Best Tenderloins: 5 Finalists Named in Iowa’s Best Breaded Pork Tenderloin Contest
The Iowa Pork Producers Association has announced the five finalists in this year’s Best Breaded Pork Tenderloin competition.
The Iowa Pork Producers Association has named five finalists for its annual Best Breaded Pork Tenderloin competition.
Finalists include:
Video above from last fall: Grinnell Restaurant celebrates the best filet in the state
“Every restaurant on this list has earned its spot, but judging a good filet is about more than its size,” contest judge and retired pork producer Greg Carlson said in a news release. “We’re looking for pork that’s tender and flavorful, with a breading that complements it. As a veteran producer, it’s gratifying to see restaurants put so much care into a sandwich that Iowans love.”
Grinnell’s hometown heroes won last year’s competition. The filet mignon on its menu is thick cut and lightly breaded, served on a brioche bun with all the toppings.
The sandwich has been a staple at Hometown Heroes since the restaurant opened in 2019, but its recent recognition has led to an influx of customers eager to try the award-winning dish. “It’s as big as your hand,” said executive chef Paul Durr, describing the generous portion sizes.
Now, a panel of three judges will visit each finalist to determine the winner, who will be announced in mid-October.
The winner will receive $500, a plaque, banner, statewide advertising and the bragging rights that often cause filet mignon sales to skyrocket. The runner-up will receive $250 and a plaque, while the rest of the top five will receive a commemorative plaque. Nominators of the winning restaurant will be entered into a $100 drawing.
Iowa’s Best Net Contest Winners
- 2003: Darrell’s Place, Hamlin
- 2004: Suburban restaurant, Ames (permanently closed)
- 2005: Sweetened dairy products, Dunlap
- 2006: The Town House Supper Club, Wellsburg (permanently closed)
- 2007: Pub Larsen, Elk Horn
- 2008: Augusta Restaurant, Oxford (permanently closed)
- 2009: Goldie’s Ice Cream Store, Prairie City
- 2010: Buck’s Bar & Grill, Mitchellville (permanently closed)
- 2011: Gramma’s Kitchen, Walcott
- 2012: Breitbach Country Dinner, Balltown
- 2013: River Rock Café, Mt. Pleasant (permanently closed)
- 2014: The Lucky Pig Pub & Grill, Ogden
- 2015: Belmond drive-in cinema, Belmond
- 2016: Nick’s, Des Moines (permanently closed)
- 2017: Grid Iron Sports Bar and Grill, Webster City
- 2018: Three Cs Dinner, Corning
- 2019: The Pub at Pinicon, New Hampton
- 2020: PrairieMoon on Main, Prairieburg
- 2021: Victoria Station, Harlan (permanently closed)
- 2022: Lid’s Bar & Grill, Waukon
- 2023: Cliff’s Place, Manning
- 2024: Sweetened dairy products, Dunlap
- 2025: Hometown Hero, Grinnell
Source: Iowa Pork Producers Association
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