Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia is delighted to announce the appointment of acclaimed chef Alex Stratta as chef de cuisine of Prado, the resort’s award-winning signature restaurant in Paradise Valley. Stratta is poised to enrich the restaurant’s esteemed culinary program while fostering relationships in the community around him.
“We are thrilled to re-introduce Chef Stratta to our community as chef de cuisine at Prado,” said Frank Ashmore, area managing director for Omni Hotels & Resorts. “His gift for creating honest, approachable cuisine is undeniable, and we look forward to utilizing his talents in conjunction with our award-winning culinary team to enhance the lifestyle experiences of our residents, members, guests, and the entire Valley community.”
In his role as chef de cuisine, Stratta’s first seasonal menu will incorporate his unique flair and passion for Spanish cuisine, while honoring Arizona and its culture by utilizing the finest and freshest local ingredients made available by the state’s vast farming community. With Arizona agritourism on the rise, Stratta is passionate about cultivating and rekindling relationships with local farmers to continually support and enhance the industry that provides $17.1 billion dollars to the Arizona economy. Utilizing community-based relationships with farmers to provide quality products, Stratta’s cooking methods are based on historical Spanish traditions. The Prado menu will continue to feature Spanish-influenced fare for an approachable American palate in a warm, inviting neighborhood experience that is deeply personal for the local community and guests from around the world.
Prior to joining Prado, Stratta served as executive chef of Alex and Stratta at Wynn Resorts, Las Vegas, where he assisted in the development and operation of the two award-winning restaurant concepts. While in this role, Stratta reported directly to Steve Wynn of Wynn resorts resulting in a successful partnership over the years.
With over 35 years of culinary expertise, Stratta’s unparalleled culinary talents have earned him countless accolades over his illustrious career, including James Beard Foundation, Best Chef: Southwest, Mary Elaine’s in 1998; and “Best New Chef” recognition by Food & Wine in 1992. Additionally, Stratta has drawn critical acclaim to the restaurants he has worked at from AAA Five-Diamond Awards to Mobil Five-Star Designations, and a prestigious Michelin Guide “Two Star” rating for Alex at Wynn Resorts, Las Vegas from 2008-2010. Stratta was also a finalist on season 3 of ‘Top Chef Masters’ in 2011, and ‘Italian Iron Chef’ on ‘American Iron Chef’ in 2001.
“The response to my return to the Valley has been overwhelming and I am humbled at the gracious welcome by my new family and culinary colleagues at Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia,” said Chef Alex Stratta. “I’ve always been enamored with the culinary landscape in Arizona and am excited to return to a richer, more eclectic restaurant landscape filled with everlasting success stories.”
