5 Of The Best

NEXT EPSIODE FEB 24   Accidental Inventions   Crisps George Crum   George Crum (born George Speck;[1] c. 1828 – July 22, 1914)[2] was a mixed-race African/Native American trapper and guide in the Adirondacks, who became renowned for his culinary skills after becoming a cook and restaurant owner in Saratoga Springs, New York. By 1860 he owned Crum's House, a popular lakeside restaurant in nearby Malta.               Hotel chef George Crum enjoyed a wonderful knack for cooking. From his kitchen at Moon's Lake House near Saratoga Springs, N.Y., Mr. Crum could "take anything edible and transform it into a dish fit for a king." That skill came in handy – the upscale Lake House attracted customers who were used to being treated like kings. In 1853, a cranky guest complained about Crum's fried potatoes. They were too thick, he said. Too soggy and bland. The patron demanded a new batch. Crum did not take this well. He decided to play a trick on the diner. The chef sliced a potato paper-thin, fried it until a fork cou