Last week's premiere of Lonny, an online-only magazine spreading rapidly through the blogosphere, seems now a bittersweet precursor to today's sad, sad news: Conde Nast has just closed four more publications in addition to Domino; among them, one of my absolute favorites—Gourmet. First published in 1941, Gourmet was the oldest food magazine in history and, in many ways, years ahead of its time. In my library, the older issues have been an endless source of inspiration. Here's one of my favorite covers from November 1972.
The styling is so clean and simple with beautiful photography, especially for the times. What's more, here was a magazine inspiring would-be chefs and homemakers alike, a real rarity in the magazine world.
Our hearts go out to all the talented editors, photographers and staff members of Gourmet, whose collective efforts built one of the most reputable brands in the business. Their pioneering work will not be forgotten.
Not only did Gourmet magazine introduce me to the wonderful world of cooking, but as a child in the early 60's, it also introduced me to the world and took me places that were not as accessible to a young person as they are today. I will truly miss this magazine and cherish my saved issues.
Posted by: Jamie | October 22, 2009 at 12:45 PM
Heartsick. Just heartsick. As more and more magazines go online, I will miss the feel of the glossy pages, I will really miss clipping out articles and recipes and cartoons and especially my favorite decor photos. Magazines were portable; great on airplanes, great in front of the fire with a glass of wine. Sure, I can spend even MORE hours in front of my computer and see those things, but I will miss the paper copies. I'm still mourning the end of Southern Accents...
Posted by: Margie B. | October 07, 2009 at 07:02 PM
So very sad. My favorite pumpkin cheesecake recipe came from them. I will miss Gourmet.
On the heals on Lonny, there might be a new future for amazing sources online. I will pray for that.
Posted by: Shandell's | October 07, 2009 at 09:42 AM
I guess I need to cherish my last issue...
what a bummer.
Posted by: Janet Doherty | October 07, 2009 at 08:59 AM
It is very sad - I got Gourmet and Domino and House and Garden - for years and years, but clearly someone stopped buying them or they would still be with us. That doesn't make it any less disappointing to lose an amazing publication, but I guess I am not surprised. We all go to these amazing blogs and read them and for many no doubt they have taken the place of the magazine that they had to pay for. With all due respect to all blogs (and I read many of them) the very first thing you see above after the sentiment that these publications will not be forgotten is a link to the food network website - complete with wonderful recipes and photos. Do I think that that replaces Gourmet?? Not in a million years!, but someone does or more to the point many people do because no magazine folds when the numbers are good. We're all the enemy if we are looking for one. We all lament the closing of the mom and pop shops, but we head to Target for the sale. If we want to see something survive we need to support it. Maybe I am preaching to the choir and we are the ones who are buying the magazines AND reading the blogs, but if we want our technology and our low tech world to intermingle we need to support both. If only these publications would give a heads up that a closing might be looming and I bet they would see readership climb again. This should be a warning to all I guess - let's simply support those endeavors we wish to see survive.
Posted by: Laura | October 07, 2009 at 06:55 AM
It seems all the great publications are folding while the cheezy tabloids thrive.
Hmmmmm.........
Posted by: Deborah | October 06, 2009 at 09:19 PM
I never knew I could (or would) feel such loss over a magazine. I didn't know anyone who worked there - but I do remember how I felt that I had come into my own when I graduated from Bon Appetit to Gourmet. It was like going from flat Mary Janes to spike heeled Manolos. I was a grown-up, having grown up cocktail parties and dinner parties - right off the pages of Gourmet.
FAVORITE GOURMET RECIPE: Stilton Tart with Cranberry Relish -
Posted by: Wendy | October 06, 2009 at 08:53 PM
A lovely tribute, Eddie. Wow, hmm. I was sick when I read this in the Wash. Post today: "Gourmet was not just a recipe magazine. It was a lush roadmap to gastronomic culture, travel and entertaining. It set the standard for all food magazines that followed, including Bon Appetit, the Conde' Nast epicurean sister title that will survive." I cut my teeth on my mother's copies, and when she died at 49, I knew I would have to keep those issues from the late 60's-thru mid-70's. Perfect table settings, travel stories and elegant photography - then -not to mention fascinating personal stories.
Posted by: DCfan | October 06, 2009 at 07:05 PM
I have loved this magazine for years and years! Sad.......
Posted by: Karena | October 06, 2009 at 06:41 PM
Gourmet will be missed. Especially by us wanna be gourmets. Sigh. Big Sigh.
ShelbyLynn
Posted by: ShelbyLynn | October 06, 2009 at 02:53 PM
I heard this on KPBS on my way home yesterday and was so sad. This magazine is the longest running subscription that has come to my mailbox - I'll miss it. Especially the January cookie edition :/
:(
Isa
Posted by: isa | October 06, 2009 at 02:26 PM
Very sad news, indeed. Gourmet was one of the best. Your tribute is lovely.
xoxo
Evy
Posted by: Evelyn Weiss | October 06, 2009 at 02:22 PM
Another great magazine meets its demise. I,too, am dismayed that all the great magazines I enjoy are gone: Southern Accents, House and Garden, Domino and now Gourmet. I am glad I have kept the issues tht I hold dear to me!
Posted by: Maureen aka Mao | October 06, 2009 at 01:27 PM
Glad to see I'm not the only one heartsick over the untimely end of Gourmet. It was so inspiring with its writing, recipes, and, of course, its photography. Such a loss and it is certainly the loss of an icon. My deepest gratitude goes out to Ruth and the entire staff for years of immeasurable pleasure.
Posted by: Uncle Beefy | October 06, 2009 at 10:36 AM
Loved Gourmet. It's like the passing of an era almost.
Posted by: Suzanne S. | October 06, 2009 at 08:23 AM
Eddie- Funny, the week that I married my gourmand, there smack dab on the cover was a meld of our tastes which somehow I took as a sign. A match made with food! Food does that! Oh, how sad, I loved Gourmet.
pve
Posted by: pve | October 06, 2009 at 08:19 AM
i am desperate. this is starting to be seriously depressing. what i don't understand is why are all the very best magazines going out, leaving us with a boat load of mediocre publications?!
Posted by: eringianni | October 06, 2009 at 03:36 AM
I am so bummed. Gourmet was I think the fourth or fifth thing I ever blogged about. It was such a great magazine and will be sorely missed by all!
Posted by: Michelle | October 06, 2009 at 01:37 AM
Really sad to see such fine Magazines go away. Is it the sign of the times, the economy or Al Gore and the Internet taking over. Thanks for posting, love the cover too.
Posted by: Kathy | October 06, 2009 at 01:36 AM
I really loved Gourmet also. My partner David and I are avid cooks and always loved Gourmet's gorgeous depiction of the art of food!
Sadly missed and I will hang on to all my old issues!
Hope you two are great!
xo Terri
Posted by: Terri | October 06, 2009 at 01:19 AM
Thanks for this lovely post, Huns! So sad, but we'll always continue to have our 'gourmet moments'. XX
Posted by: Jacks | October 05, 2009 at 11:59 PM
My husband cooks in my house, and every Christmas I get him Gourmet Magazine. Alas, not this year. I was deeply dissapointed at the loss of Domino and my husband will be sad to see Gourmet go. Sigh. This is why we collect antique cookbooks. *sigh*
Posted by: Kate | October 05, 2009 at 10:34 PM