If you went to the Idaho State Fair in Boise and ate an Idaho Ice-cream Potato, you probably bought it from a stand that looked like this.
You paid the person at the window the small nominal fee for the potato and they handed you an Ice-Cream Potato that probable looked like this one. It's the picture over here on the right with 2 spoons in it and it was good enough to share with that special someone. I don't think I could have eaten the whole thing by myself, although I could have given it a go.
I was there this year and greatly enjoyed the potato that I thought
it would make a good story for you to enjoy. I contacted Chef Lou at the Westside Drive in and asked Lou these questions.
1. Who invented the ice-cream potato, when and where?
It was invented in the 1940's by the chef at the Gamekeeper Restaurant in the Owyhee Plaza, for a banquet, for the Governor. It was called the "Gamekeeper Surprise". It was made with Maple Nut ice cream, served on chocolate fudge sauce, topped with whipped cream and almonds.
2. Did you get a patent, copy-right etc. for it or is it out there for all to enjoy?
I tried to get a patent, but it is very hard to patent food. Once it has been in existence for a year, it is almost un-patentable. I got a trademark on the name "Idaho Ice Cream Potato" in 1991, but, pretty much anyone can make it. It is served coast to coast in restaurants. They just can't call it the "Idaho Ice Cream Potato". It was served at George Bush's 1st inaugural dinner. Martha Stewart, Sandra Lee, and many others, including the David Letterman Show have made it.
3. Are there many variation of style and ingredients and if so what are they? I noticed through searching the internet there are several different ways to make it.
There are countless ways to make it. I won an American Heart Association contest by making it with frozen yogurt and carob powder.
4. How many places that you know of make the ice-cream potato and are they offered year round? You offer it at both of your locations.
Yes, we do, and several restaurants around the state serve it. We make them at a production facility and sell them to Sysco, who distributes them.
So if you any of you get a chance to eat an Idaho Ice-cream Potato from one of
their restaurants, it is highly recommended to do it.