PEORIA MAGAZINE July 2023

A h, the deep-fried pork ten derloin sandwich — or, as it’s simply known among fans, the tenderloin. It’s the quintessential central Illinois sandwich. But it wasn’t born here. IN THE LAND OF LINCOLN, THE TENDERLOIN IS STRICTLY A CENTRAL ILLINOIS THING The original was purportedly created in 1908 by Nick’s Kitchen in Huntington, Indiana, near Fort Wayne. With pork as the main ingredient, it’s not surprising that the sandwich is most popular in four of the top pork-producing states: Indiana, Iowa, Missouri and Illinois. But in the Land of Lincoln, you won’t find many tenderloins in Chicago, or

in northern or southern Illinois. It’s a central Illinois thing. The basic recipe is simple: The pork loin is hammered thin, dipped in flour and egg, then coated with either bread crumbs or crushed saltines before getting dunked into a deep fryer. Over the years, many pubs and eateries have tried to best one another with oversize tenderloins. In fact, in Iowa and Indiana, gourmands follow tenderloin trails leading from one tenderloin spot to the other. Further, the Facebook page “Pursu ing Pork Tenderloin Sandwiches” has 72,000 members who ramble all over the country to photograph and rate ten derloins. David Stovall, who administers the page, says size can matter – as far as customer buzz. “It now is kind of a pride and promo

tional thing (for eateries), and for the customers a curiosity thing,” Stovall said. “Some restaurants build a repu tation on their giant tenderloins that draw people in.” But which places serve the biggest tenderloins in central Illinois? We asked this question online, and nominations poured in from readers of Peoria Maga zine and viewers of WTVP’s “You Gotta See This!” The following five stops were mentioned the most. We paid each a visit to weigh their tenderloin. Not the plate, not the bun, not the toppings – just the tenderloin. Phil Luciano is a senior writer/ columnist for Peoria Magazine and content contributor to public television station WTVP. He can be reached at phil.luciano@wtvp.org

SPOONIES BAR & GRILL 103 N. Third St., London Mills (309) 486-3574 www.facebook.com/ SpooniesBandG The scoop: Spoonies is one of the few businesses in London Mills, population 392. The tidy and inviting Fulton County pub sits near Spoon River, a picturesque waterway that is home to the Spoon River Drive, sort of a roadside flea market. Weight of tenderloin: 2 pounds, 1 ounce Price: $11

ASHER’S BAR & GRILL 353 Court St. in Pekin (309) 201-4111 www.facebook.com/ Ashersbargrille The scoop: A fire at Asher’s original spot, in Farmington, prompted a move to Pekin. The roomy joint boasts a prime location across from the Tazewell County Courthouse. Weight of tenderloin: 2 pounds, 5 ounces Price: $12.50

SMITTY’S BAR & GRILL 308 Gary St., Leonore (815) 856-2030 www.facebook.com/profile. php?id=100063593438898 The scoop: Smitty’s comprises the entire retail district in little Leonore, population 121. The LaSalle County saloon gleams with polish and smiles, and the prices are kind on the wallet. Weight of tenderloin: 4 pounds Price: $7.85

JULY 2023 PEORIA MAGAZINE 19