Martha Holmberg, editor of MIX magazine, FoodDay, and cookbook author/food writer is leaving the Oregonian. Under her watchful eye, MIX is the most interesting publication to come out of the newspaper. Though it was sometimes accused of being out of touch with mainstream Portlanders, the excellent writing and photography has made it a standard fixture on many coffee tables. She has written several books, the most recent being Puff, a book on puff pastry. Martha is also former publisher of Fine Cooking.
While I imagine FoodDay and MIX will continue in her absence, Martha Holmberg is highly respected by the freelance writing community, and I’m sorry to hear she’s moving on.
She will be leaving the Oregonian on February 19th, and after taking some time off, she plans to join Watershed Communications, where she will act as an editorial director/building a content division. She will continue to consult on MIX.
[timeline edited after Martha's comment]
Thank you so much for the kind words about my contributions to Portland’s wonderful and ongoing conversation about food and drink. It’s so gratifying to be part of this community.
I just want to clarify a couple of points. I am indeed leaving The Oregonian and resigning my principle job as FOODday editor. I will continue to consult on MIX, however, in conjunction with the rest of the MIX staff at The Oregonian and all the amazing writers and photographers who contribute to the magazine. And I’m leaving The O on February 19 but not joining Watershed fulltime until April 1 — March is for slogging around the house in yoga pants and starting seeds for the garden. And cooking. And hanging out with my teenager.
Thanks Martha!
You are a class act, Martha and a joy to know and work with. You’ve made Portland’s food scene that much better.
Your time as FOODday editor was appreciated beyond measure! I have been a reader of The Oregonian food section for over 60 years. Your ‘reign’ was a lively one. Even with the cuts that have to be made in these times, the FOODday still kept it’s integrity. Loved the stories about Christmas and Hannukah – We have a blended family & celebrate both. Swedish recipes especially dear to my heart. Thanks so much for your steady hand at the helm. Enjoy your new adventure and especially your teenager. They grow up much too soon but then there is a new wonderful relationship to look forward to!
I have to admit, when Ms. Holmberg started at the O, I thought her writing and the slant of the food section was annoying. Then, after a while, maybe because I stopped (well, at least tried!) being such a jerk, I enjoyed it–especially everything in MIX. Considering how things are going at the Oregonian these days, it’ll be interesting, at the very least, to see what becomes of the food writing.
Anyway, good luck at your new job, Martha!
Sad to see you go Martha. You brought a lot of greatness to the O’s food section. Not sure how they will quite replace you.
Considering the changes happening at the Oregonian, I can’t say I’m surprised that a talented editor like Holmberg is leaving for a steadier, more creative job elsewhere. Though as a writer for both FoodDay and MIX, I”m very sad to see her leave, considering she’s a terrific editor and critic, always wanting the story to be better and pushing her writers to step it up a notch. Under her direction, FoodDay went from a dowdy, recipe-driven throwaway to a section that addresses the wide range of food issues facing our state and one that showcases the voices of the people who grow the food we put on our tables. She gave me my first assignment as a writer with the Market Watch column that ran for two years in FoodDay, and my first feature assignment about the Zaerpoors of Kookoolan Farm. I’m glad she’s staying in town, and look forward to seeing what she does next.
I love Mix magazine! I’m glad to hear that Martha will continue as a consultant.
Thanks Martha for making the FoodDay interesting and breathing life into what sucked before.
Dang, it must be me. Every time I publish something good with a PDX mag, the editor takes off a month later. First with Williams at Portland Monthly, now Martha, who gave me two wonderful assignments about French women making wine in OR for FoodDay and MIX. Hope we can work together again come the spring, and Happy Trails.
Enjoy your time off Martha. You will be missed. Hard to replace a class act. Thanks for making our food days!
I echo the great comments above. I recently bought a subscription to MIX because I believe it to be one of the best food magazines around. Thank you, Martha, for being a part of why Portland has become a world-class food city.
All the best to you Martha on your new adventure!
Sorry to see Martha go – Sorry to see Mix as a Monthly – Sorry it is so skinny as a result – What’s Next?
What a loss for The Oregonian and Portland food community! I imagine that newsroom, based on my experiences at The Baltimore Sun, is a depressing place to be around these days. I’m grateful to Martha for helping me break into the food-writing scene here.
Martha-
You can leave the Oregonian but don’t move out of the neighborhood!
Your neighbors to the South