October is Pork Month, and the Luverne Area Chamber is teaming up with local pork producers and restaurants for the “We Love Pork Challenge” now through Oct. 21.
Similar to the “Love the Burger Battle” with Rock Nobles Cattlemen’s Association this spring, the We Love Pork Challenge this fall involves the Rock County Pork Producers and participating chefs.
“Six amazing Rock County restaurants will be serving their delicious pork sandwiches in a battle for the We Love Pork Challenge Trophy,” said Chamber Director Jane Wildung Lanphere.
Participating restaurants include: The Bluestem with its “Smothered Swine” sandwich, Green Lantern and it’s “Big Dad Pork Burger,” Hidden Hills Café and the “Hidden” pulled pork sandwich, Howling Dog and the “Boss Hog,” Sterling’s “Not Your Mother’s Pork Sandwich” and 75 Diner’s “Sweet and Tangy Pork Hoagie.”
When customers order the participating pork entrées between now and Oct. 21, they’ll receive sandwich ballots to fill out and leave with the restaurants when they’re done eating.
The Chamber will collect ballots each week and draw six customer names to win dining gift cards from the participating restaurants.
Ballot results will be tallied weekly and the award winning pork sandwich will be announced at the Ringneck Reunion Celebration at Take 16 Brewing Company on Oct. 26.
“Table tents will be in each restaurant featuring photos of the sandwiches and contest details and will be a reminder to make the rounds and try all of these six great sandwiches,” Lanphere said.
“Encourage your friends, neighbors and family members to take part. All pork sandwich eaters have a chance to win a dining gift card and have fun in the process.”
Follows Luverne’s first ever Burger Battle earlier this year
The Pork Challenge comes on the heels of a locally popular “Love the Burger Battle” earlier this year that was sponsored by the Rock-Nobles Cattlemen’s Association.
Sterling’s received the trophy during the May 30 Buffalo Days Cruise In for its winning burger, the “Southwest Tangler Burger.”
The winning sandwich featured an Angus beef patty, cheddar and pepper jack cheese, bacon, and southwest haystacks on pretzel bun topped with southwest ranch.
Other participating restaurants were 75 Diner, Green Lantern Bar & Grill, Howling Dog Saloon and The Bluestem.
Lanphere said the total point spread between the five competing burgers was less than .2 percent, making it indeed a burger battle.
More information is available on the Chamber website, www.luvernechamber.com.