Gael Greene, 40-Year New York Magazine Food Critic, Let Go

New York magazine's longtime food critic, Gael Greene, has been let go after 40 years of writing about New York dining for the magazine.

"New York magazine - and its readers -owe Gael a huge debt of gratitude for her years of smart, witty, and thoughtful restaurant criticism," the magazine said in a statement. "In a tightening economy, our company is simply no longer able to support four separate restaurant critics; we wish Gael nothing but the best in her many successful endeavors."

Greene told WowOWow.com that her surprise firing is akin to "cutting off your nose to spite your face."

WowOWow has more about Greene's history with the magazine and her future plans:

Handpicked by the magazine's founder, Clay Felker, in 1968, Greene, seen here from a 1971 meal, worked tirelessly to bring readers the best -- and sometimes the worst -- of the Big Apple's food scene. She stood as the magazine's weekly critic until 2000, when she asked to be replaced and become a contributing editor, but continued writing weekly columns and started her own online project, Insatiable Critic....

At least now Greene wil have more time to spend on her sustenance-centric charity, Citymeals-on-Wheels, which she founded 27 years ago and has used to help deliver more than 40 million meals to the city's frail and needy. That sounds far more fulfilling than informing New York readers about culinary trends, although we'll certainly miss Greene's unique take!

Photo of Gael Greene by Stephen Richter (via)

Comments

[lioness39]

Why pay a food critic when the average person can't afford food at the high costs these days.

[dana94591]

NY mag has lost it's mind!!! So sorry, Gael!!! If I had a mag I would hire you!!

[larry278]

To add insult to injury, a NEW YORK graphics person looked at Ms Greene's pictured old hat, copied it in tan, used it as a lamp shade & has been selling the lamps on the side @ $340.00 each. NY publishing is a jungle.

[ladyrefined2000]

ha.......so, you got fired.....­.......you cares.....­.......wel­come to the real world.

[robiform]

Sorry to hear of this--I've been reading New York magazine almost from the time it was first published, and I always found Gael Greene's restaurant reviews to be witty, without being catty. In this economy, it's obvious that it's not just the usual suspects who are losing their jobs!