Alov Restaurant and Jazz Bar to open in Baku with the largest wine list in Azerbaijan - PHOTOS

When the doors open on the newest destination restaurants for Fairmont Baku, Flame Towers on 7th February 2014, visitors will walk through a unique curved wine wall which will feature over 170 plus specially selected wines from both Azerbaijan and America.  This gives an indication of the style of the Alov experience – a steakhouse restaurant, a casual jazz bar and a cigar divan (opening later) - which is inspired by the syncopated beat of Jazz, a music genre that Baku has taken firmly to its heart.

Leading out into the main space of AlovRestaurant with seating for 98 guests, the open kitchens will lend a touch of theatre to any dining experience.  The décor is subdued and club like with fabrics in dark, neutral tones of charcoal and claret, channelling London’s Savile Row with the detailing - pinstripe suits, herringbone and sharp tailoring.  Smoke glass doors and custom fittings pay homage to Azerbaijan - “The Land of Fire”, whilst guests will enjoy 360 degree panoramic views over the Caspian Sea and the city of Baku.  There is even a private dining room, complete with separate lounge and washrooms if more exclusivity is required.

Alov Jazz Bar meanwhile is a more intimate space with seating for 80 people.  The showcase bar, with barstools for ten people and a semi-private seating area for another ten guests, has an ice block carving station producing custom ice ‘art’ to enhance any cocktail.  The lounge itself, Baku’s only luxury jazz venue, features relaxed seating in which to enjoy the nightly live entertainment on the central stage.  Alov Jazz Bar will happily seat small groups of up to ten friends together of an evening with VIP seating available, directly facing the stage.  Bookings will be essential during the annual International Jazz Festival in November – Fairmont Baku, Flame Towers is a major sponsor of the event.

The menus for both venues take their roots from America with menus designed by ChefOrkanMukhtarov, a multiple gold award winner of the International Gastronomy Festival.  Alov Steakhouse offers classic steakhouse cuisine with premium cut steaks (Wagyu, USDA Prime and American Angus), sauces and side dishes.  Salads range from a Lobster Cob to a Boston Rib whilst other classic dishes such as Steak Tartar, Crab Cakes and the signatureAlovBurger will tempt any palate.  There is a light hearted feel to the menu with items such asa Lobster Mac’n cheese, onion rings or even a French fries menu prepared in nine different ways! Desserts will include cheesecakes, the classic Mississippi mud pie and a Baked Alaska – the latter flaming dessert highly appropriate given the word “Alov” means flare in Azeri.

The Alov Jazz Bar menu meanwhile heads further South with a light bites offering with fried ChickenWaffles, Lobster Corn Dog and even S’Mores in the best tradition of the American sharing classic campfire tradition.The dessert menu is rounded off with trios of sundaes and beignets.  Alov’s accompanying cocktail menu will feature signature seasonal cocktails featuring cognac and whiskey or the more classic Side Car, Tom Collins or martini.  

The adjoining Cigar Divan, opening a little later, is perfect for enjoying a post-meal cigar.  Regulars may even hire their own cigar locker whilst branded gift items will be available for sale.

For more information on the hotel and for reservations, please call 00800 0441 1414 or access Fairmont.com/baku.

About Fairmont Baku, Flame Towers: On the highest part of the city of Baku, Azerbaijan’s vibrant capital lies the just opened Fairmont Baku, located in the northernmost tower of the three comprising the Flame Towers complex.  Designed by HOK International in the shape and essence of a flame - an apt symbol for this historic “land of fire”- the building is one of the most extraordinary and innovative constructions of modern times and is itself the tallest building in Azerbaijan.  

The 36-storey Fairmont Baku, Flame Towers features 318 rooms suites and apartments, over 2,500 square metres (26,900 square feet) of multi-use meeting space, a 3,500 square metre (37,674 square feet), spa facility - ESPA at Fairmont Baku, located over two floors - and several restaurants, bars and lounges.  With breathtaking views over Baku, the Caspian Sea and the UNESCO World Heritage site of the ancient Inner City, Fairmont Baku Flame Towers is swiftly becoming the place to stay and be seen.

About Fairmont Hotels & Resorts:Fairmont Hotels & Resorts connects guests to the very best of its destinations worldwide, reflecting each locale's energy, culture and history. Passionate travellers choose the luxury hotel brand for its ability to deliver memorable travel experiences, personalised and thoughtful service, and hotels that are one-of-a-kind. Serving as genuine gateways to their destinations, Fairmont hotels offer locally-inspired cuisine and spirited bars and lounges, distinctive design and décor, and a steadfast responsibility to environmental and social priorities. With more than 65 hotels globally, and many more in development, landmark hotels in the Fairmont collection include The Plaza in New York, London’s The Savoy, Fairmont Peace Hotel in Shanghai and Quebec City’s Fairmont Le Château Frontenac. Fairmont is owned by FRHI Hotels & Resorts, a leading global hotel company with over 105 hotels under the Fairmont, Raffles, and Swissôtel brands. The company also manages Fairmont, Raffles and Swissôtel branded luxury private residences club, whole-ownership residences and serviced residences properties.