In 2016, the famous S.T.A.Y French restaurant at Shangri-La Hotel, which was previously well-known in Beijing, was replaced by the new AZUR "Ju" restaurant, which replaced the chef and team, injecting southern French cuisine into the restaurant and embarking on the path of new French cuisine.
Today, AZUR is helmed by Michelin-starred chef Mauro Colagreco, who has an impressive track record, having earned a Michelin star at his own Mirazur restaurant in Menton, South France, after only 10 months of opening, and in 2012 he won a second Michelin star, and in 2016 he was ranked sixth in the world on the list of the world's 50 best restaurants. However, Mauro Colagreco doesn't appear very often at AZUR, and only occasionally comes here as a guest for a star set meal. The day-to-day work of the AZUR kitchen is headed by Daniel Smeenk, who previously worked as a sous chef at Mauro Colagreco's Mirazur.
The appetizer "Braised quinoa from the forest with mushrooms, potatoes and fragrant foam" is undoubtedly the restaurant's golden signature, and customers will feel the charm of a top chef from the moment they are seated. Quinoa, mushrooms, small potatoes and leaves, as well as fragrant sponges, potato foam and Parmesan cream bring a rich palate layer, and the presentation mimics a scene of forests, rocks and moss as the name suggests. Asparagus and grapefruit salad is also one of the signature dishes, and the sweet and bitter asparagus and grapefruit are served with a sauce made from orange yogurt, which neutralizes the jerkiness of the two flavors of vegetables and is appetizing.
The main seafood dish is the miso grilled cod, which is tender and tender, and the flavor is more intense after marinating, with a hint of miso and vanilla. Grilled lobster with slow-fired pork belly, salt-baked Japanese sea bream with abalone, the production is also considered passable. The quality of the oysters on the appetizer is also very good, Normandy Silver Oyster No. 4, David Silk Embroidery No. 3, Girardo Oyster No. 2, with William pear and other condiments, and a glass of champagne. For the main meat course, AZUR offers a variety of different grades of steaks, among which the top Wagyu sirloin steak is of the best quality, and the snowflake grade reaches 9 or higher. Wagyu tenderloin and Wagyu beef with bones and eyes are also graded above level 6. Angus beef with roast suckling pork shoulder and roast lamb chops are affordable options.
"AZUR" means azure in French, and the restaurant's interior is true to its name, with a soothing blue hue theme. At the front of the entrance, there is a small lounge area with natural light streaming in from floor-to-ceiling windows, behind which the bar, dining area and open kitchen gradually unfold, and the ceiling is draped with sparkling ornaments. The restaurant service is intimate and gentle, and the system is in place. AZUR offers a semi-buffet brunch, and a set menu of 598 yuan and 1,288 yuan for the main meal, both of which are some of the more classic dishes. Meals are subject to 10% service charge.
