103 WEST INDIANA AVENUE, DELAND, FL 32720 | 386.734.3740

Welcome to Cress 386.734.3740

Looking For Gift Certificates?
We are now pleased to offer gift certificates online (via SquareUp) in two denominations: $50 and $100. Here is a link to purchase these gift cards

Gift Certificate Online

You may also 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.

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The food Stamp Challenge
Jenneffer and Hari Pulapaka re-took the Food Stamp Challenge during July 1-6, 2013. This time we emphasized eating healthy and fresh ingredients. Here is a link to the blog: Jenneffer and Hari Healthy Food Stamp Challenge. Last year during Hunger action Month in September (2012), we took the same challenge but did not emphasize the use of fresh and locally sourced ingrediensts. Here is an account of last year's experience: Cress-DeLand Foot and Leg Center Food Stamp Challenge.

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 three-time (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.

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 at least 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

  • Chef Pulapaka again on James Beard Award Shortlist
    Chef Pulapaka is proud to have been selected for the third time as a semi-finalist for the prestigious James Beard Foundation - Best Chef South award. Here is a link with all the semifinalists.

    Orlando Sentinel Critic's Choice Best Overall
    For the second year in a row, Cress was honoured by Heather McPherson, the Food Editor of the Orlando Sentinel as her choice for the Best Overall Restaurant in Central Florida. Congratulations to The Ravenous Pig and Luma on Park for sharing this honour. Here is a link with all the winners.

    Special Events
    03.27.2014:
    Step Up To The Sunshine Plate (Buy Tickets)
    A discussion of what terroir means both in France and here in Central Florida through a six course tasting at Cress followed by a screening of the film Entre les Bras (Step up to the Plate) at Stetson University. As we discuss how French cuisine privileges locally-sourced, seasonal products Guests will be able to taste food and drink inspired by our climate, land, and the people that live on it. The event also contributes to the on-going discussions between local chefs and farmers (#SunshinePlate on Twitter) about what constitutes Central Florida's culinary identity.

    02.16.2014:
    Moonlight Sunday Dinner at Tomazin Farms

    Cress Hosts First Central Florida JBF-CAN Salon
    On January 20-21, Cress co-hosted the first ever Boot Camp and Salon by the James Beard Foundation and Chef Action Neteork at beautiful Lake Meadow Naturals farm. For the very first time, we helped convene a wide variety of influential chefs, food writers, farmers, and others to help think thourgh ways in which we can improve our food system. Go #SunshinePlate. Here are recaps of the event by Heather McPherson of the Orlando Sentinel and Scott Joseph of Scott Joseph Orlando

  • Monterey Bay Seafood Watch Blue Ribbon Task Force
    Hari and Jenneffer Pulapaka are proud to serve on the national Blue Ribbon Task Force of the Monterey Bay Seafood Watch Program. Here is more about The Blue Ribbon Task Force And Its Full List of Participants

  • Celebrate Valentine's Day at Cress
    On Friday, February 14th, we will serve a 3-course menu with many decadent options for $55 per person, not including tax, gratuity, or beverage. Please check back for a menu.

  • Sunday Farm dinner at Tomazin Farms
    On Sunday, February 16th, we will host a very special Sunday Dinner at Tomazin Farms in Samsula. Many of the ingredients will be harvested from or near the farm. This will be the 4th Farm Dinner for Cress in recent months

  • Friends of James Beard Dinner and Nominee Announcement
    On Tuesday, February 18th, Chef Pulapaka will join the other Central Florida James Neard nominees from previous years to prepare a multi-course dinner at The Alfond Inn in Winter Park. The next morning, the JBF will announced its nominees for next year from The East End Market.

  • Lesser Florida Seafood Dinner
    We are constantly trying to improve our ability to source ingredients that are sustainable and fresh. On Tuesday, November 12th, we partnered with Mike and Tony's Seafood to showcase a wide variety of Florida seafood options that are often overlooked or discarded in lieu of staples and often overfished options.

  • Dr. Jenneffer Pulapaka Recognized!
    Dr Jenneffer Pulapaka who runs her own medical private practice The DeLand Foot and Leg Center and is also the Wine Director, Manager, and Co-Owner of Cress was recently named one of The Most Influential Women in Business for 2013 by the Volusia-Flagler Business Report! We are proud of her accomplishments and recognition!

  • James Beard Foundation Chef's Boot Camp
    Chef Hari Pulapaka was 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.

  • Cress and ZAGAT
    Cress was rated the Top Restaurant in Central Florida in the new Zagat Orlando Guide. Here is more information in an Official Zagat Blog