Food Revival

Just heard the heartbreaking news that Gourmet Magazine is folding. Apologies (in advance) for responding so quickly as this is sure to be one of those "gut responses" entries. The thing is, I'm an avid magazine person. I love them. I love them so much I got a degree in them. That's right, check my diploma and you will see "Magazines Major." My Dad always laughed when I announced this fact to strangers (or family) because he was skeptical as to what I would do with this major when I grew up. When the Southern Living editorial internship came my way, I gladly gloated that I knew this whole "magazines major" would work out. So for the next eight years, I dabbled in magazine journalism (Southern Living and Health magazines) and magazine marketing (Cooking Light). Let's just put it out there, shall we? Moving over to the business side proved to prepare me for the grim realities that faced us in 2008. The proof? My entire department (along with our sister magazine Cottage Living) was eliminated in December 2008. That magazines major ended up biting me in the butt. Nonetheless, I never turned my back on my magazine friends/family. Even in unemployment, I renewed my Gourmet subscription. I happen to adore epicurean magazines, but Gourmet -- for me-- was something far bigger than a book of delicious recipes. Gourmet had the courage to actually WRITE about food – its origins, the folks behind the scenes, food policies, and kitchens throughout the country. Gourmet single handedly introduced me to to topics I needed to know about, led me to the kitchen with fascinating recipe combinations, forced me to think bigger (and better) in my marketing job at one of its competitors (Cooking Light), and encouraged me to curl up and take some much-needed "me" time each and every month. I seriously wish Conde Nast would reconsider this decision, but if anyone is aware of just how final these decisions can be...I sure am.  Nonetheless, I wanted to provide some links to some of the stories over the last year that absolutely changed the way I viewed the food world. A huge thank you to Gourmet magazine for shaping my own adventures in the kitchen and a group hug to all of the wonderful magazine writers, designers, photographers, and marketers who are losing their jobs. There are other food-focused opportunities that would benefit from your expertise and here's hoping that all of you land in a safe, happy place full of inspiration and passion!

I have far too many Gourmet favorites, but here are two stories I always remember:
Politics of the Plate: The Price of Tomatoes
What is Southern?