AZUR "Best Entree" Winner!

AZUR restaurant & patio had a very busy day yesterday. Executive Chef Ashby was preping for the Taste of the Bluegrass, the 28th edition of this event which showcases local restaurant dishes as well as beverage distributor's products, while insuring that the restaurant was ready for a warm Friday night dinner service. He was determined to show the attendees the culinary talents of AZUR. The judges validated his creation by awarding it the "Best Entree" award! We may very well add the entree to the upcoming summer dinner menu.

Charity Event

AZUR restaurant & patio will be joining other restaurants at the Taste of the Bluegrass tomorrow night. Executive Chef Jeremy Ashby hopes to repeat his People's Choice award from last year with his this year's offering. If you don't have tickets, no worries. AZUR will be serving as usually on Friday night at the restaurant. The weather is going to be great so if you want to be on the patio, please make your reservations now.

Interesting Customer Comment

As AZUR was reviewing customer comment cards last evening, we ran across an interesting customer comment that we had not received before. The customer stated that AZUR offered "...an urban feel in a suburban setting..." We thought that was just a wonderful commentary on the restaurant. AZUR is definitely in a suburban strip mall but it doesn't feel like it once you enter the interior dining room or the exterior patio. Thank you for the compliment!

AZUR Awning Pleasing Guests

Though we were unsure how our guests would react to the large awning that was installed on the lower patio several weeks ago, AZUR is pleased to report nothing but positive comments. Not only does in protect our lunch and evening diners from direct sun and unpredicted rain showers, it also appears to make a more intimate dining experience on the patio. Basically, it complements the garden setting. The awning colors mirror the entire and the translucent celing panels allow plenty of light without being harsh. Very shortly, the ceiling fans will be installed to create air flow even on the hottest summer days.

Memorial Day

AZUR restaurant & patio is closed today in observance of Memorial Day. We believe that our staff should spend time with their families because family is important. Yes, we could easily remain open and our staff would work but we feel that there are more important things. AZUR hopes that you have a relaxing day as well with your families and friends. We will re-open at
11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 27 for lunch service.

What AZUR Has Been Doing

Besides a little rest & relaxation before summer is in full swing, AZUR has been working on several specialty dinners. We have a Kenyan dinner, a Latin dinner and an Organic dinner with a special guest chef (more later) planned for the upcoming months. Also, we have Father's Day Brunch coming up on Sunday, June 15 from 11 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Plus, AZUR is about to release our new lunch and dinner menus for the summer. It's all about food at AZUR!

AZUR Chef Series Indian Dinner

AZUR will be featuring the talents of sous chef Justin Clark on Tuesday, May 27. He has created an interesting six course Indian dinner. The cost is $45.00 per person and the dinner may be started at any time after 6:30 p.m. This is a new twist to our Chef Series which normally start at a scheduled time. Please contact AZUR at 859-296-1007 for additional details or reservations.

The New AZUR Awning!

Yes, our brand new awning for the lower patio was installed today! Hence, the threat of rain is no longer a factor for dining on the patio. One half of AZUR's patio is now covered year round. We are very pleased to have this enhancement completed which concludes the patio plan that was started months ago. We hope that you will drop in soon to dine under the awning which includes sky lights!

Special Wine Purchase

AZUR was able to obtain one case of Duckhorn, 2005 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvigon. Wine notes include: elegantly balanced wine combines generous fruit-foward structure with age-worthy tannins and a long, satisfying finish. Layered aromatics to its lush palate of flavor. This wine brings together an array of red and black fruit elements, including red currants, baked plum, blackberry and sweet black cherry. Adding further depth to this core of ripe fruit are notes of vanilla, molasses, allspice and fresh herbs. Our understanding is only 10 cases of this wine alotted to Kentucky. If you want a taste it, you better hurry.

Mother's Day Brunch is Sold Out

AZUR is booked for Mother's Day Brunch at present. We have a wait list for availability if we have cancellations. We are working to add some additional seating but it is not known at this time if it will available in time. We hope to have a better idea by late Friday morning. We recommend that you call the restaurant for any changes (859.296.1007).

Beautiful Night

Many guests turned out tonight to enjoy AZUR's patio on a beautiful Lexington night. It seems that you just about have to go out for dinner through the week to avoid the rainy weekends. Many of the patio plantings are in bloom and the air was so still tonight. At AZUR, we really want you to slow down and enjoy the surroundings, your company and of course - the cuisine. It's almost a lost art in today's world.

The Maintenance Battle

Restaurants receive a high volume of daily traffic for longer periods of time than standard businesses every day. Glasses, plateware, silverware, pots and pans are used several times per day during routine business. Since AZUR is a seven day per week operation, we must constantly maintain all areas seen and unseen which sometimes seems like a never ending battle. To add a degree of difficulty, it must be done when the restaurant is not being used which is only very late at night or very early in the morning. We cannot just close the dining room in the middle of the day to replace light bulbs or repair broken equipment. Our challenge is to maintain everything without the customer noticing that anything has been effected. At AZUR, it is important that we offer the same dining experience for all guests regardless of the problems or obstacles that are placed before us on any given day.

Mother's Day is Next Sunday

If you haven't made plans for Mother's Day yet, you only have one (1) week left. Luckily, AZUR will be hosting a Mother's Day Brunch from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 11. The menu was created with your mother's favorite foods in mind. Please make your reservations now. Mother's Day is very popular dining out holiday which means long waits for those who do not plan ahead. Save yourself by calling 296-1007.

Races Hard to Handicap but the Weather Isn't

Staying true to history, the rain clouds blew into the area. Unfortunately, AZUR had to shut down the patio on a Friday night. Those that braved the weather in Louisville, got wet at the Kentucky Oaks. Perhaps, Derby Day will surprise us and turn sunny. As always, AZUR's patio will be open on Saturday if the weather cooperates. Happy handicapping!

Talk Derby to Me

The first weekend in May marks the Kentucky Derby. Though held in Louisville, there are several venues in Lexington with Derby festivities. AZUR is no exception. Many fans watch the races at Keeneland and then take a short drive to AZUR for post-race celebrations. We hope the rain stays away but it usually doesn't.