Cress Restaurant in Downtown DeLand recently announced the hiring of Chef Amanda Czekaj as Chef de Cuisine. She will be responsible for the creation of Cress’ innovative recipes and seasonal menu changes.

Czekaj received culinary training at Le Cordon Bleu in Pittsburgh and finished her schooling by interning with Disney. Most recently, Czekaj worked as the executive chef at Farm & Haus in Orlando.

Czekaj was also featured as a contestant on an episode of the award-winning streaming series, The Blind Kitchen. The show is available online at the Very Local streaming channel.

Czekaj takes the culinary reins from Executive Chef Phil Pierce, who remains with Cress as Executive Sous Chef.