Jonathan Gold

Jonathan Gold a (cropped)

Jonathan Gold (July 28, 1960 – July 21, 2018) was an American food critic and music critic. He was widely recognized for his work in the field of food criticism, particularly for his reviews of restaurants in Los Angeles. Gold was the first food critic to win the Pulitzer Prize for Criticism.

Early Life and Education[edit | edit source]

Jonathan Gold was born in Los Angeles, California. He grew up in the city and developed an early interest in food and music. Gold attended UCLA, where he studied art history and music.

Career[edit | edit source]

Gold began his career as a music critic, writing for publications such as the Los Angeles Times and Spin. He later transitioned to food writing, where he found his true calling. Gold's food criticism was known for its focus on the diverse culinary landscape of Los Angeles, highlighting lesser-known restaurants and food trucks.

LA Weekly[edit | edit source]

Gold wrote for the LA Weekly for many years, where he gained a loyal following. His column, "Counter Intelligence," became a must-read for food enthusiasts in Los Angeles.

Los Angeles Times[edit | edit source]

In 2012, Gold returned to the Los Angeles Times, where he continued to write about the city's food scene. His reviews were celebrated for their depth, cultural insight, and ability to capture the essence of Los Angeles' diverse culinary offerings.

Pulitzer Prize[edit | edit source]

In 2007, Jonathan Gold became the first food critic to win the Pulitzer Prize for Criticism. The award recognized his ability to elevate food writing to a form of cultural criticism, shedding light on the social and cultural significance of food.

Legacy[edit | edit source]

Jonathan Gold's influence on the world of food criticism is profound. He is credited with changing the way people think about food and dining, particularly in Los Angeles. Gold's work has inspired a new generation of food writers and critics.

Death[edit | edit source]

Jonathan Gold passed away on July 21, 2018, from pancreatic cancer. His death was widely mourned in the culinary world, and he is remembered as one of the most important food critics of his time.