Diner Guru to Speak Monday, October 25, in East Providence

Richard Gutman wrote the book on diners. Literally. In 1979 he collaborated on American Diner. The first half of the book is a history of diners. The second is filled with intriguing black and white photos – of the restaurants, the people and the details that bring the diners to life. Track it down through your local library. He updated the book on his own in 1993 and changed the title slightly: American Diner, Then and Now. We attended a book signing at the Worcester Historical Society. It was the first time we “met” The Diner Historian … and I have the picture to prove it! Over the years I've had the good fortune of meeting Mr. Gutman both at his exhibit and even for breakfast.


Denise (left) and I wait to have our books autographed.1993


If it sounds like a bit of hero worship, it certainly was. But we're not the only ones impressed. A recent June article in Smithsonian.com begins, "What Jane Goodall is to chimpanzees and David McCullough is to John Adams, Richard Gutman is to diners." High praise, indeed.

Gutman is currently the curator at the Culinary Arts Museum at Johnson & Wales University and among his credits is an exhibit that is, without doubt, the most comprehensive permanent look at diners. The exhibit even features a ‘live’ restoration of the Ever Ready Diner. (My Ever Ready Diner story to follow in a future posting!)

He’s presenting “Diners: Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow” at the East Providence Historical Society, tomorrow, Monday, October 25 at 7:00 pm. Visitors welcome. Apple pie will be served.