It may look serene now, but Morgan’s Pier will turn into a Klezmer Inferno on Monday.
Like many chefs in this town, Michael Solomonov can’t stay still. He’s got his fingers in the pies of Zahav, Federal Donuts and Percy Street Barbecue. Yet somehow he finds time to host a pre-Fourth of July dinner party with a handful of his notable chef pals. And the fact that it’s on a Monday just means you’ll have to spend all weekend dreaming about what Solo & Co. are going to serve up.
The event, called Down the Shore, is now in its fourth year and it’s bigger and funkier than ever before. This year it’ll be at waterfront bar/restaurant/music venue Morgan’s Pier.
“We wanted to do it in a bigger venue because it’s getting better and better,” says Solomonov. And as if having Solomonov and nine of Philly’s sharpest chefs making you hors d’oeuvres and a buffet spread wasn’t enough, there’s a theme to this get together.
“The first year it started as a Jersey Shore theme with a Journey cover band. Every year we do something different,” Solomonov explains. “Two years ago it was a ’70s Love Boat theme and last year was our best year yet. It was a zombie luau.” When asked why he went the themed party route Solomonov says, “I think we’re just having a good time. When it started there were lots of dinners happening. [Chef] Dave Katz made a pork dinner, then a duck dinner and a couple of callabo dinners. We thought it’d be cool to have a theme that wasn’t animal-based.”
This year? It’s Klezmer Inferno. For those unfamiliar with the term, Klezmer is an Eastern European Jewish style of music. West Philadelphia Orchestra will be performing to help get you in the party mood — and out onto the dance floor.
The chefs
Solomonov isn’t the only name you’ll recognize in the kitchen. Taking part in Down the Shore this year – some returning and some fresh faces – are Jen Carroll (Bravo’s Top Chef), Terence Feury (Tavro 13), David Katz (Mémé), Nick Macri (Southwark), Erin O’Shea (Percy Street BBQ), Lucio Palazzo (La Calaca Feliz), George Sabatino (Morgan’s Pier), John Taus (The Corner), and Peter Woolsey (Bistrot La Minette).
If you go
July 1
6-10 p.m.
Morgan’s Pier
221 N. Columbus Blvd.
$85
www.cooknsolo.com
