Welcome! I’m George — the recipe developer, writer, and photographer behind My Eclectic Bites.
My mission is to help busy people cook easy, healthy, and delicious meals inspired by flavors from around the world. Whether you’re cooking for two or a small family, I create approachable, budget-friendly recipes full of variety, culture, and comfort — using accessible ingredients and straightforward methods.
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!