Every month Second Harvest Food Bank invites local top chefs into our Community Kitchen to prepare a spectacular multi-course prix-fixe menu for 100 guests.
When you choose to dine with us, you become part of our mission to fight hunger in our community and change lives. Our first Guest Chef Night event will be on Thursday, August 29 with Chefs Hari and Jenneffer Pulapaka from Cress Restaurant.
Each year, Hari and Jenneffer recognize their restaurant’s anniversary in a unique way with events surrounding their spirit of giving back. This year, Second Harvest is honored to be a part of Cress’s fifth-year anniversary as we welcome Hari and Jenneffer into our community kitchen for our first Guest Chef Night, with proceeds going to Second Harvest hunger relief programs to benefit our neighbors in need.
Menu:
Tomazin Farms eggplant baba ghanoush, ceci fritos, garlic naan
Amuse Bouche
Chilled Seasonal Gazpacho
Herb-Crusted Local Fish of the Day
sauce creole with andouille, cress grits
Jerk Spiced Darling Downs Wagyu beef hanging tenderloin
Colston Bassett blue stilton alfredo, pommes puree
Belgian Dark Chockolate & Espresso Tart
vanilla bean creme anglaise
Chef Biographies:
James Beard nominee, Chef Hari Pulapaka, grew up in Mumbai (India’s gastronomic, cultural, and economic capital) where he was exposed to an eclectic array of bold and vibrant flavors that set the vision for what has become one of the most celebrated restaurants in the Southeast — Cress. In addition to running the kitchen at Cress, Chef Hari is also an active, tenured, full-time Associate Professor of Mathematics and Computer Science at Stetson University. In 2005, Hari met Jenneffer, an established podiatrist who had already carved a respected name for herself by opening and running the very successful DeLand Foot and Leg Center. An avid foodie herself, Jenneffer brings a savvy entrepreneurial spirit and an invaluable palate to Cress through her love of great food and wine.
With a long list of accolades, including Best Restaurant 2013 by Zagat and Critics Choice Top Overall Restaurant 2013 by Orlando Sentinel, Cress not only offers one of the best dining experiences in town, but the restaurant also finds time to celebrate community.
Thank you Hari and Jenneffer for celebrating Cress’s anniversary at Second Harvest Food Bank this year!
What’s included:
- Amuse-bouche and signature cocktail (mocktail for guests under 21) upon arrival
- Tomazin Farms eggplant baba ghanoush, ceci fritos, garlic naan
- Amuse Bouche
- Chilled Seasonal Gazpacho
- Herb-Crusted Local Fish of the Day sauce creole with andouille, cress grits
- Jerk Spiced Darling Downs Wagyu beef hanging tenderloin
- Colston Bassett blue stilton alfredo, pommes puree
- Belgian Dark Chockolate & Espresso Tart vanilla bean creme anglaise
- Unlimited iced tea, sweet tea, coffee, and water
- Cash bar with wine, beer and soft drinks available
- Gratuity is included, however you will have an opportunity to make an additional donation at the end of the evening to help even more of our neighbors in need.
Where:
Morgan & Morgan, PA Hunger Relief Center at Second Harvest Food Bank
411 Mercy Drive (on the corner of Mercy and Old Winter Garden Road)
Orlando, FL 32805
Additional Information:
We are happy to accommodate large parties. Please speak directly with our Events Department to make arrangements: 407-514-1048 or mfratti@feedhopenow.org.
The atmosphere of Guest Chef Night events is festive, but not formal. “Business casual” attire is appropriate. Menus will be emailed to guests and posted online once available. Please let us know prior to your arrival of any food allergies.
Buy a ticket or buy a table:
Family style seating is available through individual ticket sales, or you may purchase an entire table of 10 seats at a discounted rate. Guest Chef Night events are open to the public and reservations are required. For last-minute requests, call 407-514-1048 before noon to check for availability. Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and PayPal is accepted.
Cancellation Policy:
48-hour notice by phone to 407-514-1048 is required for all cancellations. Cancellations with less than 48-hour notice will be charged in full. Cancellations via email are not accepted. Refunds will be processed within three business days.
