Acacia chef gets national recognition, food carts take it up a notch, and get a taste of VA wines

One of Richmond’s best-kept secrets, Acacia chef Dale Reizer, has been named a semi-finalist for a James Beard award, Shockoe restaurant 2113 gets even closer to its official opening, and a food cart pod makes food carts even more enticing

February 23, 2012; 10:38 AM • by RVANews staff

Some very exciting news came to a Richmond chef this week. Dale Reitzer of Acacia is a semi-finalist in the James Beard Awards for the Best Chef of the Mid-Atlantic region. The Mid-Atlantic region is defined as New Jersey to Virginia, and Reitzer is the only representative from RVA. Way to go to Richmond and Dale Reitzer! Please remember: if you have not had the pleasure of dining at Acacia yet, they have an excellent prix fixe menu Monday through Thursday (5:30-9pm) and Saturday and Sunday (5:30-6:30pm) for $24. The menu includes three courses. Tuesday is also half off wine night, so make a date already!

Update: Looks like the proposed food cart pod has been canceled. We’ll keep you in the loop as more information is available.

Food carts! They provide, arguably, some of the best lunches you will eat in Richmond. The problem is, are they ALWAYS in the same spot? Maybe while on the way to grab lunch you aren’t sure if you want pizza, or maybe it’s tacos you’re craving? No, Thai food–your stomach is definitely screaming Thai food. These are clearly first world problems, but Richmonders love nothing more than a great meal provided by a local business. Enter the food cart pod. Yes, local lunch goers, your wish has been granted in the form of a Food Cart Pod! RVANews chatted with Luke Mindell, who is one of the co-owners of the Rooster Cart, about his plan to create a centralized location for food carts to park it and Richmonders to chow down. The best part is the second go at this new concept is THIS Friday night between 6-9pm. Head over to 2906 Patterson to check our Richmond’s food cart pod.

2113, just had its first soft opening last night and will have a repeat performance tonight. The new Shockoe Bottom night club-infused restaurant is offering free menu samplings beginning at 5pm with dinner service until 10pm. 2113 is conveniently located at 2113 East Main Street, right near Globehopper.

Finally, this weekend is The Virginia Wine Expo, three days packed full with delicious wine and food tastings. Whether you want to just cruise around and sample the over 70 wineries, or maybe you want to sharpen your palate for Virginia wines, they’ve got it all. Make plans to partake in some part of this incredible wine event. Proceeds benefit Feedmore, so bottoms up ladies and gents.

photo by Fionnuala Bradley