Ouita Michel
Ouita Michel is an alumna of the Culinary Institute of America and the founder of a Central Kentucky culinary group collectively known as Holly Hill.
In 2001, she and her husband Chris opened the Holly Hill Inn, and fulfilled their dream of offering locally sourced food in a seasonal prix fixe menu format, paired with interesting and accessible wines. Their portfolio has grown to include six more restaurants, an events business, a bar, a bakery and a cooking studio.
Michel is a lifelong champion of Kentucky food and folkways and the culture of agriculture. She is also an author, food activist, multiple James Beard nominee and semifinalist, and a U.S. State Department Culinary Ambassador.
The Michels live in a 200-year-old log cabin adjacent to the Holly Hill Inn, where they raised their daughter Willa, now an undergrad at Columbia University.
Related Event
A warm welcome awaits at the Holly Hill Inn, a celebrated restaurant in the heart of Kentucky's Bluegrass, and a 2025 James Beard Foundation semifinalist for Outstanding Hospitality. Holly Hill Inn is owned by Ouita Michel, herself a JBF nominee and semifinalist several times over, and her husband Chris. Holly Hill Inn is known for imaginative menus, an award-winning wine list, and a bourbon library with over 100 bottles. For this 90/90 event, Holly Hill Inn will feature a multi-course Kentucky dinner with wine pairings, Woodford Reserve bourbon cocktails, and garden tours on the grounds.