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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

Caribbean Soul
Thursday, July 6th, 2017
A 4-Course Dinner featuring the lively cuisine of Trinidad, Jamaica, Bahamas, and Cuba
Note about reservations: If your requested time is sold out, please try another time that meets your party size. Reservation Times Start at 6:00 pm and end at 8:30 pm.
Caribbean Soul Reservations & Tickets

5th Annual Sustainable Seafood Dinner
Thursday, June 8th, 2017, 6:30 pm
In addition to strictly following recommendations of NOAA and Seafood Watch, we pride ourselves on demanding the most sustainable seafood options from our sources. After several highly acclaimed "lesser" seafood dinners over the years, On June 8th, we will feature multiple species of sustainable seafood in a delicious multi-course affair.
The event is SOLD-OUT.
Sustainable Seafood Dinner Tickets

Europe: A 12-Act Culinary Journey
Wednesday, June 7th, 2017, 6:30 pm
This limited seating event will jaunt through the mighty cuisine of Europe, showcasing twelve quintessentially timeless dishes representing only some of the diversity of what Europe has to offer. There are two price points. Without wine, the cost is $70 per person. With wine, the cost is $95 per person. As always, our pricing is service included. Florida Sales tax (6.5%) is a mandatory addition to the cost.
The event is SOLD-OUT.
Europe 12 Flyer & Menu

Unapologetically Indian: 2
Wednesday, May 31st, 2017, 6:30 pm
An encore presentation with some changes featuring a family-style dinner celebrating the vibrant and diverse cuisine of India.
The event is SOLD-OUT.
Unapologetically Indian: 2 Flyer

Heritage French
Wednesday, May 24th, 2017, 6:30 pm
This one of a kind feast will showcase the timeless classical cuisine inspired by Auguste Escoffier using heirloom and heritage ingredients. The intent of the menu is to be as authentic to Monsieur Escoffier's vision as possible. Seating is extremely limited and reservations are required. The cost of the 9-course menu includes wine and service.
The event is SOLD-OUT.
Heritage French Menu

Unapologetically Indian
Wednesday, May 17th, 2017, 6:30 pm
A family-style dinner celebrating the vibrant and diverse cuisine of India.
The event is SOLD-OUT.
Unapologetically Indian Flyer

Sinfully Vegetarian Feast
Wednesday, April 24th, 2017, 6:30 pm
In celebration of Earth Day 2017, we are pleased to present our second Sinfully Vegetarian Feast featuring some of Jenneffer's favourite dishes at Cress over the years. As a vegetarian for almost 25 years, Jenneffer has a tremendous palate and coupled with her exceptional ability to pair wines with Hari's food, this will be a feast for the senses.
Sinfully Vegetarian Menu

Fundraiser for Hatter Harvest
Wednesday, April 5th, 2017, 6:30 pm
Stetson Room, Stetson University
Join us for an evening of good food for an even better cause. FIVE course, family-style dinner prepared by: Hari Pulapaka, Executive Chef & Co-Owner of Cress Restaurant & Associate Professor of Mathematics at Stetson University in collaboration with Patrick Smallen, Executive Chef, Chartwells Higher Education at Stetson University.
Link to Menu

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

Free Lionfish Cleaning and Cooking Demo
On Saturday. January 21st (11:30 am to 1:00 pm), join us for a FREE Lion Fish Cleaning & Cooking Demo by Chef Hari Pulapaka. Sommelier Jenneffer Pulapaka will share the basics of white & red wine along with useful tips on delicious food and wine pairings. Here is a flyer with more information:
Free Lionfish Demo & Wine Pairings Class

Sinfully Vegetarian Feast
Monday, November 28th, 6:30 pm
In keeping with our tradition of allowing the ingredients to inspire us, we will host a maximum of 24 guests at Cress to spoil them with a globally inspired all-vegetarian feast. We are proud to support #meatlessmonday
Click for Menu

Sustainable Seafood Dinner
Wednesday, September 28th,6:30 PM
Click for Menu

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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

Sustainable & Locally Sourced Dinner
Tuesday, February 9th, 6:30 pm
Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens
3755 NW Highway 17-92 (I 4 Exit 104), Sanford, Florida 32771
We showcased Florida Lionfish, an invasive specices recently rated a "Best Choice" by Monterey Bay Seafood Watch and a variety of locally sourced ingredients in a 3-course dinner and conversation.
Click Here for the Dinner Menu

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Asheville CAN-JBF Mini Chef's Boot Camp & Advocacy Dinner
We partnered with the Chef Action Network, James Beard Foundation, and The Market Place Restaurant to bring leading chefs, artisans, writers, and scientists for a two day salon to think through ways of celebrating & improving the food culture & system of the Appalachian region followed by cooking a fundraising dinner titled "Eight Chefs. One Night Only. In Support of a Good Food System for All."
Wednesday, February 3rd, 2016, 6:30 PM
The Market Place Restaurant, Asheville, NC