Former Gourmet editor joining Random House

Former Gourmet magazine editor Ruth Reichl is joining the Random House Publishing Group, where she will both edit and write books, including a memoir of her years at the now shuttered magazine.

Reichl, who will serve as an editor-at-large for the company's Random House imprint, also will write a cookbook to be titled "The Tao of Ruth." Random House also plans to publish Reichl's first novel, "DELICIOUS!"

Citing a tough economy, Gourmet publisher Conde Nast shut down the magazine a year ago. At Random House, Reichl will focus on books related to food.

In a written release, she says she is excited to connect with food lovers in a new way and to explore opportunities on the digital side of the book publishing world.