Mortal Man, Immortal Memories
"He is not survived by Gourmet magazine,
which ceased publication in November." - Margalit Fox, NY Times, July 29, 2010
(love this last sentence from the obituary as it would have given Michael a chuckle)
Ariane and Michael Batterberry were to many the first couple of the American food world. Together they chronicled the meanderings and growth of the American food scene in ways never done before. Founding Editors of Food Arts (1988)and Food and Wine Magazine(1978), they pioneered the world of food publishing and brought it to the place where it is today. Never ones to give up, always discovering talent and opportunities where another may find nothing. Nurturing, mentoring, supporting and celebrating people, traditions and cultures - they brought forth discoveries for professional chefs and home cooks alike. They gave the world of food tangible glories and successes to look up to when in doubt. They are responsible to have brought the food industry once considered a blue-collar profession into the uber-chic profession it has become.
Whilst Ariane has been left alone, she will certainly find endless inspiration from all the years shared with her beloved Michael. The loss suffered by the passing of Michael will be ours to experience anew tomorrow. Already I am reliving many moments past, when the world of food seemed to have no opportunities and then a call from Michael would show me the light and steer me back on the path of self-discovery. These memories of epic mentoring, generously supportive friendship and patient listening will keep Michael alive for as long as those he touched live.
43 years of marriage is a lifetime more than marriages last today. Seeing Michael and Ariane live their lives with the love and adoration they shared - gave one reason to believe in marriage and the sanctity of honest and kind relationships. Seeing them say, "I couldn't have done it without you" was as natural as a yolk in an egg. Totally in place. Totally magical. Ariane has the gift of her many decades of Michael-Memories. A gift that will continue to inspire her each day, and inspirit her with all the strength needed to continue her own journey, wherever it is she wants it to take her. Whilst it is hard for me to imagine Ariane without Michael (or vice-versa), I know as complete as they were together, they were also each legends in their own right. I for one salute Michael and respectfully and happily await pulling a chair to join Ariane at her visionary table, when she is ready to start a new chapter of her own life.