Popular Lexington restaurant closing after 20 years: ‘Finish the best we can’

Janet Patton, Brian Simms
·2 min read

A cornerstone of the dining scene on Lexington’s south side is closing. But the owner plans to go out with a big send off on New Year’s Eve.

Azur Restaurant and Patio announced on Facebook that the Beaumont restaurant at 3070 Lakecrest Circle #550 is shutting its doors after 20 years.

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“Due to circumstances beyond our control, Azur ... will have our final dinner service on December 31, 2024,” the restaurant posted. “We have been blessed to have had such amazing clientele and friends for so many years, who have supported us through so very much. Please make a reservation and dine with us during our final Days of December. We would love your support to make our final month the best it can be for our staff.”

The popular restaurant was known for woven shrimp, pimiento cheese fritters, Brussels sprouts, and bourbon fried chicken dishes. And its enormous patio that on weekends hosted a local farmers’ market.

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.
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.

Azur co-owner and chef Jeremy Ashby declined to comment on Monday evening except to say via text: “We just want to make this month and our 20-year finish the best we can for our staff.”

Jeremy Ashby was the chef for Lexington’s Merrick Inn and the former Murray’s restaurant before becoming a chef/partner for the Azur Food Group in 2006, a little more than a year after the restaurant opened.
Jeremy Ashby was the chef for Lexington’s Merrick Inn and the former Murray’s restaurant before becoming a chef/partner for the Azur Food Group in 2006, a little more than a year after the restaurant opened.

The restaurant opened its doors in 2004 and Ashby joined founders Bernie Lovely, Miguel Rivas and Rob Mudd in 2006 after culinary training and working at well-known Lexington restaurants Merrick Inn and Murray’s.

Bernie Lovely’s wife Sylvia, who also co-hosts “Food News and Chews” radio show with Ashby, said via email on Monday night that they were forced to close after the rent was raised significantly, “making it untenable for us.”

The main dining room at Azur Restaurant and Patio in Lexington. The local restaurant has been a popular dining spot for 20 years.
The main dining room at Azur Restaurant and Patio in Lexington. The local restaurant has been a popular dining spot for 20 years.

Azur was known for its locally sourced food as well as adventurous dining such as wild game dinners. In recent years, the restaurant has celebrated world cuisine with chef’s dinners and nostalgic dinners reviving the best menus from lost Lexington restaurants.

The patio was hugely popular with locals who often enjoyed live music.

The outdoor dining area at Azur Restaurant and Patio July 15, 2022 in the Beaumont neighborhood in Lexington, Ky. The patio dining area often has live music, making it popular with local foodies.
The outdoor dining area at Azur Restaurant and Patio July 15, 2022 in the Beaumont neighborhood in Lexington, Ky. The patio dining area often has live music, making it popular with local foodies.

The restaurant remains open through the end of the year and will be taking reservations beginning for Tuesday evening.

Azur Restaurant Group also owns The Mane on Main dining and events venue as well as Dupree Catering.

The news of the impending closure comes a month after the restaurant lost one of its chefs when Kentucky native Austin “Popcorn” Popplewell died unexpectedly.

Azur Restaurant and Patio

Where: 3070 Lakecrest Circle, Suite 550

Hours: Monday through Thursday 5 to 9 p.m, Friday and Saturday 5 to 10 p.m., Sunday brunch 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., dinner 5 to 9 p.m.

Online: azurrestaurant.com

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