Fwd: on "French" toast

[Laurence Horn]

Can't remember at the moment what our prevailing wisdom was on
"French toast".  Can anyone confirm or refute this story, just
forwarded to me by one of our students?  It seems a bit
etymythological to me, especially the
not-knowing-proper-usage-of-the-apostrophe bit, but then French toast
isn't found in France, unlike French fries (even if the latter are
the national food of Belgium, and even if they're just called
"frites" in both countries).

larry

--- begin forwarded text

A toast to stupidity

Apropos of the politicians who are expunging the word "French" from
cafeteria menus, a gastronomic historian writes: "French toast was not
invented in France. In fact, it was invented in Albany, NY. Tavern owner
Joseph French is credited with inventing the famous breakfast in 1724.
Supposedly, Mr. French didn't know the proper usage of the possessive
apostrophe and, instead of 'French's toast' he put 'French toast' on his
menu."


         (from Joe Conason's Journal, on salon.com)

--- end forwarded text