Zahav Star Michael Solomonov Is Opening a Falafel Shop

This is the moment Philadelphia — and really, America — has been waiting for: Michael Solomonov is opening a falafel shop. Sound the alarms for Philly newcomer Goldie: The latest from the Zahav chef and his partner-in-empire-building, Steve Cook, will welcome guests starting tomorrow.

The menu is tightly focused: There’s falafel (in a pita sandwich or a salad), french fries (with various spice options), and tehina shakes (flavors include Turkish coffee). Here’s what there’s not: dairy or meat. Goldie is completely vegan. The restaurant seats 20, and has a standing counter. A press release says that the restaurant is modeled after Israeli-style falafel shops, a favorite cheap — and essential — restaurant genre in cities like Tel Aviv.

It’s been a big first quarter for the CookNSolo group, who are bringing Goldie to the space above their recently opened subterranean luncheonette Rooster Soup Co. The team is also working on a massive national expansion of their beloved fried chicken and doughnuts shop, Federal Donuts. It’s easy to see how quick-service falafel from one of the country’s most famed Israeli food evangelists could go national too.

Here, now, enjoy more pics from Goldie:

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• Goldie [Official]