CLIVE — Pork tenderloin lovers can begin nominating their favorite for the Iowa Pork Producers Association’s 11th annual Best Breaded Pork Tenderloin Contest on May 1.
The contest celebrates a Midwest favorite by recognizing restaurants around the state that support their local pork producers by putting pork on their menu.
Nominations are limited to one per household. Forms are available at www.iowapork.org and in the May issue of the Iowa Pork Producer magazine. The deadline for nominations is June 11.
Any café, restaurant or tavern that serves breaded pork tenderloins is eligible to be nominated. Restaurants must receive three nominations to enter the first round of judging. Restaurant owners and operators are prohibited from nominating their own establishment.
“We had our work cut out for us last year with 65 sandwiches to judge, so we anticipate an even greater challenge in 2013,” said IPPA Marketing and Programs Director Kelsey Sutter. “Judging these juicy, tender, flavorful, mouth-watering sandwiches is a tough job, but someone has to do it!”
One person who nominates the winning restaurant will be entered in a drawing to win $100. The winning restaurant will receive $500, a plaque to display in the establishment and statewide publicity.
Representatives of the Iowa pork industry will judge the tenderloins on taste, appearance and physical characteristics and IPPA will announce the winner during October Pork Month.
The 2012 contest winner was Breitbach’s Country Dining in Balltown. Goldie’s Ice Cream Shoppe in Prairie City won first place in 2009.