Alex Stratta is best known for picking up a James Beard Award as a trailblazing young chef at ’90s hot spot Mary Elaine’s at The Phoenician resort. Now, the chef – who moved to Las Vegas and added a Michelin star to his résumé before returning to the Valley – is excited for his latest venture, Stratta Lifestyle Kitchen, a health-centric restaurant set to open in Scottsdale in May. “I’ve always been in the high-end business, but the most joy I have is always cooking the vegetables and beans, getting back to the real basics of Mediterranean cooking.” Stratta let us peek into his pantry.
