Ruth Reichl

Ruth Reichl has forged a distinguished career as a chef, acclaimed food writer, magazine editor, and author, recognized for her influential contributions to culinary journalism and literature. After publishing her debut cookbook, ‘Mmmmm: A Feastiary,’ in 1972, Ruth Reichl solidified her path as a culinary authority, distinguishing herself as a chef, acclaimed food writer, magazine editor, and author. She first contributed to the culinary world as co-owner and chef at the collectively run Swallow Restaurant from 1973 to 1977. Transitioning into journalism, Reichl served as the food writer and editor for New West magazine in 1978.

Beyond her editorial work, Reichl has authored a collection of bestselling memoirs, including ‘Tender at the Bone’ (1998), ‘Comfort Me with Apples’ (2001), ‘Garlic and Sapphires’ (2005), ‘Not Becoming My Mother’ (2009), and ‘My Kitchen Year: 136 Recipes That Saved My Life’ (2015). Her memoir, ‘Save Me the Plums’ (2019), recounted her pivotal years at Gourmet. Additionally, she published the cookbook ‘Gourmet Today’ (2009) and the novel ‘Delicious!’ (2014). Reichl also shared her expertise as a judge on ‘Top Chef Masters’ from 2011 to 2013.

Ruth Reichl’s contributions to the food world have earned her six James Beard Foundation Awards, including the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award in 2024. In 2021, she launched a successful food writing newsletter on Substack, further connecting with her extensive readership. Most recently, Reichl published her latest novel, ‘The Paris Novel,’ in 2024, continuing to captivate audiences with her storytelling.