When Michael Solomonov opened branches of two of his Philadelphia-based fast-casual concepts in Wynwood back in 2017, I was elated.
Federal Donuts offered not only doughnuts, but amazing fried chicken, and Dizengoff’s hummus was everything anyone could want in light fare. Sadly. both eateries closed about six months after opening mostly due to street closures and construction on the block where both establishments resided.
Both of these restaurants, however, didn’t even touch the surface of what Solomonov could produce. The uber-talented toque’s finest foods can be found at his stellar Philadelphia establishment, Zahav. The restaurant, which won a James Beard for Outstanding Restaurant in 2019, offers an $85 per person dinner of fragrant, Israeli food that manages to be both sophisticated and comforting at the same time. Its bar is also one of Philadelphia’s (or any city, for that matter) best values where diners can order a la carte items like hummus or a brisket kebab with their cocktail.
Even his breakfast and lunch spot, K’far is far superior to most casual dining establishments I’ve been to. On my last visit to Philadelphia, I was charmed by the welcoming decor and the best babka I’ve ever encountered. As you can tell, I am a fan of Solomonov’s work.
Miamians who have traveled to Philadelphia to eat the chef’s fine food should now be thrilled beyond belief with the news that he’s opening Aviv at the 1 Hotel South Beach this fall. The name “Aviv” means spring in Hebrew — a perfect name for a restaurant in Miami, where we pray for Springlike weather but, instead get termites, hurricanes, and scorching temperatures (with humidity added for some flavor). It’s also a reference to Tel Aviv, which is often compared to Miami for its vibrant community with a water view.
The restaurant, by Solomonov and restaurateur Steve Cook’s CookNSolo Hospitality Group, will offer Israeli cuisine that blends ancient cooking methods with the energy of modern Tel Aviv.
Dishes will include Yemenite-style bread rolled by hand to accompany Solomonov’s world-famous hummus, mezze plates, and kebabs grilled to order over charcoal in an open kitchen. The bar will offer citrus-forward cocktails and a wine list that features vintages from Israel, Lebanon, and the wider Eastern Mediterranean region.
The 186-seat restaurant will feature indoor and outside seating as well as a dedicated bar and lounge. Shalom!
Aviv opens at the 1 Hotel South Beach, 2341 Collins Ave., Miami Beach; @aviv.southbeach.
It Took a Woman to Bring a Beard to Miami
For a decade now, the James Beard Awards have snubbed Miami. Sure, there were finalists and nominees and short lists, and some writer awards (Carlos Frias won two Beards for his work at the Miami Herald), but the chef and restaurant awards eluded us.
Finally, that curse has been broken by Valerie Chang for her Midtown Miami restaurant, Maty’s. The restaurant, named after her grandmother, offers a very personal menu of Peruvian dishes.
This past Monday, Chang received the James Beard for Best Chef:South. Previously, Chang had been nominated for a Beard in the Rising Star Chef category (a category for young up-and-coming chefs). Miami has long been familiar with this family of chefs, with Valerie, her brother Nando, and dad Fernando giving Miami the beloved Itame in the Design District and B-Side in Wynwood. Finally!
Get a reservation while you can at 3255 NE 1st Ave, Miami; matysmiami.com.
David’s Picture is Killing Me — Here’s Why
Each week, I peruse the MDAS site to feature an adoptable dog here on Miami Checklist. Each picture of these good girls and bois breaks my heart, but David’s picture really killed me. Here’s why.
In the picture, David is a happy, healthy curious doggo. Bright eyes and a little grin. He;s also with two people who seem to be waiting to GIVE HIM AWAY. They look like they’re casually waiting to ruin this little guy’s spirit. Have you ever been dumped by someone? A boyfriend or a wife? How did that pain feel to you? That gut punch to your soul? Now add to that being locked in a cage and ignored for most of the day. Well, that’s what happens to David and the other dogs and cats at the shelter.
If that gave you a terrible sensation — GOOD! That’s what these words were meant to do. Now, if you have room in your heart and your home then go and adopt David or one of the other thousands of animals lingering in shelters. I guarantee that bringing a dog or cat home will be the best thing you will ever do in your entire life.
If you’re interested in David, his number is A2334194 and he’s in Kennel number TB06.
Batch Gastropub is the sponsor of our dog adoption section. If you adopt one of these guys (or any dog because of the Miami Checklist), Batch will supply you with a gift card for the amount of the adoption fee. So get a dog, get a burger…or something like that. Contact me for details.
David is one of hundreds of dogs available at Miami-Dade Animal Services. If you’re looking to bring a new best friend into the family, this is the place to start your search. Adoptions are only done in person, and you should bring a current picture ID and proof of current address. Dogs older than four months carry a $65 adoption fee and puppies are $85 — all dogs come home fully vaccinated, are dewormed, and have been spayed/neutered. In other words, adopting a dog is the best deal in Miami. Gorgeous!
Get David at Miami-Dade Animal Services. 3599 NW 79 Ave., Doral; 305-884-1101; miamidade.gov/animals
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