Well, dear readers, the time has finally come. I had to turn in my quittin’ papers to the boss last week and he is allowing me to say a few words on my way out the door. I apologize right now, but this will be the most serious post I have ever produced for Phoodie.

I started here writing a wine column from time-to-time which became a full-on contributing editor gig in short order. I met more great people and ate more great things than I ever could have imagined. And I really have to thank Joey Sweeney for all of that. (Awwwwwwwwww.) No, really. He doesn’t want anyone to know, and surely will kick the living crap out of me for saying it, but he is a NICE GUY. So thanks, Joey, it really fucking rocked, and you’re doing yeoman’s work keeping Philebrity afloat every day. (Except the days you’re too hungover to show up, and we get Best Of Philebrity bullshit)

More importantly, thanks to you guys for reading my obnoxious drivel, my late-night alcohol-drenched rants and pissings, and my general discontent and malaise about the state of all things Not Zahav Or Jose Garces. So many people say it, but the folks who email or comment make you keep getting up in the morning. An organic conversation makes all this shit worthwhile, as opposed to flinging crap at a wall and hoping it sticks.

But, this ain’t the end just yet. I am moving onto a new gig that will be launching in a little while. I have gone to the dark side. Yes, I am working for The Man. NBC has a new site called “The Feast”, and I have been tapped to be the new Food Editor here in Philadelphia. So please add us to your morning routine if you would.

I’ll leave you with a very inspirational passage about moving forward, doing it right, and just general ass-kickery. A much smarter man than myself said it best. Thank you, Dirk Diggler:

“Wow. I dunno what to say…I guess. Wow.I guess the only thing I can say, is that I promise to keep rocking and rolling and to keep making better (blogs). It seems we make these (blogs)…and sometimes…they’re considered filthy or something by some people…but I don’t think that’s true. These (blogs) we make can be better…they can help…they really can, I mean it. We can always do better — and I’ll keep trying if you keep trying so let’s keep ROCKING AND ROLLING.” 

 See yous.

– Collin Flatt