Name: Ryan Swanson
Twitter: @LaubergeSedona
Facebook: Ryan Swanson
Instagram: Ryan_D_Swanson
Website: www.lauberge.com/dining/cress-on-oak-creek
Age: 39
Title: Executive Chef/Director of Food & Beverage
Married/Single: Married
Kids: 1…. One more on the way
City you live in: Clarkdale
A typical day in my life includes… When I’m not at work my day belongs to my wife and son.
I was born… In Phoenix, Arizona
My favorite thing about Arizona… The vast differences of the land and its ingredients. Lived here all my life.
I’m listening to… Whatever my kid (Jules) likes to jam to. When Jules takes a nap ill listen to Mac Miller – Right. Anything with a skilled guitarist I love to jam to as well ( John Mayer, Eric Clapton, Fleetwood Mac, Etc…)
My family… My wife Sam, Jules my son, Frank the dog.
If I could have dinner with anyone, it would be… Great question! Not a Chef (Unless its Bourdain)! We make lousy company. I’d like to eat dinner with Bruce Springsteen cause he’s a great story teller, or Farmer Lee Jones cause he’s good fun.
One thing I cannot live without… Dunkin’ Dounuts Coffee. It’s a New England thing when I lived there and I get it.
When I was younger, I wanted to be… a pilot. I always had a fascination with airplanes.
I’m inspired by… people. I love learning about people.
The one person who motivates me is… Myself.
If I could change anything in the world, it would be… End hunger.
The perfect day would be… Phone off. Grill and play games with my son while listening to the greatest hits of Elmo.
My first job was… Dishwasher at a pizza shop and I mowed lawns on the weekends.
My favorite escape… Canada to see family. Phone doesn’t work north of the border for some reason. It’s weird.
My life… is wonderful. I’m a very lucky guy.
I’m currently working on… new menus and building a team for the future.
Always… be kind to others. Offer them a cookie or a snack.
Never… say never.
Favorite Quote… “Don’t try to understand it, just feel it.” -Christopher Nolan
Biggest Dream… Being a five-star Dad.
My Pet Peeve(s)… When some tells me it can’t be done.
Bio-on yourself/company: Nestled into the wooded bank of a meandering creek, Cress on Oak Creek immerses diners into Sedona’s natural beauty. Dishes from the southern regions of Spain, Italy, and France are infused with local ingredients. Cress on Oak Creek is proud to be named in Food & Wine Global Tastemakers list on “The 15 Best Hotels for Food in the U.S.”
