Today is a sad day for food magazine fans around the country. The beloved Gourmet magazine is officially closing it's doors after almost 70 years in production. Despite having food-world powerhouse Ruth Reichl as editor, parent company Conde Nast has to decided to shutter the glossy along with three other magazines: Cookie, Elegant Bride and Modern Bride. The cause of this magazine closing is attributed to the economic downturn hitting the publishing industry particularly hard. In a memo that was released to the media, CEO Chuck Townsend says of the future of Gourmet:

"Gourmet magazine will cease monthly publication, but we will remain committed to the brand, retaining Gourmet's book publishing and television programming, and Gourmet recipes on Epicurious.com. We will concentrate our publishing activities in the epicurean category on Bon Appétit."

Let's all put down our forks and take a moment of silent chewing to honor the late, great Gourmet.

--Erica 

photo: nydailynews.com