Gourmet Magazine falls in the FALL =(

Now there's nothing I can say about this iconic food magazine that hasn't been said in numerous blogs, websites and news outlets. So I will just give my personal take. I think it's sad. Perhaps beyond sad. I don't really think it's economy related, although I could be dead wrong. I think it's a trend and generation related. Everything is about entertainment. News has to be entertaining, tv shows, commercials, books and even magazines. Content (at least in this country) is secondary to the entertainment factor. If we aren't being entertained, we simply aren't interested. Of course I'm speaking for people as a whole and not myself in particular.

Personally, if I'm truly interested in a subject. I want the raw deal, without all the frills. I can add frills to what I'm learning, AFTER I learn it. I guess the U.S.A. wants everything sugar-coated and presented in a pretty little bow. That's the way to get our attention. Spoon feed us and entertain us. I'm all for that, but Gourmet is an icon. (p.s. I don't think it's a coincidence The Food Network recently came out with a magazine and it's doing fabulous.)

I've worked with Sara Moulton(google her if you haven't a clue who she is, she is Gourmet Magazine related!) and we discussed this very subject. True chefs are a dying breed. Not only do you have to cook, but you need to entertain as well. Even if you have an amazing restaurant, as a chef you're demanded to have presence nowadays. Luckily for me I don't have to try too terribly hard because I naturally have a big personality. However, there are countless talented and wonderful chefs out there who don't get the time of day simply because they aren't "camera-ready or friendly." This is not to say that they ever would go on camera or need to, but people want what they see on the Food Network. If you don't remind them of a favorite, accessible chef then they really aren't interested. (Trust me.)

Like I said, more than melancholy if you ask me. I seriously don't think they have this problem in Europe or other countries. From my experience in traveling abroad, if you produce good food, then you'll have loyal customers that will follow. I truly feel that's the way it should be too. I'm glad my personality is inviting to people, but if my food sucked, I wouldn't want people to hire me. Period! Luckily, I love what I do and feel it's reflective in my food. At least that's what I tell myself. Down with Gourmet and make room for Food Network Magazine types. I just wish both could co-exist, but obviously they can't!