Happy Porktober, Indy. October is National Pork Month — traditionally because hog farmers bring their pigs to the market during this time.
We all know the tenderloin sandwich is Indiana’s unofficial mascot, but do you know why?
It’s said that the dish was invented by a Hoosier named Nick Freienstein 100+ years ago in Huntington, Indiana. German immigrants in town were starved for schnitzel, so he made his own version which became known as the pork tenderloin sandwich. The main difference here is that the tenderloin is deep fried — the Hoosier way — not pan fried.
Tenderloin Lovers Trail in Indiana | Photo via Indiana Foodways Alliance
How can you celebrate this month? Try the Tenderloin Lovers Trail.
You could call it the Olympigs for eating — Indiana Culinary Trails is an initiative started by the Indiana Foodways Alliance + features a trail just for Indy’s favorite sandwich.
There are 30 stops on the trail, including the Mayberry Cafe — an Andy Griffith-themed establishment that your very own City Editor, Anna, worked at for several years.
Pro tip: If you get at least 5 stamps on your Culinary Trails passport, you could get a tenderloin t-shirt for the sl-hog.
Don’t want to stray too far from home? We’ve got you covered. Notable tenderloins in Indy include the coconut-encrusted one from Heartbreaker (pictured above), 2 different versions from Blind Owl Brewery + a classic from Big Lug Canteen .
No matter what kind of pignic you have planned for this month, don’t forget to tag us
in your pork-tures.