AZUR's Perfect Storm

When AZUR fills to capacity and we are turning down additional seatings, we are experiencing half of the "Perfect Storm". The other half is less known but extremely important to the success of the restaurant. Every day is different in terms of sales and so many factors determine the total amount of covers for any given day; however, we are forced to schedule the appropriate amount of servers days ahead. Scheduling too few will effect the dining experience and scheduling too many will effect their income because the majority of their compensation is derived from guest tips. Hence, the "Perfect Storm" is the proper ratio of servers to the number of guests. Though is appears to be simple on the surface, it is always a struggle to maintain the "Perfect Storm" at AZUR.

Rewards in the Restaurant Business

Restaurants open and close quickly in all markets. Perhaps they opened for purely for financial gain which is flawed from the beginning. With a profit margin of 4% to 6% considered to be a very solid performance in the restaurant business, any establishment is not going to generate fortunes for the owners. In fact, the motivation for AZUR is pride and people. We enjoy being hosts to our guests and have pride in our culinary product. Hours and hours of debate go into every change. Always striving for perfection in every meal.

Your Thoughts Are Important!

AZUR values your input. Over the last several years, we have made adjustments to our restaurant directly based upon customer input. This year, we have been performing major enhancements to the patio. In addition to the food and service, we are curious of what you believe makes dining on a patio extra special. Rather than second guess our patrons, we request your input. Please send your comments to us.

Patio Season at AZUR in FULL Swing!

Three days from last post and it seems like three minutes. AZUR has been hosting hundreds of afternoon and evening patio goers. We added seating (tables & chairs) for approximately 50 more guests on the patio during the wee hours of Thursday morning. We were pleased to see that every table was placed into service for the last two nights. After four years, our popular exterior seating capacity matches the interior. AZUR expects that all patio enhancements will be completed by the first week of May.

Enhancing Your Keeneland Experience

A few tips from AZUR on enhancing your Keeneland race day experience... 1) Dress for the weather. In Kentucky, the weather changes quickly with dramatic changes in temperature, 2) Car pool to the races to limit fuel costs and parking issues, 3) Bet and drink within reason. Keep it fun, 4) place your dinner reservations before going to the races to insure you have a spot to continue after the races and 5) Slow down - life is meant to be social.

Why Limit Party Sizes?

On a busy night, the management may decide to limit party (group) sizes to insure consistent service for all diners. AZUR practices this technique because we have a finite amount of BTUs (stoves and ovens) for cooking multiple entrees at the same time. If all large parties ordered at the same time, the kitchen could not maintain the proper serving temperature for all individuals to be served simultaneously, hence, the overall dining quality would be effected. Also, no new tickets could be started which results in other orders being delayed. Everyone matters at AZUR.

Upcoming Chef Series Dinners

AZUR is about to release the dates for the May & June Chef Series dinners. They will be Indian and Kenyan, respectively. Both culinary adventures will be very interesting and couldn't be more opposed. The Indian with spices and the Kenyan authentic to the culture. These extremes demonstrate the creativity and diversity of AZUR's chefs. Please check back for the details on both.