March 28, 2024

Search is on for Iowa’s Best Breaded Pork Tenderloin of 2019

CLIVE — There is no one right way to make a delicious breaded pork tenderloin. That’s one of the reasons the Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) is beginning its search of Iowa restaurants to find the best in Iowa for 2019. And, you can help!

IPPA is accepting nominations for its 17th annual Best Breaded Pork Tenderloin Contest and will continue to take those nominations of your favorite pork tenderloin and restaurant that serves it until June 6.

“We look forward to this contest each year because we love how excited and passionate our Iowa tenderloin connoisseurs get,” said Kelsey Sutter, IPPA marketing and program director. “This contest recognizes Iowa dining establishments that have pork as a regular menu item in support of Iowa’s nation-leading pork industry.”

Any Iowa restaurant, café, or tavern that has hand-breaded or battered pork tenderloins on its menu is eligible to be nominated. In order to win, the nominated business must be open year-round, however, seasonal restaurants can be in the final top five.

It's the first round where you, the tenderloin-lover, will have the biggest impact. Nominations can be made online at www.iowapork.org/tenderloin-form or by mailing in a form from the May issue of the Iowa Pork Producer magazine to the IPPA office. Only one nomination per person, so you may have to try a few of your favorites out before sending in your selection! Also, your nomination could help you win some money. The people nominating the winning restaurant will be entered in a drawing for one $100 prize.

The nomination round will generate up to 40 restaurants that will get a bit more scrutiny over the summer. That’s when the restaurants with the most nominations from each of the eight IPPA districts will be selected for a review by IPPA’s restaurant and food service committee. Their reviews will determine which restaurants are turned over to a secret panel of judges who will score the tenderloins on the quality of the pork, taste, physical characteristics and eating experience. The winner will be named during October Pork Month.

As she’s looking ahead to crowning the winner, Sutter said, “We’re looking forward to discovering more of the greats and finding Iowa’s best of 2019.”

The winning restaurant will receive $500, a plaque to display in their business, and statewide publicity that will bring in new business.