Sounds like a warming feast for an autumn day:
News release:
Classic Cassoulet Dinner Nov. 14
at Holly Hill Inn in Midway
Return with us to the southwestern French countryside for our third annual dinner of classic cassoulet, the region's hearty specialty, at the Holly Hill Inn on Sunday, Nov. 14.
Cassoulet is a specialty of many communities in Southern France and is especially loved in the Languedoc Region. The ancient recipe probably was first brought to France well before the Middle Ages by Arabs. Chef Ouita Michel’s version is as traditional as possible, using white beans, confit of goose, fresh-cured local pork, local lamb and garlic sausage. The dinner requires weeks of preparation.
“We will celebrate the cassoulet by cracking the crust in the dining room,” Chef Ouita said. “We’ll give a short history, lore and trivia about cassoulet.”
Cassoulet celebrations traditionally begin with oysters on the half shell and a glass of bubbly. Oysters and Champagne will be offered a la carte as an option for those wanting the full experience.
Cassoulet Dinner Menu
Capriole Goat Cheese Bites in Pastry
Local Lettuces Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette
Cassoulet or Vegetarian Cassoulet
Apple Galette
For the evening, we are honored to have Clay McClure as our guest chef. She apprenticed under French master chef Jean-Robert de Cavel at the Maisonette in Cincinnati, one of the nation’s most honored restaurants. Clay was our sous chef at Holly Hill Inn for two years and owned and operated her own restaurant, Helios, in Lexington several years ago. Clay retired from cooking and returned to school for her master’s in library science. We are thrilled to have Clay in our kitchen again!
Owner and sommelier Chris Michel and Wine Guildmaster Steve Mancuso will be offering French wines from the Languedoc Region by the glass and bottle; a special wine flight will be available.
Dinner begins at 6 p.m. Cost is $35 plus beverage, tax and gratuity. Reservations required for this event; please call (859) 846-4732.
Holly Hill Inn is at 426 North Winter Street in historic Midway, Exit 65 off I-64, minutes from Lexington, Frankfort and Versailles.
Dinner hours: 5:30-10 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday
Lunch: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday
Brunch: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday
Group reservations any day of the week
Reservations suggested at (859) 846-4732. For menus, events and more information, please visit www.hollyhillinn.com.