Falling into Place

The patio is starting to shine and everything is falling into place. Months of planning are starting to be realized. At AZUR, we really do get excited about patio season as the patio has it's own distinct feel. Don't get us wrong, the interior is boldly colored and trendy; however, the patio allows people to relax and renew. Not only on an individual level but also socially. It seems that being outside brings everyone together.

Patio Phase II

Today, cool blue lighting was added to the trees of AZUR patio. (Note: We added colored lights last year but in turns out the bulbs were dipped in color rather than the housing being the color. Hence, the blue color washed away with the rain in just a few weeks. Buyers beware!) Also, new blue-globed sidewalk marker lights were installed. What's next?

Patio Face Lift

After three years, the AZUR patio is getting a face lift. Today, landscape contractors removed several plants and installed irrigation lines into the flower beds. They also whisked away our planters to be planted and nurtured in the greenhouse. They will be back after the colder weather is gone for good. The patio also received a thorough pressure washing and the custom metal bar was polished. More to come...

What's Does Locavore Mean?

Locavore is a new word that was added to the Oxford-American dictionary this year. Like omnivore and herbivore, it describes eating habits. The actual definition is - diner who prefers locally grown or locally produced fare. AZUR greatly appreciates locavores who seek out fresh, local ingredients for their dining pleasure. Kentucky Proud members and locavores go hand-in-hand.

Excitement is Building

Everyone is getting excited about the opening day of Keeneland. It marks the unofficial beginning of Spring in Lexington. At AZUR, we are busy preparing the patio for the meet. We have flowers to plant, lights to hang, tables and chairs to set and a lot of polishing. We'll see you after the races!

Twist and Turns

Every day has it's Twist and Turns at AZUR. One plans for the day and then starts on the path but when the day is over, we may very well end up in a totally different direction. We're sure that this hold trues with just about every business; however, there are never really routine days in the restaurant business because you never really know all the variables from day to day.

Spring Break

AZUR realizes that students at all levels look forward to Spring Break but it really isn't our favorite time of year because so many of our regular guests will be out of town. Meanwhile, we limp along waiting for the weather to improve. It seems that every year AZUR hopes that we won't feel the effects of the slower Winter months but at some point we feel it. No worries. Tomorrow is a new day. We'll just keep doing what we do best...cooking.

Limited Availability for Easter Brunch

AZUR has just a few reservations available for Sunday, Easter Brunch. At this point, there are some openings for 1:00 p.m. and after 2:00 p.m. If the weather was just a little warmer, we would have additional seating available on the patio. AZUR is hoping to have that seating available for our next brunch on Mother's Day. Please make your plans early and reserve your table now. Mom will be glad you did.

Adventuresome

At AZUR, we believe that it's okay to be different. We introduce entrees that are not mainstream or try new things. AZUR embraces the culinary road less travelled and realizes that some of the items may not be our guests "cup of tea" but we prefer to leave that choice up to you. Our menu offers an extensive variety so there is always an alternative for everyone. You can step out of your comfort zone and try rabbit, elk or duck that you wouldn't necessary prepare at home.

AZUR Welcomes Comments

Yes, AZUR values honest opinions and observations about the food, atmosphere and staff. This feedback allows us to make minor adjustments and identify in-house trends. So the next time you feel like commenting, please do.

Easter Brunch Coming Up

This Sunday we will be hosting Easter Brunch from 11 am - 3 pm. This is one of AZUR's favorite events because the mothers are so appreciative not to have to cook. They just relax and share the moment. Plus, the variety of items available ensures that there is something special for everyone. For reservations or additional information, call 859-296-1007.

Great Things Coming to the Patio

AZUR has finalized the patio enhancement plans and the various projects are under way. We look forward to seeing everyone on the patio this season and we're confident that you will like what you see. The work is scheduled to be completed by the middle of April. In fact, we hope to have Mother's Day Brunch amongst the flowers on the patio.

Sonoma-Cutrer Chef Series - SOLD OUT!

The Sonoma-Cutrer Chef Series dinner is "SOLD OUT" for tonight! The chefs of AZUR are busy with final prep for this evening. We have had many inquiries about the fifth course - tobacco and butterscotch creme brulee served with second hand smoke. Unfortunately, Chef Ashby won't let us disclose exactly what this is until after it's served tonight. AZUR can tell you that it is a tribute dish to Kentucky agriculture.

Upcoming Chef Series Dinner

AZUR is always pleased to see the number of guests that turnout in the middle of the week for these specialty dinners. This coming Thursday is no exception. Our theme will be wines from Sonoma-Cutrer that have been married to five courses. Though we do not plan the details of our next Chef Series dinner until we complete the current one. AZUR has already decided on the theme. The next dinner will be Kenyan! Check back in late April for the details.

What Snow

Fortunately, the snow melted about as fast as it fell but we definitely felt the bite on Saturday night as did the majority of the Northeastern states. The sun smiled on AZUR today as guests ventured back out and temperatures reached well into the forties. Looking forward to a normal week for this time of year.

Snow Storm

Okay, AZUR watched the snow storm coming across the state all day Friday and it dumped about six inches in Lexington which in turn dropped our guest turn out for Friday night and Saturday lunch. We hope to pick up the pieces tonight and salvage what was a good sales week for the slow months of Winter. The weather does have a direct impact on restaurants like gasoline prices at the pumps.

Watching the Weather Again

It seems that just when the weather is showing signs of Spring, it takes a turn again. Our plants are so confused. Many have just started to break through the soil and now they are going to freeze. It's hard to get excited about opening the patio for the warmer months when you start the process and have to stop again.

What Does Upscale, Casual Mean?

AZUR developed it's concept over several months in early 2004. At the time, most people dressed up when they set out for fine dining. We wanted to establish a restaurant where you could go in jeans or a suit and it didn't matter. A place where the service equaled the cuisine but you were welcome regardless of your dress. Additionally, we went with bare tables (no tablecloths) and bold colors to help make the atmosphere less "stuffy". Hence, the cuisine is upscale but the ambiance is casual - Upscale, Casual.

Unprocessed Food

At AZUR, we believe that taste begins with unprocessed foods. Meaning, fresh ingredients that are seasonal. The availability of product drives the menus, hence, we must change the menu several times a year to accommodate locally grown items. Our freezer is one of the smallest pieces of equipment in the kitchen, in fact, your home refrigerator is larger. Since we do not freeze vegetables, fruits, etc., we will run out of items and must temporary discontinue offering a particular entree for the day. AZUR views this as a positive sign because it shows that our guests also recognized the quality of the product in terms of taste.

The First Signs of Spring

In Lexington, we enjoyed temperatures above 70 degrees today. This translates to patio weather at AZUR. Yes, we had a few guests enjoying the warmer weather on the patio this afternoon. We are proud to report that we were ready for them. It keeping with AZUR's claim "if the weather permits, the patio is open". Weather permitted and the patio was open! Unfortunately, if you were not able to stop in today, we don't think that you will be able to sit on the patio again for the next several days. Don't forget for the next break in the weather.

Fresh Fish

Often people question how a restaurant not on a coast is able to obtain fresh fish. The answer, for AZUR, is Honolulu Fish Company. The company was founded in 1995 by a marine biologist. Every morning, they purchase fish from the local boats at an auction held on Pier 38 at about 5:30 in the morning. Then, it is immediately hung in ice on trucks and taken to their processing plant where the processors in lab coats process the fish. Finally, the fresh fish is placed in custom-designed holographic boxes (which reflect radiant heat to keep the fish colder) and shipped via Federal Express directly to AZUR. Our Executive Chef, Jeremy Ashby creates a special entree from the selected fish for the evening dinner service. Order quantities are kept low to sell quickly. Yes, it does cost more but we believe in fresh product in all areas. AZUR also buys many local, Kentucky food products but that's another story.