Sad News: Another Indpendent Restaurant Closing

AZUR learned today that a restaurant in Newport, Kentucky would be closing it's doors tomorrow for the last time. This small independent shared many of the AZUR philosophies such as: fresh local ingredients, introducing their guests to new flavors, seasonal menu changes and a passion for presenting fine dining in a casual atmosphere. Sometimes doing your best day after day just isn't good enough. This was a restaurant that was awarded Best New Restaurant in 2009 by Cincinnati magazine. We hope they return some day when the economic skies are azure again.

Are You a Locavore?

Our friends at Good Foods Coop are participating in the EAT LOCAL campaign to promote eating locally grown products. There's five days left to participate in the August challenge. You may be a locavore, a person who eats exclusively or primarily food from their local area, already and don't realize it. AZUR is one of the listed restaurants that uses locally grown ingredients. For additional information go to http://www.goodfoods.coop/

AZUR Feels the Knob Creek Bourbon Shortage

Along with the rest of the country, AZUR restaurant & patio is feeling the Knob Creek bourbon shortage. As one of our best selling bourbons, AZUR may have to weather the drought with smaller bottles for a while. Unfortunately, the Keeneland Fall Meet is just around the corner and many visitors to Lexington, KY may experience the shortage as well. The next batch will reach the nine (9) years of aging in November. To learn more about the Knob Creek drought, go to www.knobcreek.com/webcast on September 1 at 4:00 p.m. Remember: All bourbon is whiskey but not all whiskey is bourbon. Kentucky Proud

What is AZUR's Cuisine?

AZUR is often mislabeled a particular category of cuisine such as: American, Mediterranean, Asian, Latin or even French by various sources. The reality of AZUR is we include an eclectic mix from many origins. The common thread is freshness and innovation. Our menu is actually chef-driven and not limited to one specific type of cuisine - it's continental. We admit that we favor local ingredients but that doesn't limit us either. It does allow us to serve a better finished product because the ingredients have spent less time traveling from the farm to the table. This is something that AZUR is proud of. Examples include: caviar, mushrooms, micro greens, berries, tomatoes, corn, fish, bison, rabbit and many more.

Lexington Still Working on Food Diversity

In the last several years, Lexington, KY has made great strides in offering greater diversity in food offerings. There are now more restaurants on the upper end of the spectrum as well as many specialty establishments such as: Indian, Mediterranean and South African. These small family-owned venues depend on your support to survive. And their survival strengthens the overall community. Next time you head out for dinner, please consider going local and support your own - Lexington's independents. It's a good thing.

What is the "Ark of Taste"?

The Ark of Taste is another branch of the Slow Food movement with a goal of saving the best endangered tastes for future generations. Their mission is to raise awareness of products on the list, locate small growers who are maintaining these products and promoting them in the market place. Hence, introducing consumers to wonderful unique tastes that they have never had before. AZUR likes this! Click below for additional information http://www.slowfoodusa.org/index.php/programs/details/ark_of_taste/

Constant Change is AZUR's Mantra

While many restaurants are returning to entrees from years past or staying with their menus in fear that the slightest change will cause a tragedy to befall them, AZUR continues to push the culinary envelope while strictly adhering to quality standards and the AZUR brand. For nearly five years, we have changed our offerings (menus) 5-6 times per year on average. Why? Because it keeps the creativity flowing and allows us to take advantage of fresh seasonal product. The closer the product, the fresher the plate will be to the taste and pleasing to the eyes. We are Kentucky Proud.

Lexington, KY Ranks Ninth in Fast Food Consumption

Cannot help but wonder what kind of message that "a survey by "Men's Health" magazine shows Lexington residents are in the top ten nationwide where fast food consumption is concerned. The city ranked ninth in the survey, which looked at factors such as the amount of fast food restaurants, as well as the amount of people who eat there seven or more times a month. Obesity rates were also a factor." Is this how we wish to have the nation view the Heart of the Bluegrass in terms of it's culinary level? Please tell us "no".

Source: Men's Health Magazine

iAZUR - We've got Apps!

Looking to satisfy a particular craving? Well, iAZUR has an App for it.

Looking for seafood but not something fried, Ahi Tuna Ceviche - diced with cilantro, peppers, scallions and wasabi with citrus sesame vinaigrette

Craving a green vegetable with a unique taste, Tempura Asparagus - with crab and cream ragout

Needing a cheese fix, Gruyere Fondue - a classic fondue served with bread and seasonal fruits

AZUR Loves Summer Nights

Tonight was an absolutely perfect example of what we envisioned for AZUR over five (5) years ago. Not only would guests be enjoying alfresco fine dining with innovative non-southern cuisine but also be enjoying the social aspect of dining out. The patio served as a backdrop for dining as well as live music and even a little impromptu dancing this evening. Everyone was enjoying themselves and we couldn't be more pleased. Thank you Lexington for supporting AZUR!

AZUR Expanding Video Offerings

AZUR restaurant & patio has always embraced innovation rather it be in the form of cuisine or technology. With the recent taping of a local food showed entitled Secrets of Bluegrass Chefs, our appetite for video production has been awakened. Let's just say that when your "hands on", like we are, the learning curve can be a steep one. Luckily, we're up to the challenge. Look for additional video in the near future on our Facebook page, the AZUR web site and beyond.

Incredible Food Show - Lexington

Executive chef Jeremy Ashby and AZUR are gearing up for the Incredible Food Show coming up in just eight weeks. Ashby has volunteered to assist with the event and will be doing a cooking demonstration and other duties as well. AZUR hopes that this year's event continues to raise culinary awareness in Central Kentucky. We have company coming for the World Equestrian Games in 2010 and we need to be ready as a community to host the visitors.

The Perfect Season for Rainier Cherries

The stars aligned this year for a perfect growing season for Rainier cherries (aka white cherries). It seems all the Northwest states had bumper crops this year which translates to lower market prices (almost half the cost of last year). Hence, this summer is a great opportunity for one to sample these sweet fruits and make them a future summer staple. AZUR suggests pitting the cherries and leaving the stems. Then covering them with chocolate and placing in your freezer. Once frozen they are ready to serve. Simple but delicious.

Thinking About Growing Our Own Produce

This year, AZUR has had an excellent year for our flower beds on the patio. We are wondering about how well these beds would do for growing herbs and other vegetables next year. Flowers add color and beauty to the ambiance but vegetables would add value and quality to the tables. AZUR is thinking heirloom tomatoes and fresh garden vegetables. We're thinking maybe it's time for patio to table. Now that's fresh!

AZUR on Secrets of Bluegrass Chefs

Catch AZUR restaurant & patio on the Secrets of Bluegrass Chefs airing this week on MyTVQ2 (Insight Cable channel 138) at 6:00 p.m. MyTVQ2 is Central Kentucky's newest channel. More information may be found here http://www.wtvq.com/programming/secrets-of-bluegrass-chefs.html You will find the full recipes for the dishes prepared on the program here http://www.newlocaltv.com/program4.php?theme=Secrets%20of%20Bluegrass%20Chefs

Lexington's Bike Program Issues Are World Class

Some of the issues with the Lexington Yellow Bike Program are shared by the Velib Program in Paris, France. Back in 2007, Paris established the Velib Program to reduce vehicle traffic and emissions in Paris. Though the program has been very successful, they have experienced significant problems with bicycle theft and vandalism. In Lexington, we have also seen bikes being stolen from the downtown area with most of them going unrecovered. Lexington demonstrated forward thinking with this program in 2007 so let's all help keep the program going. If you see a bike from the Yellow Bike Program abandoned or want more information, please call 859-425-2008. It's our community.

AZUR Latin American Pig Roast II

Last year's Latin Pig Roast was so popular that AZUR has decided to repeat the event on Labor Day weekend again this year. We'll be roasting a whole suckling pig and preparing fresh paella on the patio. Chef Miguel Rivas, a native of the Dominican Republic will be doing the cooking Latin style. Plus, LIVE Latin music. Cost is again $35 per person. Seatings start at 6:30 p.m. and goes all night long! See details at www.azurrestaurant.com/chefseries.asp

Latin Menu:

appetizers
- Empanadas Chilenas (Chilean style beef empanadas)
- Croquetas de bacalao (salt cod fritters) with sauce huacaina
main entrees
- Mojo marinated, smoked and braised whole suckling pig
- Chorizo sausage, shellfish and saffron paella
sides
- Our very, very black beans
- Avocado and tropical salsita
- Heirloom tomato and sweet pepper salsita
- Platanos Maduros (sauteed ripe plantains)
dessert
- Classic Tres Leches (Spanish, three milks cake)

An evening of Latin food and music. Don't let the summer slip away without having some fun doing something unusual. You don't have to travel far for a mini-getaway Latin style.

The Beauty of Lexington

Lexington, Kentucky is an awkward size. It's not large enough to compete with the major metropolitan cities in many ways, yet too big to be considered a little town. We have our issues with traffic and growth but still we have a strong community quality. It is rare that one goes out for dinner or groceries without seeing a single someone you know. People always have time to stop and talk. The beauty of Lexington is being a larger city with a small town atmosphere - where you recognize people and they recognize you. And more often than not, you are greeted with a smile.