Labor Day Latin Pig Roast

We realize that we haven't even celebrated the Fourth of July weekend yet, but AZUR is excited about the Labor Day Latin Pig Roast. We hosted this event last year and received so much positive feedback that we decided to make it an annual event at AZUR. Chef Miguel Rivas, a native of the Dominican Republic, will again be preparing a fresh roasted suckling pig and paella on the patio. It's like a Latin America Getaway without the travel or expense. The date is Friday, September 4 so please reserve the date. More details to follow.

The Story Behind the AZUR Water Feature

About two years ago, AZUR decided to expand and enhance the patio. In addition to adding tables & chairs, a New York roof top garden-inspired container garden and a complete flower garden revamping, we wanted to add an interesting focal point behind the exterior bar. We spotted a wall mounted copper sculpture with water cascading down the front at a trade show and commissioned the custom AZUR water feature complete with the name "AZUR" hand-written on the front.

Artist Henry Harvey created the Archimedes Wall Fountain which derives its name from the Greek mathematician and inventor. A distinctly scientific and geometric presence adds a contemporary flair to the ancient insights of one of humankind's great thinkers. Based out of Lahaska, Pennsylvania, Harvey Galleries has been creating custom sculptures for individuals and businesses for over thirty years. Their client list includes: BMW, Johnson and Johnson, Marriott Hotels and AZUR restaurant & patio. Harvey Galleries are renowned for their unique productions, such as a full sized time machine they created for Timex Corporation. Gallery founder Henry Harvey has also written a book about his experiences titled A Passion for Metal: Reflections and Techniques of a Metal Sculptor. Harvey Galleries is a member of the American Society of Interior Designers. The direct link to the designer. http://www.harveygallery.com/Metal-Sculptures.cfm?p=SculptureStore&c=incProductHome.cfm&cat=1

And now you know the rest of the story.

Tips for Surviving the Summer Heat

Most of us are not accustom to the higher summer temperatures, AZUR offers these simple tips to help cope with the high temps and humidity:

- Drink plenty of fluids - enough to quench your thirst
- Run outside errands in the cooler parts of the day (early morning or late evening)
- Wear lighter clothing made of natural fabrics (cotton)
- Monitor yourself, if you are having difficulty keeping up the pace - SLOW DOWN
- Seek areas of shade if you must work outside
- Dampen a cloth with water and drape on the back of your neck - instant cooling effect

Enjoy your summer but be safe.

Virtual Kentucky Bourbon Trail Dinner - Update 2

95 % of all bourbon is produced in Kentucky. What better way to show AZUR's Kentucky Proud spirit is there? We'll be featuring four bourbons made in Kentucky with the distilleries just minutes from Lexington. For those of you that are not familiar with the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, there was a timely article in Business Lexington today which explains the trail http://www.bizlex.com/Articles-c-2009-06-24-87893.113117_Kentucky_Bourbon_Trail_Hopes_to_Emulate_Napa_Valley.html. We'll be featuring Buffalo Trace (Frankfort), Woodford Reserve (Versailles), Wild Turkey (Lawrenceburg) and Tom Moore (Bardstown) on Thursday, July 30 at 6:30 p.m. This four course dinner Chef Series dinner will feature four courses prepared with the respective bourbons. And Eric Gregory, president of the Kentucky Distillers Association will be speaking as well as offering a tasting of the bourbons. The cost of the dinner is $45 per person. Reservations 859-296-1007. View more details http://azurrestaurant.com/chefseries.aspx

New Summer Menus at AZUR!

AZUR recently placed "New" summer menus into service for lunch and dinner. Sure, we retained the core entrees but we believe in variety. Plus, our chefs like to take advantage of local seasonal produce. Why? Because fresh locally grown products had taste and presentation to the plate. We are currently using local berries, micro greens and some greenhouse grown tomatoes. Fresh is definitely better than frozen.

Long Summer Nights

After being confined to the office or home all day due to the high temperatures and humidity the last few days, AZUR has seen the return of an age old practice...That's waiting until the sun starts to fall before venturing outside. Luckily, we have the patio with shade trees and the awning with fans to assist in cooling things down quicker. It's times like these that makes the AZUR owners appreciate the improvements we have made to the 2,500 sq. ft. of patio.

Social Sundays at AZUR restaurant & patio

To encourage everyone to slow down and enjoy the company of others, AZUR is offering "Social Sundays" all summer long. If you are old enough to remember trips to your grandparents or relatives on Sunday afternoons to enjoy food and conversation at the table after a long work week, then you'll appreciate the nostalgia of these Sundays. AZUR will be "priming the pump" so to speak by offering 1/2 price on all bottles of wine (excluding champagnes) and 1/2 price on all ceviches (excludes the already discounted ceviche tasting). As the sun makes it's way downward in the sky, head over to the AZUR patio and invite some relatives, friends or neighbors to join you. Rediscover the simplicity and enjoyment of past social practices this summer because they were good times. Offering now through the end of July.

Maintenance - A Constant Battle

After nearly five years in the restaurant business, it seems that maintenance is a daily battle. As soon as one issue is fixed, there are three more to address. Not really complaining about it. Really, it's an observation. Like the upkeep on your home, AZUR has a host of different systems that need attention on a daily business. There is the kitchen equipment, furniture, flooring, the patio & landscaping, lighting, the HVAC and the point-of-sales (POS) system. With the volume of traffic and occupancy of 18 hours a day, it's only natural. Most of these items are addressed before hours but on occasion we have one during service. The goal is to handle the situation(s) without the guests ever knowing. Grace under pressure is the battle cry.

AZUR Patio Irony

This past Sunday, AZUR spent hours reworking the misting sprinkler system on the patio to insure that the plants were well watered as the weather has been very hot as of late. Since that day, it has rained and rained some more until the ground is almost muddy. We find great irony in that; however, this most likely will change and the time used to adjust the sprinklers will not be in vain. Forecast is changing for the weekend and 90's on the horizon. Plus, we're saving on water use as coverage has been maximized.

Accounting: The Love/Hate Relationship

Every month (12 times per year), AZUR closes the books on the previous month. We realize that many others also perform this mundane task as well but we would much rather be creating a new entree, planning a Chef Series dinner or chatting with a guest. However, these numbers do allow us to evaluate our performance and make adjustments. Trying to complete May tonight so we can get back to what we really enjoy.

AZUR Appreciates Subtle Compliments

Quite often a guest will ask where we purchased our lighting, furnishings or even patio ceiling fans. This not only gives us an opportunity to share how each piece fits the overall theme of AZUR but also pays us a subtle compliment. It's like saying, "Hey, I like that and want one." We always strive to obtain unique items that coincide with the mission of the restaurant. So don't be afraid to ask, because AZUR loves to share.

What is WOM?

You may have seen WOM in reference to marketing or advertising. It means word-of-mouth. At AZUR, we rely on word-of-mouth for spreading the AZUR experience to others. Obviously, we cannot purchase WOM but we do try to encourage it every time a guest dines with us. We hope that those that have enjoyed one of our Chef Series dinners, the service from one of our professional wait staff or the contemporary ambiance at AZUR will share the experience. We believe this to be a much more rewarding way to promote ourselves in the community. And we truly appreciate every word.

Virtual Kentucky Bourbon Trail Update

AZUR is making progress on the July Chef Series Dinner. This themed dinner is the Virtual Kentucky Bourbon Trail. There will be four carefully selected bourbons from the official Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Eric Gregory, Executive Director of the Kentucky Distillers Association will be present to discuss the trail and bourbon in general. Chef Jeremy is working on the four course menu as well. Information is available on the AZUR web site http://azurrestaurant.com/chefseries.aspx Additional details will be posted as they become available. Please note that the bourbon dinners are very popular and reservations should be placed early by phone 859-296-1007 or by email info@azurrestaurant.com

Are You Following AZUR yet?

AZUR offers many ways to stay connected to us. In addition to the blog, there are the following:

web: www.azurrestaurant.com
facebook: AZUR restaurant
twitter.com: www.twitter.com/azurrestaurant
eNewsletter: sign up for monthly email at http://azurrestaurant.com/eNewsletter.aspx

and finally

our favorite method which is "in person".

Fruity Summer

Summer fruits are coming on fast. It's time to eat your fill of cherries, peaches and nectarines. Producers in the western states are harvesting their crops now. Look for fresh offerings at your local store. We can't wait for this summer's heirloom tomatoes. Why are we talking about tomatoes? Because they are scientifically a fruit; however, most chefs use them as a vegetable.

Endless Chef Series Ideas

AZUR loves to showcase culinary themes in our Chef Series dinners. Since starting them five years ago, we haven't ran out of fresh ideas yet. Granted some of them are received better than others but they all are unique. AZUR has never been afraid to take culinary risks. Yesterday, the idea for another dinner came to mind while driving down Harrodsburg Road in traffic (one good use of traffic time). The dinner would be themed around the historical preservation of foods - AZUR Preserves. In the past, food was stored great lengths of time using simple natural techniques such as: salt cured, smoked, pickled and sugar cured. At this point, AZUR Preserves is about 6th or 7th in line but exciting none the less. Probably a good fit for a winter month.

Projects Projects and More Projects

Have a lot going on this week with trench drain installation on the patio and several advertisement deadlines as well. Also have meetings to discuss the Virtual Kentucky Bourbon Trail dinner scheduled for July 30 at 6:30 p.m. We have the date and time but are still polishing the concept. Definitely can tell that summer is upon AZUR.

WEG 2010 Deadlines Coming Fast

If you live in Lexington, Kentucky and have listened to the radio, read the newspaper or watched television in the last year, you are aware that the World Equestrian Games are coming to the Horse Capital of the World - Lexington, K-Y next year. When the announcement was first made, it seemed so far away but now advertising deadlines are starting to appear on the radar. This event is a great opportunity to showcase Lexington to the rest of the world and also to promote your own business in the process. First, one needs to examine the opportunities available and there are many. Then, the deadlines for submission and payment terms must be noted. AZUR is attempting to weave a fine fabric of advertising without any holes while controlling the overall expense.