"[Virginia] has something that money can't buy, creativity and a gifted palate."

-Chef Gordon Ramsay

"Chef Virginia is a true culinary artist."

-Spotlight Magazine

Virginia Hayes Dalbeck was born February 19th 1980, at home in Parks, Arizona where her late father, John Dalbeck, had taken a job as a lead Guitarist in a country and western band. Both of Virginia’s parents are very gifted artists. Her mother, Alexandra Odell, was a child prodigy, an internationally recognized artist by the age of six and a professional by age eight. Chef Virginia learned early on that she was able to express her creativity and flair not only through sculpting and fine art, but through the art of culinary genius! She began her journey at Santa Barbara Culinary institute and through the years acquired a wide range in taste and palate by working and visiting many well known restaurants around the world. After spending several years working for Hillstone Restaurant Group, she was cast on season 2 of Fox's hit show Hell's Kitchen. She made it though several gruelling weeks and came in 2nd overall. In 2010, Virginia moved to San Angelo, Texas where she opened her first restaurant called Cork & Pig Tavern.

In recent years, Virginia has gone on to open several more Cork & Pig Tavern locations in both the Midland/Odessa and DFW areas. Additionally, she also opened Red Oak Kitchen in Odessa in the fall of 2015. In 2012 Virginia was invited to return for a "runner-up" episode on season 10 of Hell's Kitchen and more recently in 2019 she was featured on Season 2 of Food Network's Bite Club. Virginia also has a daughter, Lively Clover, who was born in March of 2014.