We here at DCist are sad to see them grow up so fast, but it was bound to happen — two of the site’s most prolific and controversy-inspiring contributing editors are moving on to bigger and better things. Catherine and Kanishka, respectively known as the resident music and food snobs, have been with DCist since the very beginning, reviewing many a show and satiating many a palate. But today marks the day they walk out of DCist’s virtual office, joining the ranks of twenty-somethings taking on jobs and activities that do not afford them the time to blog. Wait. Those exist?

As for those of you who wonder what would provoke two young bloggers to abandon a lucrative and fame-filled life as a DCist contributing editor, we pass the word on to them:

Kanishka:

I’m off to travel the world in a black suit as a member of the U.S. Foreign Service — so be on the lookout for Dhakaist or Tashkentist. During my training I might pop up on DCist every once in a while. No matter where I end up, D.C. will always be home, and many thanks to the DCist team for being good friends and giving me the opportunity to write for them, and thanks to the DCist readers too. If you see me out and about in the city, come over, have a drink with me, and we’ll talk about quality alternatives to Lauriol Plaza (sorry, couldn’t resist).

Catherine:

I’m heading off to Chicago in a week to study new media at Northwestern University as a McCormick Tribune Scholar. No plans yet to join up with sister site Chicagoist, but I’m sure I’ll be poking my head back at DCist every once in a while, because, as many of you know, I just can’t stay away. I hear Chicago is an okay city, but D.C. is my hometown and my heart will always be here. Working on DCist has been amazing experience, and I thank all my colleagues and all the readers. And oh yeah: I, I, I. Whoo!

Regular readers know that above everything else, DCist is all about the posts: first thing in the morning, late at night, on weekends and holidays. As two of the site’s most dedicated contributors, Catherine and Kanishka collectively wrote quite a few — Catherine whipped up 228, and Kanishka wrote 188. What was your favorite? Kanishka’s review of The Washingtonienne? Catherine’s coverage of the city’s new baby panda?

We are sad to see them go, and wish them well on their future endeavors. Good luck, Catherine and Kanishka!