It's a New Day at Gastronomie

This blog is my own personal sandbox... not in the Chowhound sense, of course, what with all that censorship crap.

It's just that for the past couple of years, you guys have seen my joys and sorrows, my triumphs and my (sometimes embarrassing) failures.  You've also met the mysterious and talented "C", through his photography and as my partner-in-crime. Really, you've had an inside view to my life that I never thought I'd share the way I do.

Really, blogging has opened up my world in ways I never thought possible.  Most importantly, though, it has brought me some of the dearest friends I've ever known -- friendships forged from commonalities that are hard to find in adult life. Friends who, without a second thought, will go shopping for each other in times of need, who'll help you move when that day comes, and who intuitively seem to know whether to bring a box of tissues or a bottle of booze.

Like so many other food bloggers this year, we're going through some changes in the Gastronomie household. You won't be seeing much in the way of photography, as C was always the more creative partner in this team. And, short of Persian food, I won't be posting many recipes, since cooking for one isn't much fun.

Suffice it to say, I'm ready to bid 2006 a not-so-fond adieu. It's been a pretty cruddy year for some people who are more dear to me than I can express in words, and hasn't been so kind to me, either.

Comments

[Catherine]

(sigh) At least we're all in it together...

[sam]

through everything bad that has happened to all of us in 2006, the light at the end of the tunnel is that we now all have each other, and the gift of such friendship is worth more than any caviar, foie gras or vintage champagne. I wouldn't mind never going to Lovejoy's ever again, if only I can hang on to all my friends for the rest of my life.

Love ya babes!!

XXXXX

gros bisousX

[sam]

PS - whenever you want to cook persian - i have a roomy kitchen ;)

[Fatemeh]

Ah, Sam, perhaps YOU will be hosting Persian New Year this year!!!

[Stephanie]

You can always count on us for food, wine, laughter, and tears. They're all very cathartic in their own way, you know?

I'm up for Persian cooking in Sam's roomy kitchen! Anything's better than my rabbit hutch.

[Fatemeh]

Miss L., I fully expect laughs from you, lady. Preferably in the form of one-liners from crappy '80s and '90s flicks!

[Lenn]

Fatemeh...hugs and good wishes from the east coast. Hope to see you when you're in NY next.

If not...I expect you to "visit family" here on Long Island next summer...got it? You can meet Ben and baby Thompson ;)

[Joy]

A new year is upon us. Besides, this one wasn't so bad, because we've had each other, and that is a gift I wouldn't trade if bound and forced to eat Sandra Lee's Kwanza Cake.

I know you know how much I love you, but it can never hurt to say it again.

You are my hero.

[alice]

I'm sorry to hear 2006 was a tough one...

Yah, 2006 was pretty rough on me too. >< I pretty much stopped food blogging because of work, work, and more work, and after all that work, I feel like I haven't gotten anywhere!

I hope we'll get to hang out again soon!

[sam]

Is persian new year on another date? can we have it when I get back from Tahoe?

[haddock]

We hope we can see you when we're down in SF next. December 10-13. Please?

[cookiecrumb]

Oh, dear Fatemeh. 2006 has been a stinker for so many of us. I echo Sam's comment, that through blogging, we have found such a rich circle of true friends.
I adore you from afar, having met you only once (and I hope again in the future), but I simply must send you warm wishes for happiness.
xxx

[shuna fish lydon]

look you see now hear.

Royal, majestic, fierce and beautiful-- that's you.

Indeed. We have forged a bond which goes beyond "food blogging" per se, as we make a stunning community. My thoughts are with you and C. And Bo and Stella.

Brave post, my dear, full of strength and wisdom and honesty. We come no matter what you write, you hear?

many a wet nosed kiss for you sweet thang.

[N]

Keep your eyes to the future. The rest of you will soon catch up. Promise.

Just another of the many who are here for you.

-N

[Dr. Biggles]

Yeah, screw 2006. I didn't like it either. From start to near finish it's been one battle to another. I'm now using both hands and my skull to beat it in to submission for another month or so. Stupid year.

Biggles

[Fatemeh]

There are no words -- NONE -- to express the love and gratitude I feel for each and every one of you who have left such amazing sentiments here and in my in-box.

I have never felt more or better-loved in my life.

[C]

My dearest Fatemeh (et al),

The past couple of years HAVE been quite a journey; gastronomically, photographically, and most of all, personally.

Your ability to graciously broach such a personal and tender topic speaks volumes about you as an individual and perhaps more so, your seemingly innate gift with the written word (of your “second” language no less).

I take away from this experience an appreciation for food and wine that I never knew I had in me and as such, owe you a debt of gratitude that I may never be able to repay.

I will MISS the devotion and intensity with which you approach the act of dining more than you will EVER know…

However, to know that someone so very special to me is in such attentive, capable, and loving hands (as you SO obviously are) makes me sleep just a little more soundly this evening!

*****

Farewell for now my fellow Gastronomes… I do so HOPE to see you ALL again.

(I know it goes without saying, but…) Please take good care of my Fatemeh!

C

[Rachel]

Delurking to say I'm sorry you're going thru tough times...I always enjoy your posts and look for then regularly--you make it fun to explore food.