MICHELIN-STARRED CHEF ALEX STRATTA JOINS OMNI SCOTTSDALE RESORT & SPA AT MONTELUCIA AS CHEF DE CUISINE OF PRADO

SCOTTSDALE (MAY 19, 2016) – 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.”

In returning to his roots in Scottsdale, Stratta brings with him his high-energy and entrepreneurial spirit to the diverse culinary team in order to create lasting relationships with his colleagues and partners within the agritourism industry. Stratta anticipates being visible in the farming scene as he attends farmers markets regularly within the community to seek out inspiration and fresh new, local products for each and every hand-crafted dish. Stratta eagerly anticipates being able to spend time conversing with guests in more intimate, private dining experiences. Beginning Wednesday, June 1st, Stratta will debut an Evening for You featuring a three course tasting menu. When crafting these intimate experiences alongside his colleagues, Stratta is furthering the Omni experience for every guest in Prado and Omni Scottsdale as a whole. In his spare time, Stratta enjoys reading history and non-fiction novels, and spending time with his family.

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About Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia
Ranked 6th on Travel + Leisure's 500 "Best U.S. Hotels List" in join Arizona and one of Condé Nast Traveler's "Best Spas" in 2014, Omni Scottsdale Resort is an exclusive oasis inspired by the exotic locales of Morocco and Andalusia in Southern Spain. Nestled at the base of picturesque Camelback Mountain in Paradise Valley, Arizona, the resort boasts 293 spacious guest rooms, including 38 luxury suites and two presidential suites, and award-winning culinary experiences including the critically-acclaimed Prado restaurant. Omni Scottsdale Resort’s crown jewel – Joya Spa is home to Scottsdale's only Hammam treatment spa – a rejuvenating Moroccan-inspired hot and cold bathing ritual. Located just 15 minutes from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), the resort’s meeting facilities include more than 100,000 square-feet of modern luxury banquet and event space, including 27,000 square-feet of indoor meeting space, along with eight outdoor gardens, courtyards, and lawns perfect for conventions, board meetings and weddings. A member of the Omni Hotels & Resorts portfolio, Omni Scottsdale Resort is a privately owned and debt-free legacy purchase. To get additional information or book accommodations, visit www.omnimontelucia.com or call 1-480-627-3200

About Omni Hotels & Resorts
Omni Hotels & Resorts creates genuine, authentic guest experiences at 60 distinct luxury hotels and resorts in leading business gateways and leisure destinations across North America. With over 20 world-class golf courses and award-winning spa retreats, to dynamic business settings, each Omni showcases the local flavor of the destination while featuring four-diamond services, signature restaurants, Wi-Fi connectivity and unique wellness options. Known for its distinguished, personalized service, Omni leaves a lasting impression with every customer interaction, with a heightened level of recognition and rewards delivered through its Select Guest loyalty program and the company’s “Power of One” associate empowerment program. The brand is frequently recognized by top consumer research organizations and travel publications and was ranked “Highest in Guest Satisfaction Among Upper Upscale Hotel Chains” in the J.D. Power 2015 North American Hotel Guest Satisfaction Index StudySM. As a founding member of the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), Omni’s loyalty program is further expanded through the DISCOVERY® loyalty program offering members additional global benefits. To get additional information or book accommodations, visit omnihotels.com or call 1-800-The-Omni.