“A great burger is tough to find… A great pizza is tough to find.”

Alex Stratta is talking about an idea he’s had for years. The veteran celebrity chef who first made a name for himself in Las Vegas with fine dining restaurants at the Wynn and Mirage now wants to make a quick and convenient spot featuring two of America’s favorite foods, but with the same strict quality control and ingredients that he’s known for.

Sliders and Slices is set to open in mid-September at The Gramercy in the southwest Las Vegas valley, and there’s a little something for everyone.  

“We built a kitchen that’s going to be a big cast iron flat top grill. We’ll be using non-hormone, fresh organic, natural meats,” says Stratta. “We’re doing some really wonderful breads and we’re going to make great burgers.”

The patties will be made with beef, pork and turkey. Classic favorites on the menu will include traditional toppings like lettuce and tomatoes, but there will also be other signature selections for the more adventurous diner. They include a pork burger with a honey-pineapple BBQ sauce, red cabbage, slaw and ginger as well as a turkey burger with a Greek salad topping.

He plans to mix things up for his pizzas too. In addition to traditional favorites like the Margarita, there will also be one with wild mushrooms, mascarpone and black truffle oil. Another instant-classic will be topped with caramelized onions, pistachios and fennel sausage.

Despite the gourmet touch, the food is designed to be quick and convenient for the tenants of The Gramercy which combines apartments and offices with retail and dining locations.

“We’re looking at a lot of automated systems to make Sliders and Slices really efficient and an easy experience for the diner,” says Stratta. “And the order comes up in ten minutes tops.”

For example, the pizzas will be baked in an 800-degree oven that requires only about three minutes for each pie or slice.

“I don’t consider it fast food but for what I do, it’s definitely faster.”

For dessert, there will be a shaved ice station, inspired in part by the five kids in Stratta’s household.

“Kids can have something they’re comfortable with, and you add a beer and wine component to it for the adults. I think it’s a winning proposition.”

Until then… you can check out the chef’s latest restaurant Tapas by Stratta at Tivoli Village. The restaurant features two levels of indoor and outdoor dining while specializing in European-inspired small plates that are perfect for sharing.

Photo: Chris DeVargas