Posted by ayersian
, September 07, 2009 14:08
During my time in Iowa, I was fortunate enough to be able to try some of best breaded pork tenderloin (BPT) sandwiches in the state. Although I certainly picked up recommendations from locals along the way, the perfect guide for BPT discovery was most certainly the list of winners from the Iowa Pork Producers’ annual contest. Bringing home the gold in 2008 was the Augusta restaurant in the small town of Oxford (just west of Iowa City). Opened just a few years ago by a pair of restaurateurs displaced by Hurricane Katrina, it appears at first glance that Augusta would be one of the last places that you would find an award-worthy BPT. That’s because the menu is primarily New Orleans-inspired, ranging from crawfish beignets to catfish po-boys. The one exception to this rule? The massive breaded pork tenderloin sandwich, which requires both one’s full attention and the use of two hands. The pork itself is incredibly thick, juicy, and meaty, practically necessitating a fork and knife rather than the mere use of one’s incisors. The exterior is delightfully different as well—the brittle panko-crumb coating messily falling away from the meat with each crunchy bite. And the size of this tenderloin…well…makes the small homemade bun appear obsolete. Sure, BPT purists might scratch their heads at Augusta’s gourmet creation, but the only question I’m left with is “Anyone want to go halfsies?”
Posted by ayersian
, March 21, 2009 09:10
In 2005, the Iowa Pork Producers Association chose Dairy Sweet in Dunlap as having the Best Breaded Pork Tenderloin Sandwich. New winners always chart a major upswing in sales after the award has been conferred, and Dairy Sweet continues to enjoy their peak of approximately 12,000 tenderloins sold each year for the past three years. Big, burly, and totally scrumptious, this BPT is cut in half before serving, which helps in heaving this thick slab of fried pork. The beautifully gnarled ends of this sandwich were (naturally!) the first parts that we consumed, and the loin’s crispy crust surrendered to a very juicy thickness. Spoon-required milkshakes and malts are perfect complements to these prize-winning sandwiches. Dairy Sweet is located at 714 Iowa Avenue (Route 37) in Dunlap.
Posted by ayersian
, March 20, 2009 09:24
Depending on whom you ask, Audubon locals definitely have their BPT allegiance: either Uptown Cafe or Chatterbox Cafe. While Uptown’s version is clearly bigger, size matters not, for Chatterbox’s take is thicker and juicier with a secret weapon: a toasted bun. This gives each bite an added crunch to augment the pork’s golden breading. Chatterbox also offers homemade pies for dessert to seal the deal. The Iowa Pork Producers Association may be waiting for the fervor to die down before naming another winner from Audubon County (Darrell’s Place in Hamlin won in 2004), because Chatterbox’s sandwich surely has a blue ribbon in its future. Chatterbox is located at 120 North Division Street (Route 71) in Audubon.
Posted by ayersian
, March 19, 2009 09:21
Every fall, the Iowa Pork Producers Association chooses the state’s Best Breaded Pork Tenderloin Sandwich. The lucky winner gets a cash prize of $500, a plaque, and statewide recognition. The 2007 IPPA winner is Larsen’s Pub in Elk Horn. Located at 4206 Main Street (Route 173), Larsen’s is a small, family-oriented pub serving “burgers, beer, and beverages,” and their BPT is a real treat. Juicy, tender, and perfectly breaded, the sandwich is served with pickles and purple onions. Larsen’s also features 1919 Draft Root Beer, a devilishly sweet draught made in Minnesota and distributed throughout the Upper Midwest. Owner Neal Larsen waited on us, and it’s easy to understand why folks from Omaha and beyond frequent this eatery for his humor and outstanding sandwiches.
