Georgetown, Kentucky is embracing a unique culinary experience reminiscent of the popular trend known as “closed-door restaurants.” These exclusive dining events allow guests to enjoy gourmet meals in secret locations. At the heart of this trend in Central Kentucky is Bleubird Studio + Suites, where hostess Jane Hale has combined her love for food and community.
Located at 427 W Main St., Bleubird offers guests an intimate setting for culinary exploration. Hale, who relocated from Manhattan after thirty-two years to seek a quieter life, transformed her two-story house into a space that not only hosts overnight stays but also features a full-service yoga and Pilates studio and an art gallery showcasing local talent.
The dining experience is spearheaded by chef Rodney Jones from Rodney’s on Broadway, who conducts monthly cooking classes followed by a three-course lunch. The next event is scheduled for November 10, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Guests pay $85 per person and are encouraged to bring their own beverages. Reservations can be made through the Bleubird website.
Since their inception in 2021, these cooking classes have evolved from virtual formats during the pandemic to in-person events limited to thirty guests. Attendees arrive at 2 p.m. each Sunday to partake in a surprise multi-course meal, fostering a sense of camaraderie among attendees.
The concept arose when Hale, seeking a way to keep both her and Jones’s businesses afloat during COVID, invited the chef to cook steaks she had flown in from a renowned Brooklyn steakhouse. This collaboration has blossomed into a vibrant social gathering that many have come to cherish.
Repeat visitation is common, with about 40% of attendees returning for more. Tamera Gregory, a recent diner who moved from Columbus, Ohio, emphasized the appeal of the local connections and exceptional food primarily driving their return visits.
Chef Jones, a former protégé of the late chef Stanley Demos, has established a rich culinary adventure at Bleubird. Menus typically include fresh seafood, and although attendees enter without prior knowledge of the meal, the ambiance of positivity and community is a constant.
Jane Hale encapsulates the mission of Bleubird by stating, “This isn’t a cooking class in the traditional sense, it’s about community.” As it continues to flourish, Bleubird Studio + Suites stands as a testament to the power of creativity, resilience, and connection through food in the heart of Georgetown, Kentucky.
