“The Recipe”
A photographic journey through the Virginia Beach Restaurant scene

“The Recipe”

a photographic journey through the Virginia Beach Restaurant scene

The Virginia Beach Restaurant Association is proud to announce its partnership with Mr. Nathan W. Beck of Beck Image in the creation of “The Recipe” – a photographic journey through the Virginia Beach Restaurant scene. 

The exhibit consists of sixty photographs, taking the viewer behind the scenes of members of the Virginia Beach Restaurant Association. Your visual journey commences with: 

  • The Beginning of a Culinary Career
  • Ingredients’ Origins Highlighting Local Farms, Seafood, and Food Distributors
  • The Guests that Grace our Doorsteps
  • The Kitchen Ballet
  • The Stars of the Menu: Food and Beverages
  • “Last Call”

The exhibit will open to the public on Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at Sandler Center for Performing Arts, 201 Market Street, Virginia Beach, VA 23462. Admission is free and exhibit access is available during box office hours and scheduled events. After the closing at Sandler Center, the exhibit will move to other locations across Virginia Beach and beyond.

The Recipe: a photographic journey through the Virginia Beach Restaurant scene

An invitation-only artist reception will take place on Monday, January 8, 2024, 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm at the Sandler Center of Performing Arts in Virginia Beach, Virginia

For more information regarding reception tickets and available sponsorships, please contact Martha Davenport, Executive Director at director@dineinvb.com or 757-567-9304

Interested in purchasing a print? You may request one of our preselected prints by filling out the form in The Recipe Shop.

The Power of Connection

If you think of all the memorable events in your life, it is certain that 90 percent happened in a restaurant. Restaurants are the heartbeat of the community. It was no more evident during the 2020 pandemic when the restaurant industry experienced a shutdown. We lost our go-to place to share a meal with friends, to connect with our restaurant family, to meet new people and frankly let someone else answer the age-old question, “What’s for dinner?”.

On a fateful day in April 2022, a mutual friend invited two acquaintances to dinner and connection at IL Giardino Ristorante on Atlantic Avenue, in the resort area of Virginia Beach. One being an internationally renowned photographer who loves to take pictures in restaurants, Mr. Nathan W. Beck, and the other, the Executive Director of the Virginia Beach Restaurant Association, Mrs. Martha P. Davenport. Through the course of the evening as interests were exchanged, the idea for “The Recipe” came alive. 

“Every once in a while, you meet someone, and it profoundly hits you that “I have to introduce you to this friend of mine.” I knew remarkable things could happen if Martha met Nathan. They both have that creative fun nature about them that brings ideas to reality.  At our dinner at IL Giardino, it was a humbling moment to watch the magic happen as “aha” thought bubbles floated above their heads,” Elizabeth Duncan-Hawker, best-selling author, Collecting True Friends.

After many exhausting days of photo shoots, countless hours spent taking the perfect photo, schedules that went awry, and numerous meals and beverages, we welcome you to enjoy “The Recipe.”  Cheers!

*Neptune Statue created by Paul DiPasquale, 2005

About Mr. Beck

Mr. Nathan W. Beck is an internationally renowned commercial photographer whose images have appeared on ABC News’ 20/20 and in publications such as the Wall Street Journal, New York Times Style Magazine, New York Post, Washington Times, Associated Press, Asian American Times, and many others. Mr. Beck’s prominent reputation is highlighted by his celebrity expertise across the political, sports, and film arenas. His clients have included thirteen U.S. Governors, three U.S. Presidents, three Vice Presidents, and familiar names like Charlton Heston, Jodie Foster, Jackie Chan, Jeff Gordon, and Tiger Woods. Over the last 35 years, Mr. Beck’s extensive commercial business photography services have extended across the restaurant, sports, travel, leisure, non-profit and corporate industries.

See more of Mr. Beck’s work at beckimage.com