Two Monticello restaurants compete for Iowa pork tenderloin title

Two Monticello restaurants are in the running for the title of Iowa’s Best Breaded Pork Tenderloin from the Iowa Pork Producers Association.

The Blind Pig, owned by Meg Evans, and The Market at the Tap, owned by Krystina and Matt Kumley, are up against three others as they vie for the deep-fried crown: Bronson Bar in Bronson, Dairy Sweet in Dunlap and Ruby’s Pub and Grill in Stuart.

After a summer of judging restaurants nominated by the public, 40 contestants have been whittled down to five finalists to showcase the best of Iowa’s hand-breaded delicacy. To ensure statewide representation, the 40 contestants included five restaurants with the most nominations in each of the Iowa Pork Producers Association’s eight districts.

“There were 532 restaurants nominated for our 22nd annual contest, which goes to show that Iowans love their breaded pork tenderloins,” said Kelsey Sutter, marketing and programs director for IPPA. “Over the years, I’ve seen firsthand that Iowa has no shortage of these hand-breaded favorites.”

Eligible contestants must serve their sandwich on the menu year-round, and all sandwiches must be hand-breaded or battered to qualify. Seasonal eateries, caterers, concession stands, and food trucks are not eligible to compete.

Members of the industry association visit restaurants anonymously to judge tenderloins on pork taste, quality, physical characteristics and presentation. After reviewing all 40 nominations, a committee chooses five finalists to be evaluated by a panel of three judges who determine first and second place winners.

The winning restaurant and runner-up will be announced later this month. In addition to the title, the winner will receive a $500 cash prize, plaque, banner and statewide publicity known for its role in making sales go “hog wild,” the Iowa Pork Producers Association said in a news release.

Comments: Features reporter Elijah Decious can be reached at (319) 398-8340 or elijah.decious@thegazette.com.