In our Inside Look stories, Herald-Leader journalists take you inside places around Lexington and Kentucky that you maybe haven't seen before. Read more. Story idea? hlcityregion@herald-leader.com.
Azur Restaurant and Patio, 3070 Lakecrest Circle #550, will reopen May 23 after a five-month absence.
Sylvia Lovely, who owns the restaurant with her husband, Bernie, said they closed Azur down after 20 years at the end of 2024 because they were unable to negotiate a new lease.
But now they have, and the Beaumont neighborhood restaurant will be coming back with an updated look and menu.
The Surf & Turf dish ($42) at Azur Restaurant and Patio, shown Monday, May 20, 2025 in Lexington, Ky. Marinated and then grilled skirt steak is topped with a mint and pineapple chimichirri and shrimp and then served with sautéed haricots verts and melting potatoes. Brian Simms bsimms@herald-leader.com
One big change will be in the kitchen: Longtime chef Jeremy Ashby has left Azur and moved over to Dupree Catering, which operates the Main on Main event venue downtown. The Lovelys are also partners in that business.
The staff at Azur Restaurant and Patio, shown Monday, May 20, 2025 in Lexington, Ky. From left, General Manager Taylor Huston, co-owner Sylvia Lovely, Bar Manager Gale Eakins, Head Chef Nathan Vazquez, co-owner Bernie Lovely, Chef Otter Pirozzi and Chef Luciana Mcalister. Brian Simms bsimms@herald-leader.com
Now, chef Nathan Vazquez will be running the kitchen for Azur. Vazquez, a native of Puerto Rico, moved to Lexington in 2016 and has worked in a variety of places around town, including Jean Farris Winery, Heirloom in Midway and Pasta Garage.
Azur Restaurant and Patio Head Chef Nathan Vazquez puts the finishing touches on a Surf & Turf dish Monday, May 20, 2025 in Lexington, Ky. Along with some of Azur’s classic dishes, Vazquez plans to introduces touches of his native of Puerto Rico to the restaurant’s menu. Brian Simms bsimms@herald-leader.com
He plans to introduce touches of the cuisine of his native island to Azur’s menu, including new spices and savory items.
The Khan Khan Pork Chop ($42) at Azur Restaurant and Patio, shown Monday, May 20, 2025 in Lexington, Ky. has three cuts of pork in one: pork belly, pork loin and back ribs. The crispy fried Puerto Rican-style, bone-in, Harrison Farms pork is served over Tasso ham risotto with braised cippolini onion and sautéed asparagus. The dish is finished with a blood orange balsamic gastrique. Brian Simms bsimms@herald-leader.com
The Popcorn Homage appetizer ($12) at Azur Restaurant and Patio, shown Monday, May 20, 2025 in Lexington, Ky. Homemade pan-popped popcorn with chorizo butter, crispy Benton’s country ham, Nana’s fried corn and garden fresh chives. Brian Simms bsimms@herald-leader.com
Many of Azur’s most popular staple dishes will be returning, such as the bourbon fried chicken, truffle fries, tagliatelle with vodka sauce, and the woven shrimp.
Azur’s signature woven shrimp are served over coconut sweet corn risotto with a honey, garlic and red chile glaze. After 20 years in Lexington’s Beaumont neighborhood, the restaurant announced it is closing at the end of the year. Brian Simms bsimms@herald-leader.com
The menu will remain seasonal, changing as new items become available from Central Kentucky farms, said Taylor Huston, general manager.
“Our menu is flexible, as is the concept,” Huston said. “Part of the appeal of Azur is that when you come, you can get something a little different and inspired and fresh.”
The cocktail menu also has been updated for the re-opening, but the most popular drink the Azur Old Fashioned, made with brown sugar syrup, black walnut bitters, house-made bourbon cherries and amaretto, still will be available.
Two drinks from the bar at Azur Restaurant and Patio, shown Monday, May 20, 2025 in Lexington, Ky. At left, the Summer Cruise is made with rum, Mezcal, orange blossom honey, peach preserves, bitters, saline solution and absinthe. And at right, the Garden Party Margarita is made with vinegar, sugar, peppers, agave syrup, tequila, lime juice and with a celery salt rimmed line. Brian Simms bsimms@herald-leader.com
The restaurant, which seats about 125, including the large covered patio, will be open for dinner and for Sunday brunch for now. Lunch hours may return later this year, Huston said.
The dining room at Azur Restaurant and Patio, shown Monday, May 20, 2025 in Lexington, Ky., has the same familiar look after the popular dining spot closed at the end of 2024 because there were unable to negotiate a new lease. But they will reopen officially on May 23 after a five-month absence. Brian Simms bsimms@herald-leader.com
The outside bar and patio dining area at Azur Restaurant and Patio, shown Monday, May 20, 2025 in Lexington, Ky., has the same familiar look after the popular dining spot closed at the end of 2024 because there were unable to negotiate a new lease. But they, along with its popular patio dining space, will reopen officially on May 23 after a five-month absence. Brian Simms bsimms@herald-leader.com
Azur Restaurant and Patio
Where: 3070 Lakecrest Circle #550
Hours: Monday through Thursday 4-9 p.m., Friday and Saturday 4-10 p.m., Sunday 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. for brunch and 4-9 p.m. for dinner.
Azur Restaurant and Patio, shown Monday, May 20, 2025 in Lexington, Ky., is located in the Beaumont neighborhood, just off Harrodsburg Road. has the same familiar look after the popular dining spot closed at the end of 2024. But they will reopen officially on May 23 after a five-month absence. Brian Simms bsimms@herald-leader.com
Janet Patton covers restaurants, bars, food and bourbon for the Herald-Leader. She is an award-winning business reporter who also has covered agriculture, gambling, horses and hemp.Support my work with a digital subscription
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