CressOur Current Concept
Through Saturday, August 26th, 2017, we will be open for dinner Thursday, Friday, and Saturday starting at 5:30 pm. For dinner, we offer a diverse 3-course prix-fixed menu or an exciting Chef's Choice Tasting menu from Chef Hari Pulapaka. Please note that we will closed during some periods of Summer 2017.
Cress Anniversary
We opened our doors on August 29th, 2008 in the midst of the toughest recession in recent decades. Now in our 9th year, we are as strong as ever and fully committed to our pledge of thoughtful sourcing, supporting local farmers, and drawing inspirations from all over the world.
Cress New Concept
On Tuesday, August 29th, 2017, Cress Restaurant will usher in a decade of creative, thoughtfully-sourced, globally-inspired culinary and hospitality excellence. In our next incarnation, we will continue to offer the amazing value you’ve come to expect from us, but our hours of operation will be limited to only ticketed events
Here is a link with more information.
Cress
2016 Year in Review
2016 involved a flurry of positive energy and activity and we are proud to have been as actively engaged in as many aspects of hospitality as we have been. Additionally, we are honored to have been recognized by so many illustrious organizations.
Here is our 2016 Year in Review..
Welcome to Cress 386.734.3740
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Every week, Chef Pulapaka personally sends an update to all subscribers about special events, weekend specials, and recipes. If you are interested, please sign-up for the Cress Newsletter.
About Us
Cress Restaurant is an exciting independent restaurant that debuted in Historic Downtown DeLand, FL in August 2008. Cress is owned and operated by Hari and Jenneffer Pulapaka and supported by a dedicated and talented staff. Chef Hari Pulapaka is a four-time (2015, 2014, 2013, 2011) James Beard Semifinalist for Best Chef-South, a two-time (2013 and 2012) Food & Wine Magazine's nominee for the top 100 People's Best New Chef, and is also an active, tenured Associate Professor of Mathematics at Stetson University and Dr. Jenneffer Pulapaka (General Manager and Wine Director) is also a podiatric surgeon who owns her own private medical practice The DeLand Foot and Leg Center. Hari, Jenneffer, and the entire Cress Staff are tirelessly re-inventing the cuisine, service, and overall dining experience at Cress.
Wine at Cress
Follow our exciting new feature where we offer great midweek specials on wine and celebrate the enoyment of pairing them with food! Follow Wine At Cress
Our Food Stamp Challenges
Jenneffer and Hari Pulapaka have taken the Food Stamp Challenge on multiple occasions. Here is a link to our daily posts during this challenge: Food Stamp Challenge Blog.
Upcoming & Recent Events
WICCD Table Talks: Native American Dinner on West Indiana Avenue
Saturday, September 16th, 6-8 pm
A Family Style meal outside Cress Restaurant on West Indiana Avenue; tickets required, $40/pp. Table Talks are where we spark new ideas and inspirations for the future. This gathering takes place on the Trail of Tears Commemoration Day, giving us a chance to celebrate the rich heritage of Native Americans, to socialize with old friends and make new ones, to eat food inspired by centuries-old tradition, and to learn from mistakes while accepting each other as we are and walk together in peace.
Menu & Flyer
Tickets
We Are Women Project Fundraiser
Monday, August 7th, 6-8 pm
A fundraiser for a gallery style event that will showcase 30 days through the eyes of 10 different women from diverse economic and cultural backgrounds. Cress Restaurant will host the event and provide a variety of food in a casual environment. This is not a seated event although there will be plenty of seating available. Cost to attend: $40/pp.
7 Courses - Countries
Sunday, February 26, 2017, 4-6 pm
"7 Courses 7 Countries" was a family-style meal presented by Cress Restaurant featuring the amazing cuisines of IRAQ, IRAN, LIBYA, SOMALIA, SUDAN, SYRIA, and YEMEN. About 330 guests enjoyed a spectacular day in DeLand and were treated to a soulful meal. The event raised $10,000 for the International Rescue Committe (IRC). Here are two of many media pieces that covered the event:
Dinner raises funds for immigration and refugee charity
by Joe Crews, West Volusia Beacon
300 Dine on Meal in DeLand Inspired by Trump’s Travel Ban
by Austin Fuller, Daytona Beach News Journal
Cress Restaurant at James Beard House (NYC)
Monday, April 4th
"Global Table, Sunshine State", James Beard House
167 W 12th St, New York, NY 10011
We are proud to be the featured restaurant at the prestigious James Beard House in New York City.
Click Here for the JBH Menu & Online Link to Buy Tickets
What Our Customers Say
Good food and service. Great place for special occasions. Check to see availability and reservations. Award-winning dining.
Barbara G
Lovely restaurant in downtown DeLand. Food plated well and service was top notch. Great wine places within walking distance for an after dinner drink.
Hazelali1107
I have been wanting to go to The Cress Restaurant and finally went. I had the best fish I have ever had. The flavors of the sauces, spices and the presentation were amazing. The appetizers and desserts are also amazing. If you want to experience an unique blend of flavors don't miss this upscale restaurant.
cac12655
Our group of four had the three course offering with wine parings. Everything about the experience was wonderful. The food and service were excellent and reasonably priced for an all-inclusive dinner.
Gene1946
Great food. Nice place for our staff meetings. The restored pew is perfect. Wonderful flavors Chef. We loved our holiday party at Cress, and look forward to our next meeting. Fab team.
Three Dfalc
Wonderful staff and great friendly casual service. The chef - Hari Pulapaka is fabulous and is a master of spice and bold flavors. The wine list is extensive from nice simple house wines to a beautiful Jarvis. Seasonal menu that changes. Currently the carrots & beets course is to die for and the herb crusted fish of the days is Golden Tile from Port Orange. This is a place to relax, eat, wine, and enjoy our friends.
Foodie Nosh