Barley Mule Bistro-coming soon

Chef Linda Isaacs is excited to be the Barley Mule Bistro proprietor in McCreary County at the Stearns Golf Course Clubhouse.

“Being raised in Tennessee, McCreary County feels like home,” Isaacs said.  “The people here are genuine and have been so welcoming and encouraging.  That makes me want to do even more with the Barley Mule Bistro!”

Isaacs, the author of the Twisted Southern Cookbook, YouTube star of The Cook’s Canvas Travelling Chef cooking show, with cooking experience of 20 years, offers catering for big events and works as a private chef across the United States.

“We do big events on the affordable end,” Isaacs said, “but we like to show off with a lot of glamour.”

Isaacs, a bourbon chef, once worked for the KY Department of Tourism.

“I use a lot of bourbon-sometimes, where it is least expected,” Isaacs exclaimed.  “I use it in desserts, vegetables, marinades, salads, and meats.”

Isaacs’ company, Barley Mule LLC, is in the process of establishing The Barley Mule Bistro in Stearns.

“We’ll have a typical golf course menu with sandwiches, burgers, etc., on Thursdays,” Isaacs said.  “But these will have our signature touch.  We will also deliver (and offer take-out) to local businesses on Thursdays.  Then, we will host special events during the golf tournaments and special occasions in downtown Stearns.  We will open more at the Bistro as we build our customer base.”

Isaacs operates a commercial catering truck with a 22-ft trailer, which she designed “from the axles up.” Her family-owned and operated business has a full liquor license and catering license, is a fully licensed Kentucky business, and follows all Health and ABC Department guidelines.

Isaacs, who now lives in Jackson County, KY, believes passion and practice are necessary to succeed.  Chef Isaacs has plenty of both.

“I’m a Southern cook, but I’m not your fried chicken girl,” Isaacs said with a grin.  “I’m more into root vegetables and roast chicken!  I use a lot of herbs and spices.  Everyone needs good comfort food, but it doesn’t have to be what you grew up with.  It’s all about pairing things a little differently.  For instance, my Philly Cheesesteak Pasta.  Everyone has probably eaten a Philly Cheesesteak, and everyone has had pasta.  But they’ve probably never put them together.”

Chef Isaacs also warns that she has her own special twist on Mac & Cheese that people love.  And, of course, who can forget her decadent Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie?

Stearns’ Barley Mule Bistro will host its opening day on May 3, 2025, with a Kentucky-themed Derby Day celebration.  For $50 per person, attendees will be treated to a full day (11:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.) of fun, food, and Derby entertainment.  The event includes a charcuterie spread, dinner, and a great place to hang out with friends and watch the Derby.  Wristbands are provided so attendees can come and go if desired.  Tickets for the opening Derby Day event can be purchased at BarleyMule.com or on the event day.  Be sure to dress up and wear those KY Derby hats!

Issacs dedicated her cookbook, The Twisted Southern Cookbook, to her husband and two sons, who always encouraged and supported her passion for cooking.

“They’ve always had a wife and mother who cooked a lot,” Isaacs said.  “Both my sons and my husband have been very supportive of me.”

Isaacs is dedicated to working with and helping veterans.

“I love people passionately and do a lot of things for people.  I especially do a lot of work with veterans,” she shared.  “Everything from sending care packages to helping the Lady Veterans Connect.

Isaacs expresses her love for people through the “love language” of food.  With her love of food and her company motto, “Driven to Excellence,” as two forces behind her success, Chef Isaacs will surely give delicious culinary experiences that patrons of the Barley Mule Bistro won’t soon forget.

“We care about every customer who comes to eat with us,” Isaacs explained.  “I have standards and expectations that I must live up to when patrons come to eat.  Often, I don’t have recipes for the food I prepare because I do it with love.  I cook and feed with love.”