Michael Solomonov is a beloved champion of Israel's extraordinarily diverse and vibrant culinary landscape. He is co-owner of CookNSolo Restaurants with hospitality entrepreneur, Steve Cook, and Chef of Zahav. Michael is co-author of three cookbooks, and the recipient of the following James Beard awards: 2011 “Best Chef, Mid-Atlantic”; 2016 “Best International Cookbook” and “Book of the Year” for his best-selling Zahav: A World of Israeli Cooking; 2017 “Outstanding Chef”; and 2019 “Outstanding Restaurant” for Zahav. Outside of the restaurants, you can often find Mike with Steve at Pho 75 in Philadelphia, working out the kinks in their Israeli village.

Katreena Kanney began her pastry career in 2016. Recently sober and in search of a new direction, she taught herself pastry techniques and would share her creations with friends and family. Katreena then took her self-taught talent to her first professional pastry role at Vegan Commissary in Philadelphia. After scooping muffins and making scones at Vegan Commissary, Katreena moved on to become a pastry cook at The Continental Midtown restaurant. Eight months later, she joined the opening team of K’Far in Philadelphia as a pastry cook. Katreena was soon promoted to Sous Chef and then, in 2020, Pastry Chef for the CookNSolo hospitality group.