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Jonathan Gold
James Beard Award winner
- Discipline
- Other
i. Biography
He once said, "She persuaded me that the film would be less about me than about Los Angeles the way I see it," a line that fits the city-first focus of his work.
The Path
At LA Weekly in Los Angeles, the work started in the mechanics of the page: Jonathan Gold began as a proofreader in 1982, then moved into the magazine’s music section as editor, before becoming a food columnist and writing "Counter Intelligence" at LA Weekly in Los Angeles from 1986. He later took on food criticism at Los Angeles Times in Los Angeles from 1990–1996, then restaurant criticism at Gourmet magazine in New York City from 1999, while also contributing and reviving "Counter Intelligence" at LA Weekly in Los Angeles from 2001. From 2012, the scope returned to Los Angeles Times in Los Angeles, where Gold served as chief food critic; from 2017, that work expanded to founding the L.A. Food Bowl festival at Los Angeles Times in Los Angeles.
Signature
Jonathan's signature dishes include The Year I Ate Pico Blvd. And Counter Intelligence: Where to Eat in the Real Los Angeles.
Acclaim
Jonathan's honors include James Beard Foundation Award and Pulitzer Prize for Criticism (2007).
Profile updated July 2026
FAQ
Asked of Jonathan
Where did Jonathan Gold work before?
Jonathan Gold's earlier career included LA Weekly magazine, LA Weekly, and LA Weekly.
What recognition has Jonathan Gold received?
James Beard Foundation Award (2019).
