Welcome! I’m George — the recipe developer, writer, and photographer behind My Eclectic Bites.
My mission is to share vibrant, everyday recipes inspired by my Korean heritage and a deep curiosity for global cuisines. Through approachable techniques and thoughtful ingredients, I help home cooks bring flavor, variety, and joy to the table — one meal at a time.
Why “My Eclectic Bites”
If I laid out a table of my favorite dishes, you’d find flavors from Korea, Italy, Mexico, the U.S., the Mediterranean, and beyond. My love for global cuisine really blossomed after I moved to the U.S., where I met people from all over the world who introduced me to their food. Exploring different restaurants also opened my eyes (and taste buds!) to so many beautiful (and delicious) cultures. I believe variety brings joy to the kitchen, so My Eclectic Bites felt like the perfect name — a collection of delicious, diverse bites from around the world.
What You’ll Find Here:
- Easy, globally inspired meals using accessible ingredients
- Recipes for two to four people — inspired by cooking for just me and my husband
- Health-conscious dishes that never sacrifice flavor
- Budget-friendly ideas rooted in our early years of marriage, when cooking at home helped us save so much money — those habits still shape the way I cook today
- Comforting, home-cooked meals you’ll want to make again and again
- Occasional desserts, treats, and from-scratch recipes — when it’s truly worth the effort!
My food journey:
I was born and raised in Korea until I was 16, and while my cooking isn’t defined by one cuisine, Korean food will always be my emotional home. If I had to choose just one cuisine to eat for the rest of my life, it would be Korean — not just for the flavors, but for what it represents. My mom is a fantastic cook, and I was lucky to grow up eating her food every day. To me, Korean food was how she showed love to me and my sister. I think that’s where my love for food began — and where my desire to express love through cooking was born.
But I wasn’t always a good cook — far from it! When I first moved to the U.S., my meals mostly came from fast food, snacks, and convenience items. In college, I slowly taught myself how to cook, starting with boxed pasta and jarred sauces, just like so many of us do.
After getting married, I became more intentional about cooking for two and started exploring more cuisines. Between 2019 and 2021, I cooked and ate exclusively vegetarian meals, learning how to transform dishes into plant-based versions. That season taught me to be creative, flexible, and mindful in the kitchen. I reintroduced meat and seafood in late 2021 and now enjoy a full spectrum of food again — especially the joy of recreating authentic dishes from different cultures.
For the past three years, I’ve also worked as a cooking class instructor, where I’ve learned techniques and flavors from cuisines all over the world. That experience continues to shape how I cook, teach, and share recipes here on the blog.
Fun Facts About Me:
- “George” is my nickname — it stuck after several people said the way I asked a million questions reminded them of Curious George.
- Korean is my first language. English is my second… and according to my husband, I talk in my sleep in both.
- I spent 8 years working as an analytical chemist before diving into food full-time — turns out, recipe testing isn’t that different from lab work.
- I have a holistic nutrition certification and completed a 200-hour yoga teacher training (YTT) — even though I spend most of savasana daydreaming about what I’m going to eat next.
- I HATE cilantro (yes, I have that gene!) — and no, you won’t find it in any of my recipes. Ever!
- I once killed a cactus. Three times. Let’s just say plants don’t thrive under my care.
- Cooking is my happy place — part creative outlet, part therapy, and always a little bit chaotic (in the best way).
Thanks so much for being here. My hope is that the recipes you find on this blog make cooking feel a little easier, a little more joyful, and a lot more delicious — no matter what your day looks like. If you ever want to say hello, ask a question, or share what you’ve made, I’d truly love to hear from you! Feel free to reach out anytime at [email protected].
Happy cooking!