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.
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 »

Barry Estabrook's 'Tomatoland'

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/August 2011

Chef City

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

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 »

The Best Ingredients in Europe? They're Probably Irish

The Best Ingredients in Europe? They're Probably Irish

Our expert's culinary advice for those traveling to Dublin and beyond. Hint: Don't skip the bread and cheese. More »

A Food Critic's Guide to Better Tipping: Don't Be a Cheapo

A Food Critic's Guide to Better Tipping: Don't Be a Cheapo

This week's "Ask Corby": how to handle the bill to please your server, your cheapskate relatives, and your conscience More »

The Food World's Oscars: Fun and Wisdom at the Beard Awards

The Food World's Oscars: Fun and Wisdom at the Beard Awards

The gastronomy might have been glitzy, but food politics is anything but, and this year's awards celebrated both More »

Ask Corby: An Introduction to Marmalade

Ask Corby: An Introduction to Marmalade

Our expert recommends the best brands, tells how to keep them fresh, and explains why they're essential to life More »

Ask Corby: The Dangers and Pleasures of Pretzels

Ask Corby: The Dangers and Pleasures of Pretzels

In his latest advice column, Corby discusses German airports, how to make an ideal pretzel, and the scary/tasty use of lye More »

Debate: What Gives a Food Summit Fire and Light

Debate: What Gives a Food Summit Fire and Light

There were both at The Atlantic's Food Summit—and a bracing mixture of conviction, pragmatism, and idealism More »

Don't Be Ashamed of Loving Marshmallow Peeps

Don't Be Ashamed of Loving Marshmallow Peeps

In this Easter edition of Ask Corby, our expert explains why you should cherish neon-colored, industrial puffs of sugar More »

Ask Corby: How Can I Find the Best Almonds (and Other Nuts)?

Ask Corby: How Can I Find the Best Almonds (and Other Nuts)?

In his latest advice column, Corby gives a pre-Passover rundown on where to buy nuts with real flavor More »

Smackaroon! The Switzerland vs. France Cookie Smackdown

Smackaroon! The Switzerland vs. France Cookie Smackdown

In gilded Zurich, I do a taste test between macaron flagship Sprungli and Ladurée, the invading Parisian champion More »

Kummer on Coffee: Which is Better, Drip or Stovetop?

Kummer on Coffee: Which is Better, Drip or Stovetop?

This week's advice column: our coffee guru explains the Bialetti machine and why drip pots are becoming dinosaurs More »

How Can I Train My Boyfriend to Like Stinky Cheese?

How Can I Train My Boyfriend to Like Stinky Cheese?

In this week's "Ask Corby," our in-house expert offers advice on mold, misleading aromas, and holding your beloved's nose More »

The Glory of Irish Soda Bread (Even If It's Cake)

The Glory of Irish Soda Bread (Even If It's Cake)

It's your duty to eat soda bread today. Even if it isn't really bread. But today's a holiday! Hunt down the real thing later. More »

The Biggest Story in Photos

2013 National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest

Subscribe Now

SAVE 65%! 10 issues JUST $2.45 PER COPY

Newsletters

Sign up to receive our free newsletters

(sample)

(sample)

(sample)

(sample)

(sample)

(sample)