Chef James Swann has operated Craft 64 for more than five years, and it has since been consistently labeled as one of the top 50 pizzerias in the country. Craft 64 has locations in Scottsdale and Chandler, both of which use Swann’s extensive knowledge of craft beer and wine and love for hosue-made and fresh ingredients. Swann gives us a glimpse into his plans for the fourth annual Dish Fest on Sunday, March 9.
What are you preparing for Dish Fest?
Our famous Honey Bee Pizza!
What’s the story/origin behind the dish?
This recipe came from the need to create an umami type experience consisting of a sweet, an acidic and a savory component all wrapped up in one tasty dish! [It features] our house-made mozzarella, dough and pizza sauce plus bold pepperoni, fresh jalapeños and wildflower honey.
What is the most important step in your cooking process?
As most ingredients in our kitchen are made from scratch, our most important step is patience and attention to detail with every step in every recipe.
What is your favorite food memory?
My favorite food memory was the first time I caught an episode of Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservations and discovered how much I was missing, and how adventurous food could be.
What are you most excited for with this year’s festival?
I’m excited to see the other participating restaurants and taste what they have created. I’m coming hungry!
