Cress - DeLand

We were in town for my son’s graduation. We chose Cress for our last nights dinner. We have eaten here many times, and it has always been great. This time, however, has left a lasting impression on me. Chef Amanda demonstrates culinary skill that is over the top…. The flavor and overall presentation of the escargot, exotic mushrooms and pork belly was beyond incredible. Hangar steak is one of my favorite dishes when done right. Chef Amanda’s hangar steak takes the fish to a whole different level. On top of the out of this world cuisine, the hospitality was beyond any expectation. Owners Tom and Suran were such a joy to get to know and made the evening so much fun. This restaurant is incredible.

The service and food was outstanding !!! The value was great too!

Phenomenal food, service and atmosphere. Attentive wait staff and owner. Great music Playlist. Do yourself a favor and visit this gem.

Deland is so incredibly lucky to have such a nice fine dining restaurant in our downtown (Cress). The owners Tom Suran are an absolute delight they are so personable, so funny, but also incredibly knowledgeable and such great hosts. They are very experienced in the art of fine dining, and it's so obvious how much passion they have for Cress.The food is of course a true culinary experience. Their executive chef (Amanda, who is super personable and does such a great job interacting with the guests) is very creative in the food she creates and prepares.Last night we did a 5 course meal, and it started off with an absolute *bang* that savory baklava appetizer was just INCREDIBLE. And that chateaubriand entree every bite melted in my mouth. But that brown butter ice cream at the end with thin wafer cookie on top...oh my, do I really have to say more??And of course I have to mention how good the wine is. They do a spectacular job selecting really good wines for their menu, and the pairings with the food were spot on last night.If you have yet to experience Cress, then book a table now. If you live in Deland, make sure that you visit this restaurant at least once a quarter if you are able to! If you are visiting from out of town, then this restaurant should absolutely be one of your top choices to experience!

Had to hunt down waitress whenever we wanted service. I asked to substitute a simple salad for brussel sprouts...for which they wanted to charge me an additional $6 so I declined . Sat with dirty dishes for 30 minutes waiting for waitress to clear them. Ordered desserts which we then had to cancel because it took so long that we didn 't have time (Athens theater tickets). So they then rushed the desserts over.. and we had to explain we cancelled the dessert order because we would be late.....I think they were trying to intimate us into accepting the desserts. Owner 's wife is a little too social . Won 't be going there again....this was my second time since new ownership and the service was bad both times. The prime rib and small dollop of scalloped potatoes were tasty but overpriced. You 'll have to walk a bit as they don 't have their own parking.....but municipal lots aren 't too far