Eating out to feed the hungry

Richmond Restaurant Week is in the midst of its eighth year, and with 24 participating restaurants, it is the charity event’s biggest year yet.

“We wanted to do something we could put together to be able to donate time and money to a charity that is in line with what we do with our business,” said event organizer Aline Reitzer, co-owner of Acacia restaurant.

Reitzer started the event in 2001 with about a dozen restaurant partners. Participating restaurants offer a three course price-fixe menu every night of the week, which began Monday and runs through this Sunday.

This year the cost is $25.09 per person, with $2.09 going to FeedMore, the umbrella organization for the Central Virginia Food Bank and Meals on Wheels.

The first year, the event raised more than $8,000; last year, about $15,000 was raised. Reitzer said every dollar that is donated is equivalent to five meals for those in need.

“This is a great opportunity for Richmonders to go out and dine at some of Richmond’s best restaurants, all within a budget,” Reitzer said.

If you haven’t made reservations yet, you’d better hurry. Reitzer said Acacia has been booked every night for sometime now, but she still has a few reservations left open for Saturday night.

For a complete list of participating restaurants, check out RichmondRestaurantWeek.com