Holly Hill Inn Celebrated as James Beard Award Semifinalist

News Summary

Holly Hill Inn in Midway, Kentucky, has been named a semifinalist for the prestigious James Beard Award in the Outstanding Hospitality category. Owned by Chef Ouita Michel, the inn has been a beloved part of the community since 2001, known for its locally sourced menu that captures Southern flavors. With its current prix fixe menu offering, Holly Hill Inn aims to provide diners with a remarkable culinary experience. As it competes with 16 other exceptional restaurants for the award, anticipation builds for the upcoming announcements.

Midway’s Culinary Jewel Shines Bright as James Beard Award Semifinalist!

Midway, Kentucky, is buzzing with excitement as the beloved Holly Hill Inn has been recognized as a semifinalist for the prestigious James Beard Award in the Outstanding Hospitality category. Since its opening in 2001, this charming restaurant has become a core part of the community, nestled within a historic rural inn that dates back to the 1800s. Talk about dining with a touch of history!

The Visionary Behind the Magic

The magic behind Holly Hill Inn is none other than the talented Chef Ouita Michel. With this current nomination, Chef Michel has now received an impressive total of eight James Beard Award nominations throughout her career. Her dedication to creating memorable dining experiences has truly set her apart in the culinary scene. Notably, she was last nominated as a semifinalist for Best Chef: Southeast in 2022. The spotlight is also shining bright on one of her former protégés, Lawrence Weeks, who was nominated the previous year.

A Celebration of Local Flavors

What makes Holly Hill Inn stand out? It’s all about the food! The restaurant is renowned for its menu filled with locally sourced foods that beautifully represent the rich flavors of the South. Each dish embodies a combination of seasonal ingredients and Southern hospitality, making every meal feel like a warm hug from your grandmother.

Prix Fixe Special Menu

Currently, diners can indulge in an enticing prix fixe special menu priced at a delightful $45. This fabulous deal includes a starter, first course, entrée, and dessert, offering guests an opportunity to savor a true culinary journey without breaking the bank. It’s the perfect excuse for a night out with family or friends—gather round and enjoy a taste of Midway!

Culinary Competition and Recognition

As part of this year’s James Beard Awards, Holly Hill Inn finds itself competing with 16 other outstanding restaurants from across the nation. All eyes are now on April, when the finalists will be announced, and as we gear up for June, the awards ceremony in Chicago will reveal the winners. Fingers crossed that Midway can bring home the trophy!

Multi-talented Chef Michel

Chef Michel isn’t just limited to Holly Hill Inn; she also operates several other restaurants spread throughout Kentucky and Lexington. Dining at Wallace Station, Windy Corner, Honeywood, Smithtown Seafood, and Zim’s Café should definitely be on your culinary bucket list! But wait, there’s more—she manages a bakery known as Midway Bakery and a fun cocktail bar called The Thirsty Fox. With a special events division at Fasig Tipton, it’s clear that Chef Michel knows how to keep herself busy and delighting patrons throughout the region.

More Exciting News for Kentucky

The good news doesn’t stop with Holly Hill Inn! Kentucky also boasts another semifinalist in the Outstanding Bar category for 2025—The Bar at Willett in Bardstown. Additionally, in the Best Chef: Southeast category, Kentucky is shining with nominations for Noam Bilitzer of MeeshMeesh Mediterranean in Louisville, and Sara Bradley of Freight House in Paducah. Sara gained fame as a runner-up on “Top Chef: Kentucky” in 2019, so it’s clear that Kentucky knows how to showcase exceptional culinary talents!

The Future Looks Bright

As the buzz around Holly Hill Inn continues to grow, one thing is for sure—the future is looking bright for Midway’s culinary scene. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, be sure to treat yourself to a dining experience that’s full of Southern charm and lots of love. Cheers to Holly Hill Inn and Chef Ouita Michel for making Midway proud and bringing a slice of Kentucky flavor to the national stage!

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HERE Resources

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Additional Resources

• Kentucky.com: Restaurant News
• Kentucky Living: Midway Restaurant Award
• Wine Spectator: A Kentucky Celebration
• Holly Hill & Co.: A Life of Simplicity
• Southern Living: Woodford County
• Wikipedia: James Beard Award
• Google Search: Kentucky culinary scene
• Google Scholar: Ouita Michel
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Southern Cuisine
• Google News: Chef Ouita Michel