This Kentucky chef was just nominated for ‘the Oscars of the food world’
Legendary Kentucky chef Ouita Michel was doing what she has done her whole career on Wednesday — promoting local farms — when news broke that she is a semifinalist for the prestigious James Beard Restaurateur of the Year award.
Michel was stunned when the organizer of the Kentucky Local Food Systems Summit told the room the news.
Lilian Brislen congratulated her as she received hugs from fellow panelist Toa Green of Crank & Boom Ice Cream and Jonathan Searle, chef at 21c’s Proof in Louisville as well as friends in the room.
“Wow, that is wonderful!” Michel said. “It’s an amazing thing to be singled out by the James Beard Foundation from restaurateurs all across the country. I honestly don’t know ... I’m speechless. I’m just so overwhelmed.”
“It means she’s finally getting the recognition she deserves,” said Brislen, Executive Director of The Food Connection.
It’s her second time as a nominee for Restaurateur of the Year, and her seventh nomination in total for Beard awards, known as “the Oscars of the food world.” She has been nominated several times as Best Chef Southeast.
The 20 category semifinalists were released Wednesday, along with semifinalists in other categories. Finalists will be named on March 25 and the awards will be presented May 4 in Chicago.
Other Kentucky semifinalists were Annie Pettry of Decca in Louisville for Best Chef Southeast, and Drew Kulsveen of Willett Distillery in Bardstown for Outstanding Wine, Beer or Spirits Professional.
For the Outstanding Restaurateur Award, a semifinalist is judged as a working restaurateur who sets high national standards in restaurant operations and entrepreneurship, according to a news release. Candidates must have been in the restaurant business for at least 10 years.
Michel operates 10 restaurants in Central Kentucky including Holly Hill Inn and The Midway Bakery in Midway; Wallace Station Deli in Versailles; Windy Corner Market and Restaurant, Smithtown Seafood, Honeywood, Zim’s Cafe and The Thirsty Fox, and Holly Hill Events in Lexington; and Glenn’s Creek Cafe at Woodford Reserve Distillery, where she is the chef-in-residence.
In a statement, Michel credited her co-workers and the chefs at her restaurants. “I am thrilled to work with such a talented team, who also earned this honor,” Michel said. “This nomination recognizes the strength of Kentucky’s incredible farmers, and our Bluegrass region’s reputation for unrivaled hospitality.”
Semifinalists for Outstanding Restaurateur
- Paul Bartolotta, The Bartolotta Restaurants, Milwaukee (Ristorante Bartolotta, Harbor House, Lake Park Bistro, and others)
- Jamie Bissonnette and Ken Oringer, JK Food Group, Boston (Little Donkey, Toro, Coppa)
- JoAnn Clevenger, Upperline Restaurant, New Orleans
- Sameer Eid and Samy Eid, Birmingham, MI, and Detroit (Phoenicia, Forest, Leila)
- Benjamin Goldberg and Max Goldberg, Strategic Hospitality, Nashville (The Catbird Seat, The Patterson House, Henrietta Red, and others)
- Ruth Gresser, Pizzeria Paradiso, Washington, D.C. (Pizzeria Paradiso)
- Martha Hoover, Patachou Inc., Indianapolis (Café Patachou, Public Greens, Bar One Fourteen, and others)
- Jennifer Jasinski, Beth Gruitch, Crafted Concepts, Denver (Rioja, Bistro Vendôme, Stoic & Genuine, and others)
- Mike Mastro and Jeff Mastro, Prime Steak Concepts, Scottsdale, AZ (Dominick’s Steakhouse, Steak 44, Ocean 44)
- Thomas McNaughton, David Steele and David White, Ne Timeas Restaurant Group, San Francisco (Flour + Water, Central Kitchen, Trick Dog)
- Larry McGuire, McGuire Moorman Hospitality, Austin (Jeffrey’s, Perla’s, Pool Burger, and others)
- Jay McSharry, Portsmouth, NH (Jumpin’ Jay’s Fish Cafe, Vida Cantina, Moxy, and others)
- Ouita Michel, Ouita Michel Family of Restaurants, Lexington, KY (Holly Hill Inn, The Midway Bakery and Cafe, Honeywood, and others)
- Willy Ng, Magic Gourmet Trading, San Francisco (Koi Palace, Dragon Beaux, Palette Tea House)
- Akkapong “Earl” Ninsom, Portland, OR (Langbaan, PaaDee, Hat Yai)
- Steve Palmer, The Indigo Road, Charleston, SC (Indaco, The Macintosh, O-Ku Sushi, and others)
- Alex Raij and Eder Montero, NYC (La Vara, Saint Julivert Fisherie, Txikito)
- Cookie Till, Margate, NJ (Steve and Cookie’s, Ventnor No. 7311)
- Tracy Vaught, H Town Restaurant Group, Houston (Hugo’s, Xochi, Caracol, and others)
- Jason Wang, Xi’an Famous Foods, NYC
