Dear readers, this is my farewell column as the American-Statesman food writer.
On June 1, I'll hang up my apron, stack up the cookbooks and pass on the test kitchen gear to the next person to take on this life-changing position at Austin’s daily newspaper.
When I say, “Dear readers,” I mean it. From my first column in 2008 to today, the fine people who read this column — in print with their coffee and via Facebook in the school pickup line — have held an incredibly special place in my heart.
I have kept your business cards, your emails and screenshots of your direct messages on social media in my digital and physical archive. I still have a physical copy of (almost) every food section I’ve published. Because of your kindness and willingness to connect, my kids will have memories of being stopped in the grocery store by someone who tells me they love trying new recipes and reading stories in the food section.