By now you've probably heard that Conde Nast announced they will be closing Gourmet magazine. I'm sitting here feeling physically ill that my favorite magazine will no longer be around. As much as I love Bon Appetit, Gourmet was always the magazine that I really looked forward to and danced excitedly about when it arrived in my mailbox. It's probably the only magazine that I have actually cooked from (you'll see a few adaptations of their recipes in this blog from time to time).
Right now, this whole thing feels like a terrible mistake or a horrible joke, akin to those silly pranks that went around the Internet a few months back claiming that actors like Jeff Goldblum or Matt Damon had died a sudden death by falling off a cliff. It doesn't feel real. I keep waiting to read a message somewhere on Twitter that they changed their minds. That they'll bring it back. I am, in all honesty, near tears.
You know, for years I've dreamed of one day writing for Gourmet magazine. It's crazy to think that I'll now have to adjust that dream. And it is such a shame that an elegant and quality magazine will perish when so many lesser ones continue to thrive (or at least, in this economy, exist). It’s difficult to believe that brilliant writing, gorgeous photography and art direction, innovative recipes, a talented and well-respected editor-in-chief, an audience of devoted readers, and years of history just aren't enough...
I wish the best to Ruth Reichl and her talented staff. I can only hope that this closed door will lead to something even more incredible.
I know I'm not the only one who feels this way. I'd love if, in the comments, you would share your own thoughts about the closing or your favorite memories about the magazine.
