In the late 1800s, Fred Harvey, a plucky but enigmatic English-born businessman, started a string of eating houses along the route of the old Atcheson, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad. Over 70-odd years, what essentially became the first chain restaurant, belonging to the first branded American identity, enabled a whole new style of tourism and opened a whole new place—the American West—to the rest of the world.

That, at least, is the premise upon which nonfiction writer and journalist Stephen Fried has based his new book, Appetite for America. The book's prologue is actually titled "Who the hell is Fred Harvey?" so don't be embarrassed if you don't know.

This Sunday, Fried (disclaimer: he was one of my professors in graduate school) will give a talk at the New Mexico History Museum followed by a Fred Harvey-style dinner, complete with recipes from the eating houses of yore, at La Fonda. Check back here Monday for a Q&A with Fried and coverage of the event.

Sunday, April 11

4 pm: Lecture by Stephen Fried at the New Mexico History Museum (tickets $50; call 476-5200)

6 pm: Harvey House dinner at La Fonda (tickets $95; includes lecture)