Equipment Failure Preparedness

Although AZUR really doesn't like to think about the "what if the _________ fails", we have to be prepared to address it quickly. Tonight, several hours were spent configuring a spare computer in the event one of the workstations fail. This is just one example of how we prepare for the worse case scenario. In the past, we have had to deal with the point of sales (POS) server failing, the ice maker failing, the walkin cooler failing as well as many other equipment malfunctions. We must have backup plans to cover our operations so our guests' AZUR experiences are not affected. Actually, many of the incidents mentioned above have occurred during service but if handled promptly and correctly, no one in the dining room is aware. That is always our goal.

AZUR Baking Bread

AZUR began baking it's own house bread this week. With our limited kitchen space, baking bread on a daily basis has always been a challenge. Honestly, it is very difficult to manage but the results are definitely worth it. Over the years, AZUR has outsourced the task of baking bread but often we just felt that we could do it better. Executive chef Jeremy Ashby completed several trials and was finally pleased with the procedure and the result. We're confident that you will be as well.

Upscale|Elegant|Eclectic|Haute|Continental|Fine

Many words are used to describe AZUR as a fine dining establishment such as upscale, elegant, eclectic, haute and continental. Though they are accurate descriptions of the food and presentations, AZUR is not stuffy. From the beginning, we conceived AZUR to include warmth and friendliness while maintaining a high level of cuisine. Our ambiance is contemporary casual. We want you to be wowed by the food but not smothered by the setting. Our mission is education and introduction to new tastes.

Facebook Fans Hits 400 Mark!

AZUR is pleased to announce that we have hit the 400 fans mark on Facebook. Since we launched the Facebook page last year, we have been able to share thoughts, photos, events and news in almost real time. Plus, our fans are able to interact with us. If you're not following AZUR on Facebook yet, just enter "AZUR restaurant & patio" in the search feature of Facebook and become a fan of AZUR restaurant & patio in Lexington, Kentucky.

72 degrees in July

Believe it or not, Kentucky is in the 70's in the middle of July. What a great opportunity to enjoy the summer evenings without the humidity. After you work out in the yard all day, please consider rewarding yourself with a little dining alfresco style with a little live music. Honestly, summer nights like this don't happen that often. Savor them like a fine wine.

Vegetable Blight Alert!

Commercial growers and private backyard gardeners need to examine their tomatoes and potatoes for late blight. Kenny Seebold, extension plant pathologist in the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, reports “This disease looks a lot different than what growers are used to seeing,” “Leaves of infected plants will die and wither quickly. Unlike most diseases, which begin at the bottom of the plant and spread upward, this disease can infect the whole plant or begin at the top of the plant.” Seebold encouraged growers who suspect late blight or see anything out of the ordinary on their plants to bring samples to their local extension office for UK plant pathologists to diagnose.

Bourbon, Horses and Bluegrass

While driving the backroads of Kentucky in route to Frankfort to file documents with the Secretary of State, began to think about what draws non-residents to Kentucky - the horse farms with large old mansions and wood plank fences; the active distilleries of Kentucky bourbon steeped with history or the open spaces of hills and acres of bluegrass? Perhaps, it's the combination of all these things. And then hoping that one day fine dining destinations make the list as well.