I've Been Cooking was born out of a shared passion for global cuisine and a desire to bring the world's flavors into home kitchens everywhere. Founded in 2024 by tech enthusiasts turned culinary adventurers David Harvey and Eric Parsons, our website has quickly grown from a small side project into a thriving community of food lovers, adventurous cooks, and cultural explorers.
What sets I've Been Cooking apart is our unique blend of technical expertise and culinary passion. We don't just collect recipes – we engineer experiences. Our team combines cutting-edge technology with a deep appreciation for global cuisines to bring you authentic, tested recipes that capture the essence of each culture we explore.
At 28, David Harvey brings a unique blend of cultural diversity and technical expertise to I've Been Cooking. Born and raised in Egypt, David's culinary journey began in his family's kitchen, where he was introduced to the rich flavors and traditions of Middle Eastern cuisine.
At the age of 17, David's life took an exciting turn when he moved to California to pursue his education. He enrolled at the University of California, Irvine, where he studied Computer Science. It was during his time at UCI that David met Eric, forging a friendship that would later evolve into a successful business partnership.
After graduating, David spent four years working in the healthcare industry, where he honed his technical skills and gained valuable insights into the intersection of technology and human needs. This experience sparked an entrepreneurial fire in David, leading him to launch his own startup in the healthcare space.
However, David's passion for food and his desire to make a broader impact led him to pivot his career. He transitioned into marketing, focusing on helping small and mid-sized businesses generate leads. This shift allowed him to combine his technical background with his creative side, skills that would prove invaluable in the creation of I've Been Cooking.
"Food is more than just sustenance," David often says. "It's a gateway to understanding different cultures, a universal language that brings people together. With I've Been Cooking, we're not just sharing recipes; we're building bridges between cultures and leveraging technology to make global cuisines accessible to everyone."
David's unique background – growing up in Egypt, studying in California, and working in tech and marketing – gives him a multifaceted perspective that is reflected in every aspect of I've Been Cooking. His ability to blend traditional cooking methods with modern technology and marketing strategies has been instrumental in the platform's rapid growth and success.
At 25, Eric Parsons is the youngest member of the I've Been Cooking founding team, but his impact on the platform is immeasurable. Born and raised in Washington State, Eric's journey into the world of food and technology began early in his life.
Growing up in a Armenian-American household, Eric was exposed to a fusion of culinary traditions from a young age. His mother, a first-generation Armenian-American, instilled in him a deep appreciation for Armenian cuisine, while his surroundings in Washington introduced him to a diverse array of Pacific Northwest flavors.
Eric's passion for technology emerged alongside his love for food. As a teenager, he began experimenting with coding, creating small programs and games in his spare time. This early interest in computer science set the stage for his future academic and professional pursuits.
Like David, Eric moved to California to attend the University of California, Irvine, where he majored in Computer Science. It was here that he met David, and the two quickly bonded over their shared interests in technology and international cuisines.
Eric's academic performance at UCI was stellar, catching the attention of several tech giants. Upon graduation, he accepted a position at Qualcomm, where he worked on cutting-edge mobile technologies. This experience provided Eric with invaluable insights into the world of high-performance computing and software optimization.
Currently, Eric works at NVIDIA as a compiler engineer, a role that places him at the forefront of GPU technology and artificial intelligence. His work involves optimizing code for some of the world's most powerful computing systems, a skill set that he brings to I've Been Cooking in unique and innovative ways.
"Technology and cooking have more in common than most people realize," Eric explains. "Both require precision, creativity, and a willingness to experiment. At I've Been Cooking, we're using cutting-edge tech to enhance the culinary experience, making it easier and more enjoyable for people to explore global cuisines."
Eric's expertise in high-performance computing and AI has been crucial in developing the technical infrastructure of I've Been Cooking. From creating efficient search algorithms that help users find the perfect recipe to implementing machine learning models that provide personalized cooking recommendations, Eric's contributions have set I've Been Cooking apart in the crowded digital food space.
The idea for I've Been Cooking was born during a late-night coding session when David and Eric were working on a different project. As they often did, they ordered takeout from a local international restaurant, but were disappointed with the quality and authenticity of the food.
"We found ourselves reminiscing about the authentic dishes we'd experienced in our travels and family gatherings," David recalls. "We realized that there was a gap in the market for a platform that could truly capture the essence of global cuisines and make them accessible to home cooks."
Eric adds, "We saw an opportunity to combine our technical skills with our passion for food. We wanted to create something that wasn't just another recipe website, but a comprehensive platform that could leverage technology to enhance the cooking experience."
Over the next few months, David and Eric spent their free time developing the concept for I've Been Cooking. They drew upon David's marketing expertise to create a brand strategy, while Eric's technical skills were put to use in designing the platform's architecture.
The name "I've Been Cooking" was chosen to reflect the hands-on, experiential nature of their approach. "We wanted a name that conveyed action and personal experience," David explains. "Every recipe on our site has been personally tested and perfected by our team. We've been cooking these dishes, and now we're sharing that experience with our users."
At I've Been Cooking, our mission is multifaceted, reflecting the diverse backgrounds and expertise of our founders:
What sets I've Been Cooking apart is our unique blend of culinary expertise and technological innovation. Here's how we bring the world's cuisines to your kitchen:
What started as a two-person project has grown into a diverse team of culinary and tech professionals, each bringing their unique expertise to I've Been Cooking:
Since our launch in 2022, I've Been Cooking has made significant strides in the culinary tech space:
At I've Been Cooking, we're constantly pushing the boundaries of what's possible at the intersection of food and technology:
As we continue to grow, our vision for I've Been Cooking expands. David and Eric are particularly excited about:
Whether you're a seasoned chef, a curious beginner, or a tech enthusiast with a passion for food, there's a place for you in the I've Been Cooking community. We invite you to explore our AI-curated recipes, participate in our VR cooking classes, and join us in celebrating the rich tapestry of global cuisines through the lens of cutting-edge technology.
As David and Eric often say, "The future of cooking is here, and it's more global, accessible, and exciting than ever before."
Thank you for being part of our journey. Let's cook the world together!
Still hungry? Check out more recipes below!