Are You Social?

According to recent studies, it appears that Americans are spending less time socializing with others with trends toward self-imposed isolation. AZUR has the solution. All you have to do is invite some of your friends or co-workers to meet you at AZUR after work. We'll take care of everything while you catch up. Let's put the Blackberries away and just talk to each other.

Weather in Kentucky

Today was just another prime example of weather in Kentucky. As AZUR held it's breath wondering if the snow would effect the customer turnout, the sun brightly shined through the flakes of snow. This time despite the weather, people ventured out. Still looking for Spring though as we have great things coming to the patio.

Details Details Details

As you may already have learned, details are extremely important. AZUR had another lesson today on watching the details. After numerous proofings of our Sonoma-Cutrer Wine Dinner, we noticed, rather quickly, that one of the entrees on our menu had a typo so we notified the printer of the error and we are having it reprinted again. Every day, we must stay on our toes to address and correct the details that insure a successful dining experience. As we have stated before, when we do everything just right, we (AZUR as an entity and the staff) just fade into the background.

Sundays at AZUR

As most of our guests know, we are open seven (7) days a week for dinner including Sundays. Yes, AZUR is open on Sunday evenings so you have a choice. We realize that many establishments are closed on Sunday evenings but we have always wanted our guests to have an alternative on Sunday evenings. Since opening, AZUR has provided an alternative to dining on Sundays. In fact on the holidays, we even include brunch on Easter, Mother's Day and Father's Day.

Patio Enhancements

At AZUR, we are already preparing for Spring. We want to ensure that the atmosphere outside matches the inside. We don't mind given you a sneak peek. In addition to the Shade Sails that we added last summer, we are obtaining quotes for more plantings in the upper patio area as well as quotes to place a permanent cover over the outside bar. AZUR realizes that the patio is a special area which requires special attention.

Back on Track

The storms have passed and we have a Jazzy weekend planned at AZUR. Meaning, there will be a Jazz duo performing on Friday night and a Jazz band on Saturday night. It will be a great weekend to get out of the house and enjoy a wonderful meal while listening to some adult Jazz.

Another Storm

Unfortunately, another winter storm has hit Lexington. This time it's an ice storm. Most schools and businesses closed in the early afternoon. AZUR hung on to see if our customers would venture out but it was not to be. We decided to close for the day a little while ago.

Trying to Keep Up

One would think that all AZUR has to do is prepare for two dining services a day (lunch and dinner). Well, that's definite what we do best but several other aspects of the business need to be addressed every day. We must place food and beverage orders, meet with various media about upcoming opportunities for advertising, maintain the restaurant's appearance, sample wine offerings, create menus for special occasions (e.g. Chef Series dinners, holidays and parties), deal with staffing changes and explore innovations in the culinary world. All of which needs to be accomplished while insuring that our guests have the best dining experience. With days like today, AZUR just tries to keep up.

One by One

At AZUR, it's not about food for the masses. It's about you and what you want. Since we are not limited to a finished product, we can alter our cuisine to accommodate your desires. If we have the ingredients and other guests will not be inconvenienced, our chefs will prepare an entree especially for you. Just remember that it may take a little longer than something on the menu. AZUR wishes to satisfy one person at a time.

Not Afraid

Over the years, AZUR has defined itself by being different and not being afraid to try something new and unproven. Three years ago, AZUR decided not to have white table linens even though we are fine dining. This not only lowered impact on the environment but several other restaurants have followed suit. Two years ago, we added "dessert bites" to the menu. What happened? It became one of the top food trends of 2007. Our Chef Series Dinners have featured edible flowers, Appalachian cuisine and game. We are not representing ourselves as "the trendsetters" but we do say that we are not afraid to present something new to the Lexington market. Somethings work and somethings do not.

Being an Independent Restaurant

Just this past week, two good independent restaurants closed in Lexington. Just like them, AZUR depends on customer support. We don't have a large advertising budget so we depend greatly on word-of-mouth endorsements from satisfied guests. Independents also support the community through local purchases of products, employing local staff and supporting community organizations. Most return the majority of their revenues right back to the local economy. Hence, we graciously thank those who support us. Your visits to AZUR not only support us and the community but also let us know that you appreciate our offerings.

Two Days Gone

Missed a post yesterday because AZUR was slammed with reservations for Valentine's Day for two days. The night before many took advantage of the four course Valentine's Day dinner pre-holiday offering. On Valentine's Day, we had three full seatings booked and a broken convection oven hinge which made the kitchen work even harder to compensate for the loss of the equipment. When the chocolate settled, our guests had been delighted. No time to rest yet as we go straight into the weekend.

How We Measure Success

At AZUR, we don't measure success solely in sales. Actually, we measure success by constant improvement. Is this wine list better than the previous one? Did we handle this rush better than we have in the past? Can we make the dining experience even better? That is a true measure of one's success over time.

Stormy Weather

Lexington was struck with a winter snow and ice storm last night. Several guests braved the roads to have dinner despite the weather conditions. As one would think, unfavorable weather reports or conditions do effect customer turnout. At AZUR, we definitely see a lower volume even if the weather report is predicting bad weather. Obviously, we prefer good weather over bad.

Community

As an independent restaurant, AZUR believes in strong ties to the community. This is accomplished by buying products from the area, being involved in community functions and giving back to the community. Several times per year, we donate goods and services for the benefit of various charities on multiple levels. AZUR feels that it's the right thing to do. Afterall, we all live and benefit from the Lexington community.

Diversity

AZUR just finished the radio spot on The Restaurant Guys on WLAP 630 AM which airs on Saturday mornings at 8:00 a.m. in the Lexington market. We were taking about how Lexington in recent years has made great strides in offering more diverse foods. Since AZUR offers an adventuresome menu, we are glad to see others bringing new and interesting tastes to this area. AZUR likes to think that we helped pave the way for others in our own small way with our menus and themed Chef Series dinners.

Dayparts

What are dayparts? Basically, this term refers to separating the day into breakfast, lunch and dinner. At AZUR, we have three dayparts as well. They are lunch, dinner and late night. The later daypart usually comes into play on Friday and Saturday nights. These separations help us track sales and staff accordingly. AZUR examines dayparts every single day.

Kentucky Proud

What does Kentucky Proud mean? I believe this was covered previously but it's a fairly frequent question and one worthy of repeating the answer. Kentucky Proud is a Kentucky Department of Agriculture program which promotes items raised and manufactued in Kentucky. AZUR is a member based on the Kentucky products that we sell in the restaurant such as: rabbit, produce, bison, mushrooms, ice cream and even beer just to name a few. We are proud to be able to use the Kentucky Proud logo and are committed to the program. In fact, that is why we were invited to be guests on The Restaurant Guys this coming Saturday at 8:30 a.m. You may tune into the program on WLAP 630 AM.

Winter Thunder Storms

Nothing keeps us awake more than a weather report of violent T-storms. Last night, an extremely strong weather front blew through Lexington. AZUR worries about power outages, food spoilage and damage to the patio (plantings and furniture). It's really no different than a homeowner worrying about their home. Last night, we were lucky but many others were not.

Ultimate Manhattan Finalist

The Spirits Manager of AZUR - Amber Blaisdell - entered her Ultimate Manhattan in a contest sponsored by Woodford Reserve and was notified yesterday evening that it made in to the Finals. She will be going up against eleven other competitors on Tuesday, February 12 at the Woodford Reserve Distillery.

Forging Ahead into the Past

The phrase is interesting yet accurate to what AZUR tries to bring to dining. It means that we move forward in the restaurant business by bringing back the facets of dining that make it a special event. It's sharing food with friends and family in a relaxed atmosphere where you slow down and enjoy the time as well as the food. Where 1 1/2 to 2 hours may pass and that's okay.

The Patio

Although AZUR concentrates on quality Continental cuisine every day, we will dedicate several hours today on planning for patio season. With 2,500 square feet of patio to maintain, AZUR plans months in advance for the Spring. Today, we will be considering additional plantings and enhancements to improve the garden setting of the patio. AZUR knows that our customers enjoy this escape during the warmer months and we want it to be just right.

A Little about Comments

AZUR often receives input from customers both written or verbal. In fact, we encourage it by delivering a comment card at the conclusion of every meal. This allows us to gather valuable information on what you really enjoyed and what's just okay. At AZUR, we want the "WOW" factor as in "that's different" or "that's interesting". Over the years, we have acted on several customer comments which added to the overall dining experience. In short, please share your comments because we appreciate them.