Michael Solomonov: Behind the Scenes with the Philly Restaurateur

We know him; we love him; and we love to watch him do what he loves to do in the city that loves him so. When Chef Michael Solomonov (aka: Mike) isn’t in one of his kitchens, driving around the new 2016 Audi S7, or putting his hands up in the boxing ring, which is “without a question of a doubt, the best workout one could ever have,” he is taking a lead role in recruiting the best chefs to Audi FEASTIVAL in a town that is “incredibly dynamic, soulful, and sorry for the pun, hungry for new ideas.” Sponsored by Audi, a leader in premium automobiles, Audi FEASTIVAL is an annual event that merges two of this city’s most beloved genres. All to benefit FringeArts, which celebrates and promotes the live arts in Philadelphia, Audi FEASTIVAL has found a “natural home” in the City of Brotherly Love.

When thinking about it, we wondered what “live arts” actually means to this city. “The live arts adds cultural richness to Philadelphia – it is part of what makes our city and Philadelphians so cool,” Solomonov perfectly explains. And though he has yet to conceive of his exact contributions to this year’s benefit, he is already contributing by way of the example he sets day-in and day-out due to his active and energizing lifestyle, which in his own words, make him better as a chef. Joe Hand Boxing Gym, which Mike was introduced to by his “good friend and chef, Jeff Michaud,” was pretty much love at first site for the healthy-living chef, and he simply, “fell in love with it immediately.”  Good thing for those of us who live to down his culinary genius, a healthy dose of coffee and donuts are always to be enjoyed, thankfully.

With Audi FEASTIVAL coming up on its sixth year, it is “the only culinary event that has live arts procured from around the world performing side by side with the top chefs and restaurants of Philadelphia,” notes Solomonov. Set on a backdrop of the Delaware River, and attended by more than 1,000 patrons, it is a one-of-a-kind event in Philadelphia.

The September 17^th event at FringeArts, 140 N. Columbus Blvd., will once again showcase another much talked about auction item that Solomonov looks forward to giving as much as the highest bidder can’t wait to receive. “We like to have fun and basically try to push people to do crazy things with me,” and if the video above offers the hint, he’s stoked to offer it up. “Sounds like there might be a boxing theme this year.” Our suggestion? Get your gloves out now; this award-winning chef is no joke in the ring – or on the road.

Experience the full line of Audi vehicles at your nearest Delaware Valley Audi Dealer, including the power and class-leading technology of the new 2016 Audi A6, S6, A7 or S7. Click here to learn more about the award-winning vehicles you will see at this year’s Audi FEASTIVAL.