Two Monticello Restaurants Named Top Five Finalists in IPPA Tenderloin Contest

Two Monticello restaurants have been named top five finalists in Iowa’s Best Breaded Pork Tenderloin Contest. 

The Market at the Tap and The Blind Pig are among the top five finalists, along with Bronson Bar in Bronson, Dairy Sweet in Dunlap and Ruby’s Pub and Grill in Stuart. 

More than five hundred restaurants were nominated for this year’s contest – and Iowa Pork Producers Association Marketing and Programs Director Kelsey Sutter says that shows that Iowans love their breaded pork tenderloins. 

To win the title of “Iowa’s Best Breaded Tenderloin”, a restaurant must offer the sandwich on their menu year-round. Judging commenced this summer for the top 40 restaurants, selected from public nominations. 

IPPA members and industry affiliates visited those 40 restaurants anonymously, with five chosen to move on to the next round. A panel of three judges was then appointed to visit each finalist and determine the first and second place winners.

The winning restaurant and runner-up will be announced later in October, which is National Pork Month.