Del Ray Pizza Company | Food & Dining

Chef Eric Reid

Chef Eric Reid was born and raised in Alexandria, Virginia, where he developed a love of cooking through his parents.  His early inspirations included the fresh produce in his father’s native Nebraska and the roadside farmer’s markets en route to the Outer Banks.  When he attended Georgia Southern University, he developed a love for Southern comfort food.  Back in Alexandria, he worked at the Evening Star Café, where he worked his way up from salad maker to sous chef.  In 2005, Eric and his childhood friend, Mary Abraham, realized their dream of owning a restaurant together when they opened the Del Merei Grille.  Offering great Southern-inspired food, it became a neighborhood favorite and was selected as one of Tom Sietsema’s Neighborhood Treasures.  On September 24, 2010 Del Merei Grille shut its doors in support of the landlord’s redevelopment of the Calvert shopping center.  In October 2010, Eric and his sister Elizabeth “Bee” joined family friend, Mike Mallon and his nephew Erik Dorn in the opening of Del Ray Pizzeria.  Eric is joined by a few familiar faces from the Del Merei staff and his menus continue to be influenced by fresh produce and comfort food.