Nothing but blue skies in festive Azul

Mill Creek Town Center, still very much a work in progress, already boasts a lively retail mix with small shops and destination draws such as Central Market, LA Fitness and University Book Store. By 9 p.m., though, things get pretty quiet — and not just because the bulldozers have stopped.

Azul, a two-month-old Mexican-themed restaurant and lounge, looks like a good bet to generate some after-dark action on Mill Creek's meandering Main Street. It has the right pedigree — owner Allen Hutmacher is a former partner in Peso's on Queen Anne — a sexy, sophisticated look and good food.

A constellation of votives flickers romantically in the deep-blue depths of the dining room, and the soundtrack is programmed for partying. In the mirrored lounge, where street-side windows slide open to welcome balmy breezes, skilled bartenders mix the kind of fruity rum and tequila concoctions bound to put anyone in a vacation state of mind.

Azul's lounge already draws a happy-hour crowd — not surprising when you take a gander at the dozen items on the $3 menu, among them chicken soup, chop salad, jalapeño poppers, jerk chicken wings, tacos and a sweet 'n' sassy pulled-pork barbecue sandwich (regularly $4.90-$8.90). You might put the required $3 beverage minimum toward a draft Dos Equis Amber ($4), glass of sangria ($5) or an Argentinean malbec ($7).

But Azul isn't for adults only. The food's broad appeal and moderate prices make it ideal for families, too. The menu embraces salads, sandwiches and Mexican standards like enchiladas, tacos, burritos and fajitas, as well as steak and seafood entrees. Lunch service starts later this month. Patio seating will be available as soon as the tables arrive and the weather cooperates, says general manager Rodney Guild.

The earnest staff couldn't be more accommodating. When a server mis-timed our order, delivering soup and salad just moments ahead of the entrees, he made amends with a free dessert. Who can resist an apology accompanied by a warm brownie and French-vanilla ice cream?

Check please:

Pollo Caldo: This bowl of chicken soup is a meal in itself. The broth, with just a little chili heat, is fragrant with cilantro. From its depths you'll retrieve rice, carrots, avocado and white meat. Only complaint: Everything is cut bigger than bite-size — hard to fit on a spoon.

House starter salad: We chose the balsamic vinaigrette and were rewarded with a refreshing, slightly sweet toss of mesclun greens, generously portioned and finished with cotiya cheese.

Green enchiladas: A pair of enchiladas, fashioned from corn tortillas wrapped around tender pulled pork (chicken and vegetarian are also an option). The tomatillo sauce gets a kick from jalapeño and garlic, but it's gentled with sour cream. Served with black beans, Spanish rice, onion-studded sour cream and pico de gallo.

Fresh catch: The 6-ounce halibut fillet is beautifully charred, very moist, easily flaked. It's complemented by a sweet yet tangy mango-and-tomato salsa, a side of roasted asparagus and chipotle-citrus rice.

Itemized bill, meal for two

Pollo Caldo $4.90

House starter salad $3.50

Green enchiladas $11.90

Fresh catch $16.90

Tax $3.31

Total $40.51

Providence Cicero: providencecicero@aol.com