
Big E baked potato face-off: CT’s $22 ‘Carb Commander’ vs. Maine’s Potato King
The annual New England fair hosts a starchy showdown between Maine's affordable classic and Connecticut's premium offering from Danny's Smokehouse.
WEST SPRINGFIELD, MA – The annual Eastern States Exposition, affectionately known as The Big E, has once again sparked a culinary debate, this time centered around its beloved baked potatoes. A recent video highlighted the rivalry between two prominent vendors: the classic Maine baked potato and the Texas-style baked potato from Danny's Smokehouse, located outside the Connecticut building. The Maine baked potato, a staple at the fair, is offered for $8 and comes generously topped with butter, sour cream, cheese sauce, chives, and bacon bits. Patrons are seen queuing in a relatively quick-moving line for this traditional offering, with one staff member noting that the correct answer for toppings is "everything." In contrast, Danny's Smokehouse presents a more elaborate, and pricier, option at $22. This "Carb Commander" features a large baked potato adorned with butter, shredded cheese, bacon bits, sour cream, and a choice of either chili or pulled pork. The video noted the significant size and extensive toppings of the Texas potato, suggesting it might be challenging for a single person to finish. The creator of the video, Sebastian, humorously referred to himself as a "spud buddy" and aimed to settle the "debate on the battle of the baddest 'tater apple'" at the fair. While both potatoes were acknowledged as delicious, the ultimate decision for many fairgoers comes down to a preference for pulled pork or chili, with the video concluding with a "hats off to you Connecticut" in favor of the Texas option.
The annual New England fair hosts a starchy showdown between Maine's affordable classic and Connecticut's premium offering from Danny's Smokehouse.