Cheers to All My Friends: An Eater Goodbye

See ya for drinks at the Bowery!

See, 2009 really is a time for change: After two fantastic years, today is my last day as your editor of Eater LA. Running the most important restaurant and nightlife news blog in Los Angeles has been one of the most exciting, exhausting, hilarious and filling things I've ever done, but it's time to move on. Don't fret: The goss will still be here for you. Come Monday, Ben Leventhal from Eater HQ will be steering this ship, bringing you all the news that's fit to eat.

When chefs are your rock stars, meeting ones like Suzanne Goin, Wolfgang Puck, Susan Feniger, Jose Andres, Nancy Silverton, Thomas Keller, Anthony Bourdain and Tom Colicchio pretty much ranks high up in the "God, I love my job" category. Being able to call it like I see it---an imperfect night, a snotty server, a Deathwatch in the making---and still rub elbows with the likes of those above gives great pleasure. Being called the Hedda Hopper of the dining scene is damn cool, too.

But after all the great meals, drinks, events, and people I've come across, the best was when I'd meet total strangers who actually squealed with delight to learn that I was the one writing this blog. That means all the words---from the juiciest tip to the most mundane thought---did something for them. And as a writer, I can't ask for anything more than that.

A big thanks to Leventhal and Lockhart Steele,who gave me the vehicle but let me be me; to the Curbed Network team who keep things running; and to contributors like Alen Lin for his stunning photography. I can't even begin to come up with enough gratitude for you---the readers, tipsters, chefs and managers, the many a bartender, and, yes, the publicists---who fed the fire (and my mouth, my stomach, my liver). Thank you! Good times were indeed had by all.

Now where's my cocktail...and don't forget tip your server.

XOXO,
Lesley

PS: Of course, don't think you're getting rid of me that easily. I won't be far?