One recent addition to the family is Chef Josh Smouse (formerly of Holy Grale, Harrison-Smith House, and Edward Lee's acclaimed 610 Magnolia). As of next month, Smouse will be running the show at the 150-seat Honeywood, arguably the most significant Michel opening since Holly Hill Inn served its first multi-course dinner. Menu-wise, Honeywood ticks all the right trend boxes, including a daily vegetable special card that celebrates Kentucky's world-class agriculture; vegetarian-friendly mains like a "beet loaf" made of shredded root vegetables; refined comfort food (hello, country ham biscuits and roast chicken with creamed wild rice and baby greens); and a drinks menu that incorporates shrubs, craft beer, a tightly curated bourbon list, and buckets of honey.

Wallace Station, located on scenic Old Frankfort Pike between Midway and Lexington, Ky., is a casual, family-friendly stop for oversized sandwiches on Midway Bakery bread, hearty soups, healthy salads, and delicious Midway Bakery sweets. Grab lunch and enjoy the view of nearby pastures from a picnic table on the deck. Featured on Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives” and The Cooking Channel’s “Best Thing I Ever Ate”, Wallace Station’s grilled hamburgers and freshly made sandwiches will be some of the best things you ever ate!

The results are the bakery’s Sorghum Crinkle, the Traditional Hot Brown at Wallace Station (Michel calls it a humble sandwich shop, but it’s been featured on the Food Network) and nearly the whole menu at Holly Hill Inn — the fine-dining flagship of her fleet. My apologies if it feels like we’re already off track here, but that bit about Michel’s role as Woodford Reserve’s executive chef?. It means that there aren’t many people better equipped to provide insight to the ways in which bourbon and food can (and should) be paired.

She opened her first restaurant in 2001, and since then she’s opened seven more in the area, written cookbooks, appeared as a judge on Top Chef, garnered several James Beard Award nominations, and made very high-profile initiatives to support Kentucky farmers. But she hasn’t forgotten about simple pleasures, like a mighty fine burger. Cole heads to Wallace Station Deli, her farmhouse-style deli in Midway, about 30 minutes from Coles 735 Main, for his burger fix.

■ Other recommendations include: Any of the soups at Soup Kitchen, 376 Southland Drive; tortilla soup at Cheddar's; lentil soup at Sahara Mediterranean Cuisine (3061 Fieldstone Way); all soups at Windy Corner (4595 Bryan Station Road), bean soup at Winchell's (348 Southland Drive); smoked turkey tortilla soup at Sarah's Corner Cafe, 4300 Winchester Road; and tomato-celery soup at Shakertown at Pleasant Hill.

Between tours, make a pit stop at Wallace Station Deli near Midway, one of Kentucky chef Ouita Michel's places. The 15-minute drive to Wallace Station from the highway will take you past some of the area's showiest horse farms. Order one of the Inside Out Hot Browns (their take on a classic Kentucky sandwich) and a cold bottle of Ale-8 to enjoy outside on a picnic table.

Nestled in the scenic countryside of Versailles, Wallace Station is a hidden treasure that offers a blend of rustic charm and gourmet delights. The cafe’s hot brown is famous for its rich, cheesy goodness and the fresh tomatoes that add a burst of flavor. The rustic wooden interiors create a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for enjoying a leisurely meal.

Fans of "Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives," here's another one for your list: Guy Fieri raved about the Big Brown Burger at Wallace Station Deli so much that he gave it a coveted spot on his all time top five. But in-the-know Kentuckians flock here on Mondays for the weekly Fried Chicken Dinner, sizzled to perfection by renowned chef and restaurateur Ouita Michel.

Adding Wallace Station to a list of local restaurants in Lexington is cheating, just a little. Wallace Station is actually located in Versailles, Kentucky, about 20 minutes from downtown Lexington. Take the backroads and it’s 20 minutes of some of the most beautiful scenery you will see not only in Lexington, but anywhere.

When you're on the Bourbon Trail or are touring horse country on a beautiful Kentucky afternoon, stop by Wallace Station for one of their infamous sandwiches. This landmark location gets a lot of hype for its food, but the massive outdoor dining area should get credit, too.

Part of chef Ouita Michel’s Holly Hill and Co. family, this beloved backroads pit stop features a no-frills deck and picnic tables on the lawn, where visitors can enjoy elevated deli staples from Michel’s award-winning culinary team.

In Lexington, Wallace Station offers a refined dining experience with a focus on regional ingredients. Many smaller towns boast excellent restaurants using locally sourced ingredients; exploring local options is highly recommended.

Wallace Station – This restaurant in Versailles is known for its delicious sandwiches and homemade desserts. The outdoor seating area is perfect for families, and the kids will love the train that passes by the restaurant.

Wallace Station offers a take-home Mardi Gras meal (feeds four) for $40, including a quart of chicken andouille gumbo, crispy shrimp and chicken over jambalaya, maque choux and King Cake.

Wallace Station: if it’s a pretty day and you’re looking to take a scenic drive, Wallace Station is must!. Sit outside on the back patio for a relaxing meal in the countryside.

Remember when Monday night was fried chicken night at Wallace Station?. That was some of the best fried chicken in town. Looks like they stopped it now.

Wallace station is a pretty drive past horse farms to midway for lunch. Drive over to downtown midway before or after. It’s a neat little area.

Drive out to Windy Corner or Wallace Station for a bite to eat and see the Bluegrass in all its glory.