Conde Nast to close Gourmet magazine

Wow......http://mediadecoder.blogs...e-gourmet-magazine/?hp

It's very surprising they didn't try to find a buyer--such a huge legacy brand...surely someone would have wanted it.  Will it live on in a web-only version, I wonder? 

According to this article, they'll keep the brand for books, tv and epicurious.com.

I am SO sad, I love my Gourmet! it is actually the ONLY magazine I still PAY to subscribe to... Oh Ruth, I'll miss your pithy editorials...
I just can't see bringing the computer into the "reading room..."
(blushes)

I used to get Gourmet but let it drop.  I get Savuer now and love it.  More than just recipes, it's food travel stories, food history, food in culture.

Still, I can't believe they couldn't find a buyer.

They didn't want to sell it -- they're keeping the brand for books, the Epicurious website & others stuff.  Still, a shame to see it go -- its one of few food magazines that doesn't have some Food Network idiot on the cover yapping about making dinner in 15 minutes.

It will probably re-surface in another format. Welcome to the Electronic Age!

I'm sad, too. I like Gourmet for so many different reasons, and I always look forward to reading it. Even if it resurfaces on the 'net, it won't be the same. And I wonder what Ruth's next gig will be?

Wow.  That was the first publication that helped to educate my pallet and my brain.  I also ceased subscribing a number of years ago, and now get Saveur, instead, which more closely matches my interests.  But, I still like to occasionally buy an issue of Gourmet and have some wonderful "mind meals" (where I imagine what the recipes would taste like).  It's the end of an era.

Gourmet is great reading, and I think this is tragic.  I read it primarily for the Sterns' column, but loved the entire publication.  Terrible, just terrible.

Gourmet was my first food magazine I ever read or subscribed too.

I have loved reading each and every issue ever since.  It expanded my culinary outlook way past my sheltered up bringing.

I have all my past issues carefully boxed, hmmmmmm  osunds like a good week to do some past reading.

I heard that the last issue of Gourmet is the one currently in print, the November issue. Is that true? If so, I find it sad and (excuse the pun) unsavory that there won't even be a "goodbye" issue to allow for some closure of the magazine after so many decades of circulation. Yeah, I know, it's "just another business," but it's also a cultural institution. Even if the Grande Dame of cooking mags must die, it should at least be allowed to do so with a little dignity.

I agree.  have grown up with that magazine.  I can remember times when  finding my copy of  Gourmet in the mailbox with the  "bright spot" in my day.  One of the most wonderful trips I ever took was as a result of a travel article in "Goumet."    I  feel very sad that this had to happen.  I consider it a poor decision on the part of Conde Nast.

Heck, just last week I got a mailing offering me a reduced rate on a continued subscription...  I guess they can make money if they collect and don't publish.....  Sheesh....

I am sure that they are not trying to cheat you and that these mailings  were  done long before this decision  and it has nothing to do with how sad it is that such a great magazine is no longer going to be  published.

At least (for now) they are going to keep filming their TV program, Diary of a Foodie, which appears on our local PBS station.

It is quite fun to watch cooks, bakers and vinters showing their passion for their product.

CajunKing


Gourmet was my first food magazine I ever read or subscribed too.

I have loved reading each and every issue ever since.  It expanded my culinary outlook way past my sheltered up bringing.

I have all my past issues carefully boxed, hmmmmmm  osunds like a good week to do some past reading.

Hang on to them! In 10-15 years, they will be worth 10 times their face value!

catosaurus


Wow.  That was the first publication that helped to educate my pallet and my brain.  I also ceased subscribing a number of years ago, and now get Saveur, instead, which more closely matches my interests.  But, I still like to occasionally buy an issue of Gourmet and have some wonderful "mind meals" (where I imagine what the recipes would taste like).  It's the end of an era.

Based on your comments, you're part of the reason they are going under!!

Foodbme, I guess you're right.  Thanks for making me feel worse.

Just in case, here's a link to the other thread on these boards where posters are commenting on the demise of Gourmet:

http://www.roadfood.com/Forums/tm.aspx?high=&m=544879&mpage=1#544958

Also, here's a related thread started by Jane Stern. I'm sure most readers here have seen it, but it does contain some commentary:

http://www.roadfood.com/Forums/Jane-and-Michael-need-your-help-m544795.aspx

As this is the oldest thread and in the appropriate forum (news!), I will comment here first:

Very sad.  In the 1960s and 70s it was my mother's magazine of choice. Her cooking education owes MUCH to Gourmet, and she is - and has been for 30++ years - a fabulous
cook. 

When I moved to the East Coast in the early 90s, she sent me a clipping by the Sterns, and it was about clams in New England. My life has never really been the same since. I tried their suggestions, I bought their books, and I slowly started visiting "Roadfood" places.

The conclusion I have reached: I would not be here (as in this website) were it not for Gourmet magazine. No question.

It will be sorely missed by many, but one of the greatest losses will be the Sterns' columns.

I'm afraid many magazines are in the same situation. We just learned that a good friend of ours is in danger of losing her job after 30+ years in the industry.

She is editor of a magazine which while being the leader in its subject sector, simply means  - according to her - it's the one losing the least amount of money.

catosaurus


Foodbme, I guess you're right.  Thanks for making me feel worse.

Sorry about that, but in today's world, the only thing that is certain is CHANGE--- More Specifically----VERY, VERY RAPID CHANGE! The rapid advancements in Technology are making many, many things obsolete at a rate none of us could have comprehended even 10 years ago! Example: I had some medical exams done, MRI, Cat Scan, + 6-7 others-- done a few days ago. I went to "Medical Records" yesterday to pick them up to take to a Specialist. The entire group of tests was on one CD, complete with the Radiologists complete written reports! Amazing!
 
Almost ANYTHING printed on paper will soon be obsolete!.
Books, Magazines, Newspapers, etc. will be on-line or on Cd's. Libraries as we have known them will disappear. Public Libraries will become Museums. Sad but True! 

I'm surprised you even got a CD. Other than a verbal from the doctor and a perfunctory sheet of paper I have to access my medical records on the internet.