One of Central Kentucky’s top chefs is dishing secrets in a new video series
Ever wondered how one of Kentucky’s top chefs landed in out-of-the-way Midway? Well, Ouita Michel is spilling the tea.
She and her husband, Chris, partnered with Kentucky filmmaker Harrison Witt for a series of videos called “Up Home with Ouita Michel” that debuted April 7 on her web site, hollyhillandco.com.
The first online episode delves into why the Michels opened Holly Hill Inn. Along the way they reveal that they’ve had encounters with ghost hunters and mediums who find the restaurant’s building intriguing too.
Ouita Michel also talks with local growers who have been crucial to her success. Three Springs Farm vegetable grower David Wagoner, who farms in Nicholas County, also reveals something shocking: Some chefs don’t know what to do with his CSA vegetables either.
The next episode, with chef and breadmaker Freda Raglin, will be released in May. Future episodes will feature FoodChain, Happy Jack’s Pumpkin Farm, Crank & Boom ice cream maker Toa Green, Smithtown Seafood chef Agnes Marrero, Wrigley Taproom chef Kristin Smith, acclaimed Kentucky writer Crystal Wilkinson, Three Springs Farm and The Berry Center.
The series will touch on local agriculture, family heritage, world cuisine and social justice, according to a news release.
Michel’s goal with the series is to redefine food culture by celebrating the stories behind it while answering the question, “What is Kentucky’s cuisine?”
“Our story goes deeper than what’s on your plate. It’s woven by the people, places, and ingredients behind every dish. And when we celebrate these things, a new food culture is born — paving the way for generations to come,” Michel said in the release.
Michel, an eight-time James Beard Foundation Award nominee, operates Holly Hill Inn, Zim’s Cafe, Wallace Station, Smithtown Seafood, Windy Corner Market, The Midway Bakery & Cafe, and Honeywood. She also was guest judge on “Top Chef” season 16 filmed in Kentucky.
How to watch ‘Up Home with Ouita Michel’
Streaming online: hollyhillandco.com
Cost: Free
Episodes: Six, with the first debuting April 7 and the next coming in May
This story was originally published April 11, 2022 at 12:28 PM.
