Our Story
Kitchen20 was born from a simple yet powerful observation: in our increasingly digital world, the joy of cooking and sharing meals remains one of our most meaningful human connections. Founded in 2023 by Olivia "Liv" Blackwood, our platform bridges the gap between traditional cooking communities and modern technology.
What started as virtual cooking sessions during the global remote work era has evolved into a vibrant, technology-driven community of food enthusiasts, home chefs, and culinary explorers. Our mission is to make cooking more accessible, enjoyable, and connected than ever before.
Olivia "Liv" Blackwood
With a unique background in both software engineering and culinary arts, Liv brings a fresh perspective to the cooking community. An MIT graduate in Computer Science and alumna of the Culinary Institute of America, she combines her technical expertise with her passion for cooking to create innovative culinary experiences.
Based in Seattle's dynamic food scene, Liv leads Kitchen20's mission to revolutionize how people connect through cooking. Her vision has attracted over 100,000 members to our platform, creating a space where technology enhances rather than replaces the human element of cooking.
What We Offer
Live Cooking Events
Join interactive cooking sessions led by experienced chefs and community members. Learn new techniques, discover recipes, and cook alongside others in real-time.
Community Connection
Connect with fellow food enthusiasts, share your culinary creations, and participate in discussions. Our platform makes it easy to find your cooking tribe.
Smart Recipe Platform
Experience our AI-powered recipe recommendations, personalized to your preferences and skill level. Save, modify, and share recipes with the community.
Our Values
Innovation
We constantly push the boundaries of what's possible in digital cooking communities, integrating cutting-edge technology with traditional cooking wisdom.
Inclusivity
Our platform welcomes cooks of all skill levels, backgrounds, and culinary traditions. We believe everyone has something valuable to contribute to our community.
Sustainability
We promote sustainable cooking practices and responsible food consumption, helping our community make environmentally conscious choices.
Community First
At our core, we believe in the power of community. Every feature and decision is made with our members in mind, fostering meaningful connections through shared culinary experiences.
Our team:
Olivia "Liv" Blackwood
Culinary Specialty:
Integrating technology with culinary artsPersonal Quote:
"Bridging the gap between technology and traditional cooking to foster connected culinary communities."Experience & Training:
Olivia "Liv" Blackwood is the innovative force behind Kitchen20.com, a platform revolutionizing how people connect through cooking. With a background in software engineering and culinary arts, Liv uniquely blends technology with traditional cooking practices. An MIT graduate in Computer Science and an alumna of the Culinary Institute of America, she combines technical expertise with a passion for cooking to create innovative culinary experiences.
Based in Seattle's dynamic food scene, Liv leads Kitchen20's mission to make cooking more accessible, enjoyable, and connected. Her vision has attracted over 100,000 members to the platform, creating a space where technology enhances the human element of cooking. Through live cooking events, community connections, and an AI-powered recipe platform, Kitchen20 fosters a vibrant, technology-driven community of food enthusiasts, home chefs, and culinary explorers.
Discover my recipes:
Ethan Navarro
Culinary Specialty:
Modern Mexican cuisine, food photographyPersonal Quote:
"Capturing the vibrant beauty and bold flavors of modern Mexican cooking."Experience & Training:
Ethan Navarro, 34, brings fresh energy to Mexican cuisine with a keen eye for photography. Born and raised in San Diego to a Mexican-American family, Ethan grew up surrounded by his grandmother’s traditional recipes and the lively street food culture of Southern California.
His work as a freelance food photographer led him to appreciate both the visual artistry and creative reinvention behind every dish. On Kitchen20, Ethan specializes in visually stunning, easy-to-follow recipes that honor Mexican heritage while welcoming modern twists and vibrant plating ideas.
He loves inspiring others to cook (and photograph!) beautiful, flavor-packed Mexican food with home-friendly steps and creative photography tips—even just using a smartphone.
Discover my recipes:
Mia Westlake
Culinary Specialty:
Meal prep, smart kitchen gadgetsPersonal Quote:
"Streamlining home cooking with clever gadgets and meal-prep know-how."Experience & Training:
Mia Westlake, 31, is passionate about modernizing home cooking through meal-prep systems and smart appliances. Raised in Austin, Texas, she fell in love with tech and efficiency while working as a software tester. After juggling work and family life, Mia found joy in meal prepping and simplifying her kitchen routine using innovative gadgets.
On Kitchen20, Mia shares approachable weekly meal plans, honest smart gadget reviews, and beginner-friendly tips to save time and reduce stress in the kitchen. She believes technology should empower home cooks, not overwhelm them, and her approachable style makes tackling meal prep feel easy and rewarding.
Mia's mission is to help others create healthy, delicious meals—no matter how busy or tech-shy they might be.
Discover my recipes:
Jordan Kim
Culinary Specialty:
Tech-inspired Asian fusion, quick bitesPersonal Quote:
"Combining coding creativity with Asian fusion for fast, flavorful meals."Experience & Training:
Jordan Kim, age 26, is a self-taught home cook with a flair for quick, tech-inspired Asian fusion recipes perfect for busy lifestyles. Growing up in San Francisco as a second-generation Korean American, Jordan was always surrounded by a melting pot of flavors and cultures. By day, he's a UI/UX designer; by night, he's inventing dishes that reflect the dynamic energy of both worlds.
Jordan believes great food shouldn’t require hours in the kitchen. His recipes often feature clever shortcuts and fun presentation inspired by design thinking. On Kitchen20, he shares snack-sized tutorials, meal hacks, and lighthearted tips—helping others cook confidently, even with the tightest schedules.
For Jordan, food is about fun, creativity, and sharing your story—one delicious bite at a time.
Discover my recipes: