Welcome to Cress 386.734.3740
Looking For Gift Certificates?
We are unable to process gift certificates online. But, please call us at 386.734.3740 or stop by the restaurant during operating hours and we are happy to help you obtain a wonderful gift.
The food Stamp Challenge
Jenneffer and Hari Pulapaka recently took the Food Stamp Challenge in support of Hunger Action Month in Central Florida. It was an elightening, inspiring, and humbling experience. We invite you to read about their experience here: Cress-DeLand Foot and Leg Center Food Stamp Challenge.
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Would You Like To Receive Weekly Updates?
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. We strongly believe that food and wine are meant to be enjoyed with family and friends. Every week in our newsletter, we share a “recipe” either from the Cress Menu, a Cooking Class, or just something that we hope you will enjoy, try, and most importantly, make your own. Please check back each week for new inpirations and recipes..
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 two-time (2013, 2011) James Beard Nominee 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.
The March to 100!
We frequently share original recipes because we beleive that all good things in life are meant to be shared. "March to 100" is Chef Pulapaka's personal goal to share 100 recipes. Here are Chef Pulapaka's Recipes to date.
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
News and Events
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James Beard Foundation Chef's Boot Camp
Chef Hari Pulapaka has been selected as one of 15 chefs nationwide to partcipate in the first official Chef's Boot Camp for policy and change hosted by The James Beard Foundation in Louisville, KY during May 12-14, 2013. For more information, please visit the JBF's official page for this event. -
Chef's Gala at EPCOT
On Saturday, May 4th, Cress will be a featured restaurant in the 21st Chef's Gala at The EPCOT World Showcase, Walt Disney World. The event benefits The Heart of Florida United Way. Cress Restaurant will be closed on that day. For more information, please visit the event web site. -
Dinner at Tomazin Farms
On Sunday, April 7th (4-7 pm), Cress hostied a farm dinner at Tomazin Farms, a fourth generation farm located in Samsula, FL. Many of the ingredients were picked about 24 hours prior to the event. -
Cress and ZAGAT
Cress was recently rated the Top Restaurant in Central Florida in the new Zagat Orlando Guide. Here is more information in an Official Zagat Blog -
Orlando Sentinel Foodie Award
The Orlando Sentinel recently named Cress the Best Overall Restaurant in Central Florida (tied with Luma on Park). Additionally, the readers voted Cress a runner-up (tied with Victoria and Albert's at The Disney Grand Floridian Resort) in the "Most Romantic" category. We are honored. Orlando Sentinel Foodie Awards -
Latest Menu
Check out our latest Dinner Menu -
4th Anniversary Charity Dinner
On Monday, September 3rd, Cress sparkled with our 4th anniversary charity dinner featuring five of Central Florida's finest locally inspired chefs! This year's theme was "For Local, By Local". Here is more information about the event and a recap of the dinner at Cress. -
Dinner at The James Beard House
On Wednesday, October 10th, 2012 Chef Pulapaka joined Chefs Kevin Fonzo (K Restaurant and Wine Bar) and Greg Ritchie (Emeril's Tchoup Chop) to cook a fantastic dinner at the prestigious James Beard House in New York City. Here is more information about the dinner at the JBH.
