Ruth Reichl looks back on her time at Gourmet and the golden age of magazines

Ruth Reichl is a giant in the world of food writing. Her new book, Save Me the Plums: My Gourmet Memoir, chronicles her 10-year tenure as the editor-in-chief of Gourmet magazine.
Gourmet had been around since the '40s, but shuttered in 2009 right as advertisers began tightening their belts during the recession. Ten years before that, it was a different story: money was flowing. When Reichl signed on to the magazine in 1999, she was offered a personal driver, a clothing allowance, and a private dining room in her office, complete with its own bathroom.
Reichl brought a new perspective to the magazine that turned food writing on its head. She joined q's Tom Power to explain how being an outsider and a novice in the world of food writing was the key to reinvigorating and revamping Gourmet.
— Produced by Diane Eros
Miss an episode of CBC q? Download our podcast.
Comments
To encourage thoughtful and respectful conversations, first and last names will appear with each submission to CBC/Radio-Canada's online communities (except in children and youth-oriented communities). Pseudonyms will no longer be permitted.
By submitting a comment, you accept that CBC has the right to reproduce and publish that comment in whole or in part, in any manner CBC chooses. Please note that CBC does not endorse the opinions expressed in comments. Comments on this story are moderated according to our Submission Guidelines. Comments are welcome while open. We reserve the right to close comments at any time.
Become a CBC Member
Join the conversation Create account
Already have an account?