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Do you ever wonder how some things come about? For instance, who figured out that there was something worth eating inside a banana peel? Or how desperate do you have to be to discover that an artichoke has edible parts? Well, we may not know how either of those foods was discovered, but we do know how potato chips were invented.

It was the summer of 1853 and Commodore Cornelius Vanderbilt, a wealthy railroad magnate, was vacationing at a fashionable hotel in Saratoga Springs, New York. At dinner one night he complained that his potatoes were cut too thick and sent them back to the kitchen.

Insulted by his snobby guest, Chef George Crum decided he would give Mr. Vanderbilt exactly what he asked for! The chef angrily gathered up some potatoes and sliced them paper-thin. He threw the slices into hot oil to fry, drained and salted them and then personally served the new dish to Mr. Vanderbilt.

Surprised to see the chef in the dining room, the other diners watched as Crum, barely able to contain his rage, tauntingly delivered the new plate of potatoes. A hush fell over the room as everyone held their breath and waited for Vanderbilt’s reaction.

Cornelius Vanderbilt immediately popped a crisp potato slice into his mouth and beamed when the resounding “Crunch” shattered the silence. He proceeded to crunch away, delighted with his new treat. Clapping a surprised Chef Crum on the back, Vanderbilt complimented him on the wondrous potatoes and with a sigh of relief the watchful crowd turned their attention back to their own dinners.

“Saratoga Crunch Chips” became a Vanderbilt favorite and the potato chip has been a popular snack ever since.