Save Me the Plums

Although she didn’t know it at the time, the promotion of Condé Nast CEO Florio to vice chairman signaled the beginning of the end for Gourmet. When she met Florio’s replacement, Chuck Townsend, she initially thought he would bring positive changes, but she soon realized that his sole focus was financial gain. Despite the protests of art director Ferretti, Florio insisted that the magazine start shooting digital photography, rather than paying to develop and scan analog film. Reichl grew nervous that she was no longer able to protect the creative efforts of her team.

Townsend’s willingness to cut corners caused conflict with Condé Nast editorial director Truman, who left the company. Over a farewell lunch, Truman urged Reichl not to try to be friends with Newhouse and to focus on making the best magazine she could. Reichl realized that Truman must see some sign of trouble in Condé Nast that she could not.

Reichl was infuriated to read an article about the opening of a new children’s food store in New York City, believing that children should eat the same food as their parents. Her son Nick pointed out that he hadn’t always eaten the same food as her. Reichl argued that Nick’s situation was different, as it was related to an autoimmune disease he was diagnosed with as a child.