April & Keeneland Like Peas & Carrots

Keeneland opens tomorrow (April 2) in Lexington, Kentucky which is the unofficial start of spring in the Bluegrass. One could say that they go together like peas & carrots. Speaking of which, AZUR's Executive chef Jeremy Ashby recently shared his thoughts on the tasty American duo in the local newspaper. It's a quick read with some recipes as well. Check it out by following the link http://www.kentucky.com/2010/04/01/1206030/spring-means-its-time-to-plant.html

We'll see you on the patio!

AZUR in Bloom This Spring!

AZUR has been busy with a number of projects this early spring. First, we've been preparing for the James Beard House Kentucky-themed dinner in May. Second, we've been getting the patio ready for the Keeneland meet which is just around the corner. Third, we're preparing a piece on our Signature dishes for Kentucky Monthly. Fourth, Chef Ashby is preparing to speak to the U.K. Hospitality Association and fifth, we're prepping new extensions of The AZUR Experience. Oh, and Easter Brunch coming up on Sunday, April 4 from 11 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. By the way, it's easier to keep up by becoming a Fan on Facebook [AZUR restaurant & patio] or following us on Twitter www.twitter.com/AZURrestaurant You're invited!

AZUR Taking to the Skies

Executive chef Jeremy Ashby and AZUR Co-owner Fred Wohlstein have booked their flights to New York City for the upcoming James Beard Dinner on May 24th. Ashby will be joined by three other Kentucky chefs from the World Equestrian Games 2010 Cookin' in the Bluegrass dinners taking place each night of the games. They will be presenting a five course dinner which showcases many local Kentucky Proud products. Tickets will be available in the first part of April through the James Beard Foundation or OpenTable. Cost is $165.00. We would love to share this experience with some Kentucky fans. Learn more http://azurrestaurant.com/buzz.aspx

AZUR Patio Has First Tables of 2010 Season!

We take pride in the name AZUR restaurant & patio, hence, we open the patio any day the weather cooperates. Today, the Kentucky sunshine smiled on us and the patio was opened for lunch. Honestly, we don't believe anyone would have guessed that a week ago but that's Kentucky weather for you. First patio day of 2010 - March 8. Looking forward to a very long season.

Excitement at AZUR

We are really getting excited at AZUR. The days are getting longer and the sun is shining. Temperatures are slowly rising and that means we are close to patio season. Keeneland is less than a month away from their spring meet. Also, Executive chef Jeremy Ashby has two James Beard Foundation events scheduled (one in New York and one in Lexington). The dates are May 24 and October 6 respectively. Looking forward to seeing many of our fans from across the country over the next few months. After six years, it's hard to believe that we still get a mental "rush" when the spring thaw comes. We hope it never ends.

Happenings at AZUR

AZUR Executive chef Jeremy Ashby and three Kentucky chefs selected to prepare a "Taste of Kentucky" dinner on May 24 at the James Beard House in NYC have submitted their menu. It's another fantastic opportunity to showcase the culinary diversity that has been emerging for the last several years in the Commonwealth. Also, AZUR had a visit from the Lexington Ballet Company during lunch today. Some of the Company struck poses around the restaurant which was really interesting to watch (guests and performers). They were wonderful ambassadors for their organization. See some of the photos on our website at http://azurrestaurant.com/azurin.aspx Next Chef Series dinner is Classically Unadorned on March 10. This dinner features four iconic courses from the past (e.g. Duck a l'Orange and Baked Alaska). When is the last time you saw those on a menu?

2010 Better and Better for AZUR

As predicted several weeks ago, AZUR is having a great year in 2010. Late this afternoon, we learned that Executive Chef Jeremy Ashby will be one of the four Kentucky chefs cooking at the James Beard House on Monday, May 24. The theme is our Bluegrass Heritage using local Kentucky Proud products for this five course tasting menu. We are so pleased and honored to represent Kentucky in New York. AZUR hopes this will help propel the emerging culinary diversity in Kentucky.