Just a Few Miles South: Timeless Recipes from Our Favorite Places

by Ouita Michel, Silas House (Foreword), Brenna Flannery (Illustrator)

For twenty years, diners in the Bluegrass have been able to satisfy their cravings for Ouita Michel's sustainable, farm-to-table cuisine at her many acclaimed restaurants. Each restaurant―from Wallace Station to Holly Hill Inn―features dishes that combine Kentucky's bounty with Michel's celebrated vision. Diners can enjoy traditional southern staples like buttermilk biscuits, country ham, and Po-Boy sandwiches, or opt for unique variations on international favorites and American classics. Now, readers around the country can experience what makes Ouita Michel a culinary and cultural treasure.

Just a Few Miles South serves up the recipes that patrons of Michel's restaurants have come to know and love, including the Bluegrass Benedict breakfast sandwich, Ouita's Sardou Panini, Wallace Station's Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Soup, and Honeywood's Hoecake Burger. Some dishes offer creative twists on classics, like the Inside Out Hot Brown, the Wallace Cubano, or the Bourbon Banh Mi. Throughout, the chefs responsible for these delicious creations share the rich traditions and stories behind the recipes. When you can't get down to your favorite place, this book will help you bring home the aroma, the flavors, and the love of fresh foods made with locally sourced ingredients―and share it all with friends and family.

Genres: Cookbooks, Nonfiction, Cooking

200 pages, Hardcover

Published April 27, 2021

Reviews

[Kym Miller Pope · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was fortunate enough to get to know and work with Ouita through the Woodford County Extension Office and Farmers Market in Versailles, KY. She is a genuinely passionate person and great chef and I have eaten at all of her restaurants. She also promotes and buys from local farmers for all of her restaurants. I was so excited when our Big Blue Book Club selected her book! She did several guest spots and participated in a Q&A with us on Zoom. This cookbook contains several of her best recipes served in her restaurants and her family favorites as well. I highly recommend this book, especially if you live in or have visited the Central Kentucky area!

[Kim Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

About 18 years ago, before all the restaurants and the James Beard nomination, I went to one of Ouita’s cooking classes at Williams Sonoma and found her captivating, a true professional. You could tell she was something special and it is so nice to see how successful she’s become.

Every Kentucky cook needs this book! I loved reading through the stories, the recipes are so approachable, and the illustrations are charming.

I can’t wait to get in the kitchen with this.

[Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I've never eaten at one of her restaurants (yet, I should say), I was interested to read a cookbook from a chef that you hear a lot about in central Kentucky. What I didn't expect was to enjoy reading the vignettes so much and to find so many of the recipes approachable. I'm very much looking forward to trying quite a few of them!

[Pamela Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recipes from restaurants in Kentucky. I enjoyed reading about the development of the recipes and restaurants. Drawings are engaging but no pictures and pictures are what draws me into wanting to try a recipe

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Favorite Cookbook

This has become my go to cookbook. I've cooked several recipes from it and all have been delicious, especially the orzo salad! Also, the recipes aren't too difficult to make either. I love this cookbook!

[Mary C · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is never a time I don't love reading about the South and it's wonderful recipes and food. Makes you want to hit the road and visit all the places!

[Ms. Tongate, TLC Librarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great gift book.

[John Tipper · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's a fine forward by Silas House. And great illustrations by Brenna Flannery. Ouita Michel, Sara Gibbs and Genie Graf have composed some wonderful recipes. Focused on Southern cuisine.

[Brandy Corbin]

Wonderful, regional cookbook that inspires close-to-home cooking traditions and ingredients. Loved it!

[Kaitlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm originally from the South and I miss the food probably and unhealthy amount. This cookbook has all your favorite foods with clear to follow instructions. There's multiple sections on sandwiches which is such an unappreciated art.

I would prefer some pictures but the illustrations are nice.

I received a copy on Edelweiss+ all opinions are my own.