La Strada

Name: Stephen C. Scott Jr.
Business Name: La Strada
Address: 1905 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, VA, 22314
Phone: (703) 548-2592
Website: www.lastrada-ontheave.com

What makes you original and unique?

Ihad the great fortune of having an Italian grandmother that taught me the joys of cooking and how to express myself through food.

Who or what inspired you to come to Alexandria?

Theincredible neighborhood of Del Ray brought us to Alexandria.  We love the neighborhood feel and they love our fresh homemade food.

What is your secret to success?

Hard work and devotion and always trying to improve myself, my food and my garden.

What is your proudest achievement?

Someof my proudest moments were cooking at the James Beard awards in NYC, cooking with Master Chef Valtiero Marchesi in Italy and winning the Small Business of the Year Award in 2004.

Do you have a favorite Alexandria travel tip...you are willing to share?

Always go off the beaten path to find the best spots, like walking along Mt. Vernon Avenue in Del Ray.

Best date idea in Alexandria?

Walk along the river and eat dinner on the patio at Bastille.

Favorite places to go for brunch, happy hour, dinner under the stars, lunch deals, and places to take your dog?

Bestcasual brunch in Del Ray is at Mancini's or Caboose Bakery.  Happy Hourat Jackson 20 or Restaurant Eve, dinner under the stars at La Strada onthe patio with a beautiful mural painted by Chad Brady.

If you had friends visiting Alexandria what would you tell them to do and see during their visit?

Takea boat ride from Old Town to National Harbor to see The Awakening statue.  Rent bikes and take a ride down the bike trail to Mount Vernon.