AZUR Preped & Ready for 2009

Coming off the Sopranos Table dinner on Sunday, the AZUR chefs have been preparing for New Year's Eve non-stop while the front-of-the-house has been fielding reservations and stocking up for the rush. Today, the heaters and curtains were installed under the patio awning which will contain the band and dance floor. On the final day of 2008, AZUR will arrange dining tables per the reservations and hang the last of the decorations. Then, it's time to countdown to 2009!

AZUR's First Sopranos Table Dinner

Last night, AZUR hosted it's first Sopranos Table dinner. We exceeded the previously determined guest reservation cap by accepting several late reservations due to the popularity of the event; however, we had plenty of pasta on hand so everyone was thoroughly satisfied. Judging from the guest comments and happy faces, it was a very successful Chef Series dinner. In fact, we have already been discussing another date and menu for the next Sopranos Table dinner. The fun thing about this event was the communal tables with family style service. It's an opportunity to meet new people while eating good food. Plus, the AZUR chefs love offering new and creative dishes that we normally do not prepare.

AZUR has Affordable Luxury

Dining out is still a very affordable luxury in terms of cost. For the same price or slightly more as compared to other venues, you can pamper yourself with a prepared meal at AZUR without having to spend the time in the kitchen or doing the dishes. Often people think that fresh, not frozen or canned ingredients, equates to a much higher meal price. To AZUR, it means higher food quality and greater creativity with a lower profit margin than other restaurant models. The reality is as an independent restaurant, we have less overhead and compete by offering a dining experience which in some cases could be considered entertainment as well.

Quotes from AZUR Executive Chef

In the Lexington Herald-Leader on Thursday, December 25, executive chef - Jeremy Ashby was quoted in an article about local chefs (see below).

Jeremy C. Ashby

Ashby, chef at AZUR restaurant in Lexington, said his career is "something I stumbled into."
"I have always seemed to know my way around the kitchen since a young boy, helping my father or grandparents with meals, but never considered cooking as a profession until my first year of college," he said. "I took a job at a restaurant after my first year at UK and was introduced to a professional chef. I admired the white coat and the image it portrayed, the skill level of his work and the constant use of creative thinking. I was absolutely captivated by every facet of the profession and knew that this was what I wanted to do.

"I dropped the traditional form of secondary education a semester later and enrolled in Johnson and Wales (University) culinary program. I have to say that every person I have worked with or under, every teacher I have and every cookbook I have picked up has been my inspiration. There is truly a bounty of possibilities as a chef and unlimited motivating factors. Most of all, I really like making people happy. Food has always been a center for comfort and an expression of love in my family. I enjoy putting heart and soul into a dish, treating the plate as a canvas and observing people's reaction to my creative efforts. If they smile, then so do I."

Silent AZUR

AZUR served the last few dinner meals on Christmas Eve and it's silent now. AZUR will be closed on Christmas Day so our staff may spend the holiday with their families and friends. Sometimes being closed is a very good thing. Happy holidays from AZUR.

Black Diamonds - Truffles

Although AZUR and many others are focused on Christmas, we can't help but to think about truffles in December because markets have just opened in France for this season's offerings. Black truffles from acorn size to the size of pear are now being sold. Like so many other organic products (honey, tea, coffee and grapes), their taste is determined by environmental factors such as the soil, location and weather. These fungi grow around the roots of oak trees and their value is $200 and up per pound. The AZUR chefs would love to be there right now!

AZUR Spread Thin

Tonight, AZUR split up the chefs. One managed the kitchen and regular dining service while the other catered an upscale private holiday party. We try not to spread ourselves too thin. Sometimes we have to make choices to insure that everyone receives the same level of quality. AZUR would rather pass on an invitation than to sacrifice our standards. We hope that everyone understands that it's all about the food.

AZUR Fancy Schmancy?

Yes and No. It's true that chefs Ashby and Rivas create dishes worthy of any upscale restaurant located in New York, South Beach or Napa Valley but the atmosphere and spirit is definitely causal. It's okay to laugh and have fun in the kitchen or out in the dining area. AZUR keeps the creativity going with daily entree specials with artistic presentations and themed Chef Series dinners which showcase a variety of foods and beverages (e.g. Appalachian or Edible Flowers). The essence of AZUR is not to be afraid to be different.

Does AZUR Cater?

Absolutely! AZUR catering specializes in offering upscale cuisine with a unique variety. When we entered the market last year, AZUR definitely did not want to offer the standard catering menu. In other words, we did not wish to repeat what was already available. We wanted it to be an extension of the restaurant. Our catering menus are designed to impress. The idea is to step out of the ordinary and up to the extraordinary. To date, AZUR catering has served law firms, doctors, business executives, banks, political fundraisers, private businesses and individuals. Our chefs work with the client to develop a menu that enhances their event. Really it's the freshness of the ingredients and presentation that makes it truly special. Just ask the AZUR chefs!

What's Eatertainment and Does AZUR Have It?

Basically, eatertainment is a relatively new word that has been coined to describe a restaurant with entertainment (food and some form of entertainment under one roof). Examples of eatertainment are dishes prepared at the table, memorabilia on the walls and live music. At AZUR, we have two forms of eatertainment. They are 1) the open kitchen which allows the guests to see and hear the chefs preparing the entrees from the dining room and 2) local musicians performing a variety of music on Friday and Saturday nights. Both of which are offered to the AZUR guests with no surcharge.

Romantic Dinners a Staple at AZUR

It occurred to us while we were researching for our Valentine's Day offering (yes, we realize it's two months away but we must always be looking ahead) that AZUR possesses the components for a romantic dinner every day. The crucial ingredients are: food, ambiance and specialized service. Our food preparation and presentation is the number one priority of our chefs daily. It's presented well so the appetite is stimulated. The ambiance is candle lit tables with subdued lighting and clean architectural lines. Combined with professional wait staff, the dining experience is created for arousing sights, sounds and tastes for that "just the two of us in love" evening. An AZUR romantic dinner is an excellent way to escape the winter doldrums by stepping out of the ordinary.

AZUR Riding the Storm Out

If the "economic" storm wasn't bad enough for AZUR's business and just about everyone else, Kentucky was under a winter storm warning most of the day. Although we haven't seen much in terms of snow or ice as predicted, it does lessen the number of people that want to risk traveling about with the threat of it. We'll be looking for a brighter tomorrow. AZUR likes to focus on the sunny side of things.

What's a Chafing Dish?

Another term explained from the AZUR kitchen. A Chafing (Chafen means to keep warm) Dish is an apparatus that keeps food warm for an extended period of time. There are many different styles of Chafing Dishes but all require a heat source under the dish to maintain the food temperature. AZUR only uses them for catered events or specialty dinners (e.g. Chef Series) to assist in serving a large group all at the same time.

Different Food-Related Gift

There are less than 20 shopping days left till Christmas. AZUR realizes that many of our foodies appreciate different tastes. We found this interesting honey sampler pack while doing some ingredient research. Since raw honey is effected by specific floral sources in various regions, it can be compared to wine, honey and tea in terms of variety and complexity. Check out this link. http://www.worldpantry.com/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/ProductDisplay?prmenbr=688248&prrfnbr=966219

AZUR Loves to Partner

When AZUR was approached by Talon Winery to partner for an event they were hosting, we didn't have to think a long time about it. Actually, the decision was quick and easy - YES! AZUR believes in promoting all Kentucky businesses not just our own. Local businesses are known for returning revenue to the community. AZUR encourages you to sample the food and wine pairings that Executive chef-Jeremy Ashby has selected at Talon Winery on Saturday, December 13 from 2-5 pm. If you enjoy the food samples (and we know you will), stop by AZUR for the full dining experience.

Soprano Table Dinner at AZUR

With all the holiday parties and other events, AZUR had planned to hold the next Chef Series dinner over to 2009. But so many of our fans were asking about one for December, we decided to go ahead and schedule the Sopranos Table for Sunday, December 28, 2008 at 6:30 p.m. It's a family style Italian dinner that will have communal seating with antipasta and three pasta tasting courses. Plus, AZUR will be hosting this Chef Series on a Sunday for the first time! Cost is $35 per person. Call 296-1007 for reservations or additional details.

AZUR is Spinning Out of Control

AZUR is multi-tasking to the max! We are working on a partner event with Talon Winery for December 13, we have two dinners coming up - Soprano's and New Year's Eve; we have two catering jobs this Saturday in addition to regular service and we need to keep up with the daily duties as well. And we have two ad deadlines to make. Tis the season at AZUR!

AZUR Is Now Serving Christmas!

Our good friend and loyal customer - Deni Hamilton is putting the finishing touches on the AZUR Christmas decorations. There are stars in the sky, miniature trees on the tables and specialty Christmas trees throughout. Now, we are truly getting into the spirit. We always try to do something a little different with our decorations and this year is no exception. Stop by and catch the spirit of Christmas AZUR-style!

AZUR Makes It from Scratch

Feeling nostalgic for a fresh cooked meal? A time when all the ingredients came from the market and not from a box or can. You can still get meals like your mother or Grandmother's at AZUR. Yes, our chefs prepare meals just like that! We pride ourselves on keeping things fresh.