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Corby Kummer

Corby Kummer

Corby Kummer's work in The Atlantic has established him as one of the most widely read, authoritative, and creative food writers in the United States. The San Francisco Examiner pronounced him "a dean among food writers in America." More

Corby Kummer's work in The Atlantic has established him as one of the most widely read, authoritative, and creative food writers in the United States. The San Francisco Examiner pronounced him "a dean among food writers in America." Julia Child once said, "I think he's a very good food writer. He really does his homework. As a reporter and a writer he takes his work very seriously." Kummer's 1990 Atlantic series about coffee was heralded by foodies and the general public alike. The response to his recommendations about coffees and coffee-makers was typical--suppliers scrambled to meet the demand. As Giorgio Deluca, co-founder of New York's epicurean grocery Dean & Deluca, says: "I can tell when Corby's pieces hit; the phone doesn't stop ringing." His book, The Joy of Coffee, based on his Atlantic series, was heralded by The New York Times as "the most definitive and engagingly written book on the subject to date." In nominating his work for a National Magazine Award (for which he became a finalist), the editors wrote: "Kummer treats food as if its preparation were something of a life sport: an activity to be pursued regularly and healthfully by knowledgeable people who demand quality." Kummer's book The Pleasures of Slow Food celebrates local artisans who raise and prepare the foods of their regions with the love and expertise that come only with generations of practice. Kummer was restaurant critic of New York Magazine in 1995 and 1996 and since 1997 has served as restaurant critic for Boston Magazine. He is also a frequent food commentator on television and radio. He was educated at Yale, and came to The Atlantic Monthly in 1981. He is the recipient of five James Beard Journalism Awards, including the MFK Fisher Distinguished Writing Award.
Last-Minute Holiday Shopping: Food Books for Friends and Family

Last-Minute Holiday Shopping: Food Books for Friends and Family

From Barbara Kafka's 'The Intolerant Gourmet' to Didi Emmons' 'Wild Flavors,' a selection of titles new to 2011 that you can value forever… More »

How Alice Waters United West and East With a Dinner in Beijing

How Alice Waters United West and East With a Dinner in Beijing

At an event inaugurating the U.S.-China Forum on the Arts and Culture, the Chez Panisse chef made the case for artisanal, organic foods… More »

New Natural Neccos Now Old News

New Natural Neccos Now Old News

A couple of years ago, Necco brought natural flavors into its product line, but, with sales falling, the company has decided to return to its bad old ways of tinny, Day-Glo colors… More »

That Fish Isn't What You Think It Is

That Fish Isn't What You Think It Is

Restaurant buyers who get fish on ice from dealers often have no idea that that fish was caught 40 days ago an ocean away and had been frozen until the distributor defrosted it… More »

Body and Soul and Robotic Surgery

Body and Soul and Robotic Surgery

The Buddha-like Deepak Chopra sits down with physicist Leonard Mlodinow, and Ira Magaziner discusses his work to lower the price of AIDS drugs at The Atlantic Meets the Pacific event… More »

4 Days of Cheese: Eating and Smuggling at a Slow Food Festival

4 Days of Cheese: Eating and Smuggling at a Slow Food Festival

Like everyone who traveled to get to the event in Bra, Italy, I came with an empty bag, which was stuffed with heavy blocks of cheese when I left… More »

Issue October 2011

Gluttony Without Gluten

It’s easy, with the help of good new products and even better books.… More »

Service and Sexual Harassment: Your Opinions, Please

Service and Sexual Harassment: Your Opinions, Please

How often do diners cross the line? And how professional are professional servers? Let the debates begin.… More »

Danny Meyer's Untitled: Brooklyn Cuisine Meets Diner Food

Danny Meyer's Untitled: Brooklyn Cuisine Meets Diner Food

A visit to the latest restaurant from New York's best-loved restaurateur, located in the Whitney Museum of American Art… More »

David Rockwell Brings the Japanese Pod-Style Hotel to NYC

David Rockwell Brings the Japanese Pod-Style Hotel to NYC

Meet one of the best designers of restaurants and hotels, who can make industrial design welcoming and comfortable… More »

A Food Lover's Guide to Atlanta

A Food Lover's Guide to Atlanta

In his latest food advice column, our critic offers tips on fried oysters, baked trout, food trucks, and the city's not-too-shabby group of nationally acclaimed chefs… More »

The Country's Toughest School Food Reformer: Massachusetts

The Country's Toughest School Food Reformer: Massachusetts

The state is pulling sodas from school stores and regulating bake sales. But will the USDA do anything about the actual cafeterias?… More »

Food Fights in Aspen: Fats, Labels, and the Toxic-Sugar Debate

Food Fights in Aspen: Fats, Labels, and the Toxic-Sugar Debate

Highlights from the food events at the Aspen Ideas Festival, including controversial speakers and a bacon/M&M smackdown… More »

A Gelato Lover's Guide to New York

A Gelato Lover's Guide to New York

Our expert offers his advice about cold treats for summer (or winter—for Corby, gelato is a year-round food group). But you might be better off with regular ice cream.… More »

The Real Founder of Today's Gardening Trend: Uncle Sam?

The Real Founder of Today's Gardening Trend: Uncle Sam?

The National Archives connects the dots between red, white, and blue and local foods—and industrial agriculture… More »

Two Must-Buy Father's Day Gifts for Non-Foodies (One Food, One Non-)

Two Must-Buy Father's Day Gifts for Non-Foodies (One Food, One Non-)

Our expert recommends a book of essays and recipes—including, of course, beer-can chicken—and a stylish accessory… More »

Why Do Chefs, and Especially Butchers, Love Tattoos?

Why Do Chefs, and Especially Butchers, Love Tattoos?

Corby asks culinary professionals about the roots of tattoo culture—and why people who cut flesh are so into marking their own… More »

A Book Worth Buying: Barry Estabrook's 'Tomatoland'

A Book Worth Buying: Barry Estabrook's 'Tomatoland'

If you care about social justice—or eat tomatoes—read this account of the past, present, and future of a ubiquitous fruit… More »

Issue July 2011

Chef City

Famous Las Vegas restaurateurs are finally making meals to match the hype.… More »

Rome's Friendliest Bed and Breakfast: An Ideal Place to Stay

Rome's Friendliest Bed and Breakfast: An Ideal Place to Stay

Our expert points a reader toward a hotel worth dreaming about: centrally located, inexpensive, and, best of all, welcoming… More »

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