“Solomonov’s food is the genuine cooking that you find all over Israel . . . cooking that bursts with freshly ground spices and complex flavors, from char-edged kebabs to tahini-rich sauces, chewy grains, fresh herbs and rainbows of vegetable salatim, or small cold salads that are the vivid starting point of every meal.” — New York Times on Zahav
“Fantastic…Zahav is a first-rate restaurant book, a thorough exploration of a country’s cuisine, and an epic primer on the many uses of tahini. Any student of Middle Eastern food would be wise to add it to their bookshelf.” — Epicurious.com
“The pervasive feeling is one of warmth and commensality and celebration, family-style platters rather than perfect platings, a paean to off-the-cuff pleasures and raucous gatherings.” — Eater on Zahav
"In the follow-up to their 2016 James Beard Award–winning Zahav, chef Solomonov and his business partner Cook (together they have a string of restaurants in Philadelphia) mine the melting pot of Israel for the 70-year-old country’s classic meals. Dishes are examined with quasi-Talmudic love...[and] temptingly presented. Whether cracking a joke about hummus (“After almost 1,000 years, people are pretty much okay with where hummus is at. It doesn’t need to be deconstructed”) or offering thorough guidance for crafting pita dough, this duo strikes a heartwarming, enthusiastic tone. Expect this offering to be as successful as Zahav." — Publishers Weekly (starred review) on Israeli Soul
“An irresistible invitation to enjoy the legendary soul food of Israel.” — BookPage on Israeli Soul
. . .Culinary novices will especially appreciate the vivid photographs included with many of the recipes, the encouraging and friendly tone the authors employ, and recipes that repurpose leftover bits and pieces from fridge and pantry that often end up in the trash can (see, for instance, the watermelon-rind pickles). VERDICT Home cooks will think they have struck culinary gold with this passionate guide to the bright, bold flavors of Israel. — John Charles, Library Journal