One recent addition to the family is Chef Josh Smouse (formerly of Holy Grale, Harrison-Smith House, and Edward Lee's acclaimed 610 Magnolia). As of next month, Smouse will be running the show at the 150-seat Honeywood, arguably the most significant Michel opening since Holly Hill Inn served its first multi-course dinner. Menu-wise, Honeywood ticks all the right trend boxes, including a daily vegetable special card that celebrates Kentucky's world-class agriculture; vegetarian-friendly mains like a "beet loaf" made of shredded root vegetables; refined comfort food (hello, country ham biscuits and roast chicken with creamed wild rice and baby greens); and a drinks menu that incorporates shrubs, craft beer, a tightly curated bourbon list, and buckets of honey.

For a really special meal, Bhatt suggests getting out of town to Ouita Michels's Holly Hill Inn. You won't even need to top off your tank after the trip since Bhatt promises, "It is a beautiful 12-minute drive away in Midway, Kentucky, and no one does Kentucky food any better than she does. The building that houses the restaurant is beautiful, with artwork from the chef's parents on the walls. The small menus change seasonally and are brilliantly executed. The wine selection is awesome, the bourbon selection equally so." He heaps on the lavish praise, stating, "This is on my list of top 10 restaurant meals anywhere ever list." What more do you need to hear?

Bourbon master Tim Knittel is directing the 1785 Bourbon Society at Holly Hill Inn, a bourbon appreciation society. The mission of the 1785 Bourbon Society is to educate bourbon drinkers from novice to aficionado – including palate training, mixology, food pairings and cooking with bourbon, along with bourbon history. Knittel is a professional bourbon educator and has been the general manager of the Culinary Program at Woodford Reserve.

Don’t feel like going out but want an elegant, intimate dinner for two from one of Central Kentucky’s most decorated restaurants?. Ouita Michel’s flagship restaurant, Holly Hill Inn has you covered and you don’t have to drive all the way to Midway. The $125 multi-course meal can be ordered online and picked up at either Wallace Station Deli and Bakery or Zim’s Cafe.

For farm-to-table dining enthusiasts, Holly Hill Inn offers an exceptional dining experience outside of downtown Lexington in nearby Midway. Chef Ouita Michel, a local culinary legend, creates dishes using fresh, seasonal ingredients from Kentucky farms. Her commitment to sustainability and local agriculture makes this restaurant a must-visit.

If you can only squeeze one meal from Ouita Michel into your trip, Holly Hill Inn is the spot. Helmed by Culinary Director Tyler McNabb, this pioneering farm-to-table restaurant crafts whimsical prix fixe menus around seasonal, hyperlocal fare in a bucolic setting just outside of Lexington.

Holly Hill Inn is a charming restaurant located in a restored Victorian house. Chef Ouita Michel, a champion of local sourcing, emphasizes fresh and seasonal ingredients, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

Holly Hill Inn: Located in nearby Midway, Holly Hill Inn offers upscale Southern cuisine in a charming historic setting. The menu features seasonal ingredients and classic dishes with a modern twist.

She got her start with her flagship, Holly Hill Inn, a Kentucky fine-dining restaurant in the heart of horse country.