The name Alex Stratta is a rather familiar one among the fine dining scene around the Valley and the country — and now the beloved local chef is opening a concept of his own right here in Scottdale. Stratta Lifestyle kitchen is set to open its doors at 8260 North Hayden Road in March, bringing to the valley Stratta’s personal take on cooking with natural, seasonal and whole foods inspired by the flavors and vibrant approach of the Mediterranean that fits today’s demand for delicious dishes that fuel a healthy lifestyle.
“My passions have always been found and developed in the kitchen,” says Stratta. “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’s new restaurant concept developed out of his own health journey overcoming colon cancer and losing more than 100 pounds in the process. To regain his health, he began to gravitate towards a natural, whole foods approach to cooking and eating.
“I like the fact that Alex is returning to his roots with this concept. Phoenix is truly lucky to have a local chef who has earned a James Beard Award and two Michelin Stars creating a restaurant that is affordable and approachable to anyone,” says local food writer Christina Barrueta.
With a vast menu that includes a number of naturally dairy-free, gluten-free and vegetarian options, Stratta Lifestyle Kitchen makes it easy (and enjoyable!) to cater to a number of dietary needs and preferences without limitation. The menu is broken down into To Share or Not to Share, Greens, Grains, and Proteins with a selection of house-made specialty sauces to adorn any meal.
The quick-serve concept that has gained popularity in recent years will allow diners to come in, order and go about their day, or sit and relax while enjoying a nutritious and visually stunning meal in an upscale environment. Examples of “To Share or Not to Share” starters include Vegetable and Potato Fritatta; Whipped Ricotta Cheese and Walnut Romesco; and Baked Artichoke, Spinach and Goat Cheese Dip.
“Greens” options include Beets and Apples with roasted golden beets, arugula, caramelized apples, goat cheese cracker, pistachio and balsamic crunch; and Mistral with Moroccan-spiced eggplant, Tuscan kale, Turkish apricots, Marcona almonds, spicy chickpeas and pickled red onion; and “Grains” include dishes such as the Cali Coast featuring toasted quinoa, purple yams, rainbow cauliflower, avocado, Marcona almonds and Medjool dates; the Vegetable Pistou Soup with seasonal vegetables, white beans, Israeli cous cous, San Marzano tomato, Tuscan kale and a pesto drizzle; and the Terra with green lentils, wild mushrooms, spinach, Brussels sprouts, asparagus, and spiced purple yams.
Guests can choose from a variety of choices from the “Proteins” portion of the menu including Alaskan Sterling Salmon, Impossible Kabab, PNW Black Cod, Grilled Haloumi Cheese, Free Range Chicken Breast, Crispy European Sea Bass, Grilled King Trumpet Mushroom, and Char-Grilled Strip Steak. Diners can also customize their meal with a selection of inspired sauces such as Balsamic-Honey Vinaigrette, Moroccan Spice Tahini, Chimichurri made with cilantro, parsley, jalapeno, olive oil and toasted cumin; and more. To round out the menu, “Sweets” include Pistachio Baklava, Warm Walnut-Date Cake, and Goat Cheese and Honey Panna Cotta.
