Biography of Dale Reitzer

Chef Dale Reitzer began his cooking career in 1982. After graduating from Johnson and Wales University in 1989, he became Chef of Alexander's in the Ghent area of Norfolk, VA. Feeling the need to continue his education and training, Dale accepted a position as Sous-Chef for Jimmy Sneed at Windows on Urbanna Creek in 1990. During the winter months Dale did short stints at such nationally-acclaimed restaurants as Patina in Los Angeles for Chef Joachim Splichal, refining his skills by learning from the masters.

In 1993, Dale followed Jimmy Sneed to Richmond to become Chef de Cuisine at the Frog and the Redneck. Dale was an integral part of building the restaurant's national reputation. While at the Frog & Redneck, Dale met his future wife and business partner, Aline Peake.  In 1996 Dale, his fiancée Aline and their dog Acacia moved to Atlanta where the opportunity of a lifetime awaited with Chef Gunther Seeger at the Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead. In this five-star, five-diamond setting, Dale put the finishing polish on his education. Returning once again to Richmond in 1998, Dale and his now-wife Aline opened Acacia.  In 1999, Food & Wine magazine named Dale one of the "Best New Chefs of America.”

Dale has also participated with many charity benefits such as Hospice Support Care of Williamsburg, Meals on Wheels, March of Dimes and Eyes on Richmond. He has collaborated with the Virginia Department of Agriculture, Virginia Marine Institute and the Virginia Apple Association to promote local Virginia products. Dale has also participated in fun events such as Food and Wine's  Camp Jeep and a Guest Chef luncheon held at Barboursville Winery to contribute to the Richmond and surrounding community and to promote Virginia foods.

In addition, he has also been featured in Food Arts in the featured chef ad campaign to promote VitaMix®. Several of his recipes are featured in Cooking Fresh from the Mid-Atlantic,  published during the Summer of 2002.