Monday brought news that Condé Nast had closed Gourmet magazine (as well as Cookie, Modern Bride, and Elegant Bride). But final say on the fate of the food magazine's flagship event, the Gourmet Institute, scheduled for October 23 to 25, didn't come until Tuesday, when a note posted on the event's Web site announced its cancellation.
"The decision was not made easily," said Gourmet director of special events and strategic partnerships Erica Morris, who added that staffers spent Monday discussing options before deciding to cancel. "The event really just couldn't go on without the magazine behind it."
Condé Nast will issue refunds to all of the registrants for the institute's weekend of culinary seminars, and Morris spoke with many of the participating chefs about the decision. "All of the chefs were wonderfully gracious and sad to hear about it," Morris said. Tuesday also marked her last day on staff.
