Oh the places we went!

Snapshots from a few places we went and events we hosted and fun things we did — that we didn’t always have a chance to write about!

People tasting and enjoying beer at a craft brewery tasting event, with beer barrels displayed on the wall and a sign for local mashing in the background.
Two people, a young man and a woman, standing side by side inside a restaurant, smiling at the camera, with a wooden wall and hanging menu signs in the background.
Group of people engaged in conversation at an indoor event, with a woman speaking and gesturing to a man, surrounded by other attendees, some wearing conference badges.
Person wearing a brown cap, black mask, and black jacket cooking in a professional kitchen, stirring a pot with a green vegetable in it, with other people preparing food in the background.

Ouita and some of our team at UK’s Local Food Systems Summit, March 2022. We think we were the only restaurant folks there!

Local Mash celebrating West Sixth Brewery’s 10th birthday, March 2022

Smithtown Seafood attained Lifetime Achievement status with the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s Kentucky Proud program.

Serving a Chinese family dinner with local high school student, Chen Hao Jiang, at Honeywood, March 2022. Proceeds benefited Chen’s charity of choice, the Lexington Rescue Mission.

Group of eight people smiling behind a table with the outline of a bull and the words 'Bull Local' in a restaurant or cafe with yellow and beige walls.
People gathered in a dimly lit room with string lights on the ceiling, watching a large screen displaying a slide with green and white graphics, in a restaurant or café setting.
Person taking a photo with a smartphone inside a brewery or industrial-style space with exposed brick walls and large windows.
Group of people at a bar raising glasses in a toast.

Gathering at the Thirsty Fox for our UpHome Release Party, and viewing the first episode. April 2022

Mike Hilton at the UpHome Release Party

A staff outing and tour at Barrel House Distilling. Leah Craig found a fun hat in the gift shop! May 2022

A man in a gray blazer and blue shirt standing in a bar or restaurant, with other patrons seated around, some drinking and chatting.
A woman with glasses and a fuzzy hat smiling inside a clothing store, with other people and shelves of hats in the background.

The Honeywood crew raising a glass to celebrate Honeywood’s fifth birthday! May 2022

Three people smiling and posing together indoors at a professional event, with a banner displaying the logo and name of KRM in the background.
Two women sitting outdoors on garden chairs, laughing and enjoying each other's company on a sunny day.
Rice topped with shredded carrots, chopped nuts, herbs, and pieces of chicken. Shredded carrots and chopped nuts are mixed on top of a bed of rice with herbs sprinkled over.

We hosted a luncheon with author Robyn Peterman benefiting Kentucky Refugee Ministries and served Qabuli Pulao, a traditional Afghan dish taught to us by a local refugee family.
Ouita Michel and Robyn Peterman enjoyed planning the lunch while checking out Robyn’s latest book.
Robyn’s husband Steve Zahn joined Lexington KRM Director Mary Cobb and Ouita Michel at the luncheon

Smiling woman in a green uniform leaning on a wooden fence outdoors with trees and parked cars in the background.
Group of six musicians, including violin, cello, and viola players, in a room with a grand piano, bookshelves, and a decorative rug.
Three men standing outdoors in a grassy area with trees, wearing aprons and casual clothing, appearing confident and relaxed.

We served an al fresco dinner at the International Chamber Music Festival hosted by Oxmoor Farm, June 2022

Chefs Ian, Jeremy & Bryson strike a serious pose while exploring the grounds.

Chef Ouita takes a seat with the musical talent.

We welcomed Kellie Sebastian to our staff as our local food aggregator, summer 2022

Hand holding a paper tray with three fried food balls at an outdoor event with tents and trees in the background.
Three smiling people standing under a tent at an outdoor event, with food and drink stations in the background.
Man with glasses and a beard smiling, holding a plate of food at an outdoor event under a tent

We went to CRAVE!

Lord Honey Jason Smith shows off a creation he and Chef Ouita had just made.

Daniel, Willa and Donna take a break between guests.

Honeywood’s Sweet Potato Beignets hit the festival scene and were gobbled up quickly.

July 2022

Cooking demonstration on stage with three presenters and an audience, kitchen scenery backdrop, digital screens overhead, and a table with a flower centerpiece.
People on stage preparing food with a woman playing violin on the left.
A woman with red hair, dressed in a black outfit with gold embellishments, stands topless with her back to the camera at a restaurant booth. Two women seated at the table, one with silver hair and glasses and the other with blonde hair, are smiling and laughing, looking at her.

Ouita Michel and Kentucky Commissioner of Agriculture Ryan Quarles engaged in a little friendly rivalry on the cooking stage at the Kentucky Sate Fair. August 2022

Honeywood hosted its first drag brunch, Drag Me to the Farm, to fund an LGBTQ in Agriculture scholarship at UK. August 2022

A musician in a white shirt and hat interacts with fans at an outdoor concert, with a stage and speakers in the background.

Anna Harrod, Tyler McNabb, Leslee Macpherson, Ed Lee and Ouita Michel took the stage at Bourbon & Beyond. Onstage as well but not pictured was artist Brenna McNabb. Her portrait of King Corn was later sold to raise money for flood relief in Eastern Kentucky.

Chef Ed Lee handed out snacks to the crowd.

September 2022

Three chefs in a kitchen preparing baked dishes and serving food.
Group of people in a restaurant taking a photo together, some wearing aprons, with framed pictures on the wall behind them.
A woman cooking at a culinary demonstration with flames coming from a pan on a table with ingredients and utensils.

Chefs Hannah, Hayden and Ian work on our annual Cassoulet feast at Holly Hill Inn. November 2022

Chef Ouita Michel cooks up treats for folks at the Bardstown Bourbon Festival. September 2022

Our team pauses for a photo before serving hundreds at Fasig- Tipton’s November Sale following the Breeder’s Cup. November 2022

Two women smiling and holding glasses of white wine at a festive gathering.
A man with a mustache smiling and posing in a whiskey barrel storage room, surrounded by stacked barrels.
Two women smiling behind a table of dishes featuring southern cuisine, with a backdrop displaying the Bluegrass area and the logo for 'Best of the Bluegrass' television show.

Arwen Donahue and Ouita Michel celebrate the release of Donahue’s book, Landings. December 2022

Jennifer Palumbo and Ouita Michel talk turkey on Best of the Bluegrass. November 2022

Tyler McNabb signs our chosen Buzzard’s Roost Bourbon after barrel selection. November 2022

That’s about all for this year but we look forward to what 2023 holds!