The Ouita Michel Cooking Workshop at Holly Hill Inn in Midway, Kentucky is a hands-on culinary class offered in the tradition of James Beard–nominated chef Ouita Michel, whose family of restaurants has anchored Kentucky's farm-to-table movement for over two decades. Holly Hill Inn, at 426 W Main Street in the small Bluegrass town of Midway, serves as the flagship venue for these workshops, combining a working inn and fine-dining restaurant with a teaching kitchen that draws directly from the farm network Ouita Michel's restaurants have cultivated across central Kentucky. Sessions run three to four hours and take participants through the preparation of dishes that anchor Kentucky farm-to-table cooking — seasonal vegetable preparations, Kentucky-raised pork or poultry, grain-forward sides using regionally milled products, and desserts built around local dairy and fruit. Produce used in each class comes from farms within the Ouita Michel supply network, some located within a short drive of Midway, and class instructors explain sourcing decisions, seasonal substitution, and technique as participants cook alongside them. Pricing ranges from $85 to $125 per person depending on the session and menu, and includes all ingredients, instruction, and a full meal served at the conclusion of the class. Group sizes are deliberately small — typically eight to twelve participants — to ensure hands-on access to every cooking station and direct interaction with instructors. Classes are conducted in English. The workshop calendar is seasonal, with sessions scheduled around the Holly Hill Inn's restaurant operation and the availability of locally sourced ingredients; the current calendar is published at ouitamichel.com. Dietary restrictions can be discussed with the workshop team at booking, though the farm-to-table format does incorporate animal proteins. Midway is approximately 25 miles southwest of Lexington and 60 miles east of Louisville, making it accessible as a day trip from either city with prior planning.
What is included
- Hands-on Kentucky recipe instruction
- Farm produce from Ouita Michel's own farms
- Meal at the end of the class
Good to know
- Operator
- Ouita Michel Restaurants (ouitamichel.com, +1 859-846-4732)
Location
426 W Main St, Midway, KY 40347
38.1503, -84.6843 View on map
Highlights
- Hands-on cooking class in the tradition of James Beard–nominated chef Ouita Michel at historic Holly Hill Inn in Midway
- Seasonal farm-to-table menu uses produce from Ouita Michel's own Kentucky farm supply network
- Small-group format of 8-12 participants ensures direct interaction with instructors at every cooking station
- Full Kentucky farm-to-table meal served at the conclusion of each session as part of the experience
- Class dates and menus rotate seasonally — current schedule is published at ouitamichel.com
Tips for visiting
- Book well in advance — class dates are limited and the small group cap means sessions sell out quickly after announcement
- Wear comfortable close-toed shoes and clothing that can tolerate kitchen splatter; aprons are provided on the day
- The class concludes with a full meal, so arrive with a moderate appetite rather than eating a heavy meal beforehand
- Midway has limited accommodation; guests planning an overnight stay should book early, especially in Kentucky's spring and fall shoulder seasons
- Dietary restrictions should be flagged at booking so the kitchen can plan ingredient substitutions where possible
Frequently asked questions
Do participants need cooking experience to attend?
No prior cooking experience is required. The workshop is designed for food-curious participants at all skill levels, and instructors pace the session to accommodate beginners and experienced home cooks equally.
How do I book a session?
Current class dates and booking links are available at ouitamichel.com. The calendar is updated seasonally as new dates are confirmed, so checking back regularly is recommended for the best selection.
Is the Holly Hill Inn kitchen wheelchair accessible?
The historic inn's kitchen and dining spaces may present accessibility limitations. Guests with mobility needs should contact Ouita Michel Restaurants directly at +1 859-846-4732 before booking to confirm whether a specific session is suitable.
What should participants bring to the class?
Nothing beyond personal medication or dietary supplements is required. All ingredients, aprons, tools, and the final meal are provided as part of the session price.
Can the workshop accommodate vegetarians or guests with food allergies?
Some ingredient substitutions can be arranged with advance notice at booking. Fully vegan or severely allergen-restricted menus may not be possible at every session — contact the operator to confirm what can be accommodated before reserving.