When they were warm, the chips melted like a kiss from heaven, like a mother's love. Even when the cookies at Cheese Outlet/Fresh Market were days out of the oven, the chips retained more than a hint of their almost liquid glory.

But I've eaten my last Fresh Market chocolate chunk cookie. Tony Blake, owner and founder of Burlington-based Vermont Commercial Real Estate, confirmed to the Burlington Free Press today that the market is no more.

Stressful days at the Seven Days food desk are bound to be slightly more stressful from now on. We'll be pining for the chewy cookies, with just a hint of crunch at their edges, as we report food news. When I've finished my feature for the week, I'll be looking around, confused, for a bite with just a few salt crystals to give it character and enhance the sweetness.

I can't say I didn't milk those cookies for everything they were worth: I almost always ate them in thirds, saving bites for after my next couple of work lunches.

I suppose that once I've packed away my mourning garb, the hunt will be on for Burlington's next best chocolate chip cookie. But for now, tears.