#food-journalism

#food-journalism

A self-described "rat pack" of five "food-loving journalists" just bought the trademark to the defunct food magazine Gourmet, updated it for the modern reader, and brought it back as an online newsletter-all without consulting the magazine's former publisher, Condé Nast. And if you didn't know that already, you might've been able to guess it from the publication's new wordmark. The logo looks nothing like what you'd expect from the magazine that shuttered in 2009.

Eater is for people who care about where they eat. Through our extensive reporting on restaurants and bars, we believe food is culture, identity, and community - and where you eat matters. Our coverage is approachable and fun, but also discerning and skeptical. We lead with humor, taste, and integrity. Our expertise is our biggest strength, but we remain curious and connected to the culture we cover. Eater doesn't just tell you what to care about - we tell you why.

I come from a restaurant family. My grandparents opened Henry's Hunan-the only Hunanese restaurant in the city at the time. Chinese food in San Francisco was largely American Chinese or Cantonese-inflected, so it was unusual to have this different region represented. I spent childhood Saturdays at the restaurant, making Shirley Temples, and helping seat people. I waited tables in college but never saw a career in the restaurant industry. I then worked in documentary film for many years.

Ashok Selvam's remarkable work tackling complex food narratives and engaging in enterprising reporting earned him the Jonathan Gold Local Voice Award at the 2025 James Beard Foundation Media Awards.

With the appointment of Ligaya Mishan and Tejal Rao as the new restaurant critics, the Times marks a significant shift in their restaurant review strategy.