Alessandro “Alex Stratta, a two-Michelin star and James Beard Award-winning chef, has been selected to lead the culinary program at Fairmont Phoenix hotel and residences, the highly anticipated new luxury destination in downtown Phoenix, which is scheduled to open in early 2025.
In his role as chief culinary director, Alex Stratta is creating the overall vision and menus for the five onsite restaurants, including an Italian coastal steakhouse, Mexican cantina, speakeasy, pool bar and lobby bar. After opening, he will continue to lead the culinary teams and oversee all day-to-day food and beverage operations.
In addition to Stratta, Fairmont Phoenix has enlisted Erik Segelbaum of SOMLYAY and GoodSomm wine club to build an accessible yet adventurous beverage program for the property. As one of Wine Enthusiast’s “40 under 40 Global Tastemakers of 2020” and Food & Wine Magazine’s “2019 Sommelier of the Year”, Segelbaum will tap into his extensive expertise, influence and philosophy to curate beverage offerings within each venue.
“Fairmont Phoenix will introduce a new standard of luxury to the marketplace and our culinary programs will play a pivotal role in further elevating the visitor’s experience, for locals and travelers alike,” said Stratta. “Our goal is to go beyond what is hot and trendy for a moment, and instead focus on creating elevated, contemporary and authentic experiences that become a fundamental part of the community.”
The hotel’s Italian coastal steakhouse will marry inspiration from Italian and American cultures to create a menu that is clean, fresh and simple. Guests can expect a variety of offerings from modern steakhouse classics to approachable comfort food staples including house-made pastas, seafood and a dry-aged beef program.
The lively and fun cantina will feature contemporary Mexican food with a wide selection of seafood plates. He will utilize his knowledge from his years spent in Mexico to build an authentic menu with the highest quality ingredients and dishes, including house-made tortillas. Mexican-inspired libations will be highlighted in an extensive cocktail menu alongside a diverse collection of beers, mezcals, tequilas and Mexican wines.
For those seeking a more intimate experience, as well as those who know where to look and who to ask,
the hidden speakeasy within Fairmont Phoenix will offer perfectly handcrafted cocktails in a style-driven concept without pretense. This exclusive reservation-only cocktail bar will be well worth the journey for the select few who are granted access.
The pool and lobby bars at Fairmont Phoenix will provide a hub for visitors to gather and socialize while enjoying bites and drinks. The pool bar menu will focus on poolside favorites including salads, tacos and burgers. The lobby bar will define the arrival experience for guests and will feature a continental breakfast in the morning, along with quick bites and cocktails into the evening.
“I like to imagine that Alex is the movie producer and I am creating the musical score,” said Segelbaum. “The beverage program will be the perfectly mastered soundtrack to harmonize with the overall culinary experience. For me, luxury is all about having options, so there will be thoughtful and sensible variety that encourages guests’ sense of discovery.”
Stratta has led kitchens at well-known Valley resorts such as The Phoenician, Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia and the Arizona Biltmore. He later spent a decade in Las Vegas where he earned his restaurant Renoir’s two Michelin stars before returning to Arizona in 2016. In June 2021, He partnered with Genuine Concepts to open Campo Italian Eatery – an Italian bistro tucked into Scottsdale’s McCormick Ranch neighborhood. After establishing Campo into the successful restaurant that it is today, He left his role there to set his sights on this new endeavor with Fairmont Phoenix.
“Alex and Erik both have an incredible talent for creating unforgettable experiences, from the atmosphere right down to the finest details and ingredients,” said Dwight Alexander, the managing partner of Thunderbird Legacy Development which serves as Fairmont Phoenix’s developer and general partner. “The culinary and beverage programs will complement one another to ensure that each meal is electric and memorable – leaving guests with fantastic stories to tell.”
In addition to the hotel’s 225 guestrooms, including 34 suites, the property will feature 151 Fairmont branded residences that will include a variety of one-, two- and three-bedroom floorplans, as well as a collection of luxurious penthouses, which will occupy floors 14 to 25 of the building. Along with a variety of amenities, services and private spaces, residents can also expect one-of-a-kind and exclusive culinary and wine offerings including curated personal wine cellars and private fridge restock services.
For more information about Fairmont Phoenix or to join the interest list of prospective residential buyers, visit FairmontResidencesPhoenix.com.
About Fairmont Phoenix
Located within the thriving core of Downtown Phoenix and steps from the city’s best dining, entertainment, sports and cultural attractions, Fairmont Phoenix will serve as a luxurious and contemporary urban sanctuary featuring a unique collection of 225 guestrooms, including 34 suites, and 151 Fairmont branded residences. With skyline-defining architecture, the residences will occupy the upper 12 floors of the 25-story hotel and residential tower. Along with offering an innovative cuisine and beverage program across five bars and restaurants, the hotel will feature over 23,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, an exceptional spa and wellness center inclusive of five treatment rooms and a health club, a rooftop pool and terrace providing an urban resort ambience, the brand’s signature Fairmont Gold “hotel within a hotel” experience which includes private check-in and an 18,000 square foot lounge, a business center, and retail space. Homeowners will have exclusive access to their own resort-style amenities, including an owner’s lounge, outdoor swimming pool and hot tub, fitness center, dedicated parking, a private entrance and more. Set to open in early 2025, the property will join an impressive portfolio of iconic Fairmont hotels and residences across North America, ushering in a new era of luxury in the city. For more, visit FairmontResidencesPhoenix.com.
About Thunderbird Legacy Development
Headquartered in Phoenix, Thunderbird Legacy Development is making its development debut with Fairmont Hotel and Residences Downtown Phoenix, the 25-story, mixed-use hotel and residential tower located within the burgeoning downtown district. Co-owned with non-profit Arizona Opportunities Industrialization Center (OIC), Thunderbird will serve as the building’s developer and general partner, bringing the expertise of four principals with various professional backgrounds, including banking, airport F&B concessions and construction. Thunderbird has selected renowned global design firm Gensler as the appointed architect, with Project Management Advisors overseeing management of the project. All design firms are working in close collaboration with Accor, a world leading hospitality group. Guided by the philosophy that excellence without humanity is an empty promise, Thunderbird prioritizes the vitality of the community over commerce. Through active investment in education for the future generations of local hospitality talent, Thunderbird is aiming for Fairmont Phoenix to be a beacon within the community and an inspiring place to stay and live. For more information, visit ThunderbirdLegacyDevelopment.com.
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