關於我： By day, I am a permanent (i.e. tenured) faculty member of
the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science at Stetson
University and by night I am a professional chef near Orlando,
FL. I was born and raised in the bustling metropolis of
Bombay, India and came to the United States 20 years ago
in pursuit of a higher education, new adventures, and experiences.
And although it has been quite a ride, the adventure is
just beginning! Three years ago, seeking new challenges,
I followed my life-long dream to be a professional chef
and so I attended and completed culinary school in Orlando
at night while performing all of my academic responsibilities
during the day. Since then my culinary experiences have
included a prestigious and highly inspirational apprenticeship
at Canoe
Bar and Restaurant, one of Canada's premier restaurants,
the PM rounds line cook position (master of all stations)
in the Summit Restaurant at the Princess
Wilderness Lodge in Denali, Alaska, Machon Restaurant
at the Orlando Culinary Academy, guest Executive Chef at
Le Jardin Cafe (where I created and executed weekly menus
from my vision of The Global Kitchen) in DeLand, FL, Kohinoor
Indian Restaurant in Altamonte Springs, FL and numerous
private chef gigs in and around Central Florida.
My vision is to demystify a plethora of unusual ingredients
that are routinely available in today's markets. I think
reiterating the distinction between "spicy" and "spiced"
can truly open new doors for food lovers who are looking
for new flavors that they can easily recreate at home. Of
course, there is a lot more to a global approach to cooking
than the use of exotic spices and ingredients and I intend
to shed light on these matters through education, humor,
and enthusiasm. I am confident that my love of teaching,
eclectic taste, professionalism, attention to detail, sense
of teamwork, and formal culinary degree will help make "The
Global Kitchen" a reality. Recently, Jenneffer and I purchased Le Jardin Cafe in Downtown DeLand and we will open Cress Restaurant in August 2008. Cress will draw from all of the aspects of the Global Kitchen. Please visit Cress's website at www.cressrestaurant.com for updates on this exciting project. I invite you to join me
on this gastronomic adventure of a lifetime! Find out more about my culinary creations.
I am married to the love of my life, Dr. Jenneffer Pulapaka
who is an accomplished podiatrist in town and runs her own
practice, the DeLand
Foot and Leg Center. I owe immense gratitude to my loving
family who are scattered all around the globe (India, Canada,
Saudi Arabia, Great Britain, and of course, USA) including
my wonderful mother-in-law Mrs. Nancy Clark and dynamic
father-in-law Mr. John Clark.
Hey Dr. Pulapaka! Thanks for the add. It's been a long time! I hpoe you've been doing well. Are you trying out for the next season of The Next Food Network Star?
