Oh, Bittens.
You know how when you’re at a party, and there are those people who make a big show about how they’re leaving? They announce they’re making an exit, and then they spend forever dragging out their goodbyes and making sure everybody knows they’re on their way out the door? (It’s like the exact opposite of an Irish goodbye. What is that? Maybe a Brexit?)
Anyway. Nobody wants to be those people -- least of all us.
So it's time for us to go. For real.
When we started this blog nearly 9 years ago (that's our original banner at the top of this post!), the iPhone had only been around for 6 months. George W. Bush was president. Nobody had ever heard of Justin Bieber. Gourmet was publishing. Everyday Food was publishing. We’d never encountered the words ras el-hanout, Chinese five spice, mostarda or spatchcocking.
The point is, it's been a long 9-year run and a truly amazing, unforgettable experience.
After we announced a few months ago that we would be winding down soon, we received countless notes and comments from you guys wishing us well, which meant more to us than you can imagine.
One of the comments we received in particular has stuck with us, from a reader named Lu:
Hi Zach and Clay! I cannot say I am not sad about the end of your blog journey. However, in my culture, which was influenced by Buddhism over the generations, nine is the perfect number. Number nine represents a fullness and perfection in all things. So, I am rather happy for you to end this wonderful blog on its ninth year.
How great is that?! And Bittens, that's exactly how we feel after 9 years: Full. Full of wonderful memories in the kitchen together. Full of immense gratitude for you and for everyone who has read us and supported us over these years. Full of the awareness of how lucky we are to have had this incredible experience. Full of pride in this little thing we made. Full of love. And, of course, full of some really, really good food.
And it's in that spirit of fullness that now, after 9 years, 1,221 posts and 18,360 comments, it's time for us say goodbye.
We're not going away entirely. The blog and all 9 years of recipes will still be here for you to read whenever you want. You can always email us, and we'll continue to share a slice of our lives on Instagram. And if you're not already signed up on our email list, sign up now. Whatever our next adventure might be, that's how we'll let you know. Who knows what the future holds?
Our wish for you: Full pantries, full hearts, a full table and a full belly.
Big hugs,
Zach & Clay
