Freddy Vargas has returned to Scott Conant’s Scarpetta in Beverly Hills. The former chef de cuisine is coming back to take over the role of executive chef following the unexpected departure of Alex Stratta, who took the helm here in January. The former chef at Las Vegas’ Renoir, with two of his own eponymous Sin City restaurants and a well-known visage from television, Stratta is taking “a personal leave of absence,” according to Scarpetta representatives. Meanwhile, Vargas, a five-year veteran of Conant’s Italian empire who left for a position at SBE’s Mercato di Vetro, is being welcomed back with open arms, with Conant saying in a statement, “We have a great history working together. Not only will Freddy be the chef of Scarpetta here in L.A., but he will also be helping me with other projects.”
