Acclaimed chef Alex Stratta to open Scottsdale restaurant this spring

PHOENIX — A local chef with a James Beard Award and two Michelin Stars is opening a new Scottsdale restaurant this spring.

Alex Stratta plans to open Stratta Lifestyle Kitchen near Hayden Road and Via de Ventura in March. It is taking the place of The Melting Pot, which closed after 22 years in August.

The Mediterranean-focused restaurant has a menu inspired by Stratta’s health challenges with colon cancer and his 100-pound weight loss.

The spot will offer dairy-free, gluten-free and vegetarian options with a focus on seasonal whole foods.

Dishes include the Cali Coast, made of toasted quinoa, purple yams, rainbow cauliflower, avocado, almonds and dates; crispy European sea bass; and an artichoke, spinach and goat cheese dip.

“This new concept is so personal to me and I am thrilled to once again share my passions with our local and visiting diners who have come to expect, and deserve, an elevated yet wholesome meal in a quick-casual atmosphere,” Stratta said in a press release.

He was the executive chef of The Phoenician Resort in Scottsdale and the Renoir restaurant at The Mirage in Las Vegas before he opened his own restaurant in Sin City called Alex, which closed in 2011.

Since then he has served as executive chef for a number of Phoenix-area restaurants.

Follow @KTAR923