Life can be bitter sweet, and a bit omami too

I think I’ve lost my appetite for the first time in 5 years.

It’s almost to the day, 5 years ago, that I started at Food24. I came from years in art, web design and then hard-working kitchens and was ready to dive into the world of food in the online space.

Today, I am sad to say, that it’s my last couple of days as Editor-in-chief of this exciting and dynamic website.

What a journey it has been and I have learnt a magnificent amount from everyone I’ve worked with, there are so many talented people at 24.com and also, of course, in the passionate world of food journalism.

We’ve taken the site from strength to strength and I’m proud to say that my baby, the biggest food site in Africa, is beautiful and growing every day.

It’s not all sobs and blotchy faces though, there’s much excitement. My amazing team, in particular my work wife and dear friend, Restaurant Editor, Cath Shone, have all given me their blessings, as I take the deep-water plunge into the exciting world of sensory food design.

The creativity and inspiration that I get from dreaming up new ideas and seeing the happy faces of those who experience them is just so wonderful I have to put my entire being into it, or I shan’t survive.

I haven’t gone to Mars quite yet though, I’ll still be sharing yummy recipes and all my new and crazy ideas with you. I’ll be blowing things up and breaking some rules and as always, making a little bit of magic to keep the dreamscape interesting.

And now, with more excitement, I welcome back to this foodie matrix, a capable and wonderful writer and trained chef – Tessa Purdon. With an ICA 3 Year Diploma in Culinary Arts, Professional Cheffing and Pâtisserie with wine specialisation she is a bright and talented gourmand who will be taking on the enormous and precious task of curating the food content for Food24. I’m so lucky to be able to leave a part of my life in such safe hands.

With a tear, a wave of my wooden spoon, much wine and love.