End of an Era

How ironic that in the same week I profess my devotion to my “triumvirate”: Gourmet, Food & Wine, and Bon Appetit, that the former ends its reign as the premier and original foodie resource. Today, Conde Nast publishing announced that Gourmet magazine will end publication, probably with the November issue this year. I can’t imagine the cooking world without it.

I remember my mother subscribed to Gourmet in the 70s. She saved every issue. It taught her how to sauté mushrooms properly (I remember it being my job when she had a dinner party to stand there stirring the mushrooms in the pan, adding a bit of Marsala when they were nicely browned), make homemade lemonade, real Irish stew, and Beef Wellington (okay, that was a very emotional and trying experience, but damn if my mom didn’t pull it off.) I have photocopies of clippings from her treasured issues.

Gourmet has always set itself apart from all the other cooking publications out there because it is so literary, and so visually artistic. It covered a niche that no other magazine covers. As someone who loves not only food, but writing, I see the loss of Gourmet each month as a gaping hole.

Worst of all is to lose Ruth Reichl, editor in chief, whose every book I have devoured, and whose letter from the editor is the only magazine’s I EVER bother to read. She is amazing, funny, charming, and crazy-knowledgeable.

Gourmet has led the way in educating its readers about the politics of food, the international implications of how we eat, and the global impact of sustainable methods. I can’t imagine the food industry without it.