It’s rare that I write about restaurants these days. Not because I don’t want to, but rather there are so few restaurants in my little country town to write about. Of those, seafood is not the star of the plate. Pork and beef, that’s another story.

Fortunately last weekend, we drove three hours east to Lexington to hear Benjamin Britten’s War Requiem Op. 66, a concert, symphonic blessing, and anti-war statement all-in-one. Elvis’s nephew, Justin Vickers, (below, on left with life-partner Mikey Wolfe) was the guest tenor in the production.

We wouldn’t miss Justin or this concert for anything. In light of the Boston bombing the previous week, we were in need of a spiritual evening with family more than we were in need of good food and drink. As things go-we’d get all the above.

After I made the hotel reservation, I decided AZUR restaurant & patio would be our go-to restaurant. I’ve followed the Central Kentucky food scene online and in print since I moved to Mad’ville, KY nineteen months ago. I spent a weekend in Lexington last year at the Kentucky Women Writer’s Conference, ate a few fantastic meals at Table 310 and The Village Idiot, but that was the extent of my dining in Lexington. The KWWC conference site and schedule dictated where I would eat and when. And as close as Lexington seems, six-hour round trips are not something I want to do for dinner.

On this trip, we had more flexibility.

AZUR was on my bucket-list for dining. Owner/Chef Jeremy Ashby, a native Kentuckian, highlights local ingredients and offers sustainably-sourced seafood. AZUR did not disappoint for several reasons.

First, I thought Bunny, Justin’s mom, (on left with husband John and son, Justin) made the dinner reservation, and she thought I did. At 5 p.m. our party of five showed up at one of the busiest restaurants in Lexington without a reservation, and btw, needed to be finished by 6:30ish so we could get to the theater at UK in time for the 7:30 show.

Even though AZUR was booked for the night, the host didn’t bat an eye (or roll his eyes), but instead, smiled and seated us immediately, confident we’d be out of those seats and into our theater seats in plenty of time.

Second, our server was not only professional (he didn’t hover and had all the answers to our questions) he wore 70s-style aviator rims, and his long straight, shiny ponytail (that reminded me of a thoroughbred’s tail) was tucked artfully into the side and back of his shirt. Adorable, sweet and a Millennial hipster? Yes, he was perfect.

The seating at AZUR is crowded, bistro-style. Its bar seats twelve or so, and it offers a large outdoor terrace/patio. But it was April and the air still cold, so the only peeps out there were the pizza maker to tend to the pizza pit, and the occasional cigar and cigarette smokers. The crowd was noisy, but not too much that we couldn’t hear each other talk. A guitarist began to set up right near the front entrance about the time we asked for the bill, and although I love live music through dinner, I wouldn’t have wanted to sit at our table throughout his sets. Yup, that close.

Third, I asked to see the chef to say hello and introduce myself. Chef Jeremy came to the table. Imagine that. He was gracious and kind, a true professional, meaning he wasn’t pretentious or full of himself. Instead, he shook our hands and then casually mentioned we might enjoy a few features otherwise glanced over on the menu-steamed Vietnamese beef boa buns, devilled duck eggs and lobster mousse crepes.

Yes please, and thank you Chef.

AZUR has a respectable wine list, a serious bourbon list, and more craft beers than we had time to sample. With our amuse-bouches, a bottle of chardonnay, and bourbon ales going, we were excited to order. AZUR’s menu is a cross between southern comfort and casual upscale International fare. Our table ordered a burrata and tomato flatbread, country ham and corn flatbread, Caesar salad, two squid-crusted Alaska halibuts with a risotto and a few dollops of mango purée, and a Thai shrimp risotto.

So eager to order Alaska halibut, I neglected my already semi-full belly, and first inclination to order the Waygu beef burger. Although I rarely eat out and get the chance to eat fresh seafood, I get the chance to eat Wagyu beef less often. I liked my dinner choice-the fish was flakey and sweet, but Elvis ordered halibut, too. In hindsight, I would have been content had Elvis and I shared- half a burger and half a halibut.

All of our selections were properly prepared, looked artistic and homey, and the portions were more than we could eat-especially for a pre-theater show. Though we’d have no time for coffee or dessert (AZUR’s menu is short and sweet.) We’d pushed the time envelope and had a few minutes to spare to drive to the theater and snag our seats. Dessert would be post-show at Table Three Ten, where Stella Parks, named one of F&W’s top “new” chefs, whips up iconic American desserts with a twist. Psst, Stella’s cookbook will be out in 2014.

But we would not need caffeine or sugar. Benjamin Britten’s War Requiem was not going to put anyone to sleep. The concert, a classic large-scale British movement, dedicated to the victims of the Boston Bombing was a humbling, captivating experience. When the chorus began its chant, “Lord, grant them eternal rest; and let the perpetual light shine apon them,” I wasn’t looking around, but I’d bet there wasn’t a dry eye in the house, certainly not mine.

Post-concert we were in need of more visiting, dessert and cocktails. And there is no better place in Lexington than Table Three Ten. Located in downtown Lexington on Short St., the building was renovated from a law office into a casual, fun place anytime of the evening. Table Three Ten serves up a lively atmosphere with a long thick wooden bar and over-sized chalk boards that feature local, seasonal fare. The food and atmosphere complement the talented group of chefs, bartenders, and servers. It was crowded, noisy, and the perfect place to end our evening. We didn’t mind shouting to each other after a little sugar and booze, in fact we relished the opportunity.

Cheers to AZUR restaurant & patio, Table Three Ten, Benjamin Britten, our family, especially Justin for traveling from Illinois to perform and bring us together. Ours was a trip worthy of a review.

Next trip to AZUR, I’ll have Elvis order the burger, I’ll order the seafood, we’ll share and I’ll take my camera.

Headed to Lexington? Check out AZUR restaurant & patio $$$-$$$$, and Table Three Ten $$-$$$$ for yourself. Reservations recommended. Appetite required.

What’s your favorite go-to restaurant in Lexington?