Liz Biro

liz.biro@indystar.com

Who makes Indiana’s best breaded tenderloin sandwich? That’s a question Hoosiers can’t seem to stop obsessing over. The hunt for No. 1 continues at Tenderloin Throwdown 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 25 in downtown Greensburg. Contestants line up around the Decatur County Courthouse, prepare their breaded tenderloin sandwiches and then cross their fingers in hopes of winning in one or more categories: best breaded tenderloin, best grilled tenderloin, most creative tenderloin or people’s choice. Yes, you get to taste. All of the competitors sell breaded tenderloins at the contest, and some sell grilled tenderloins. Contestants include The Willard in Franklin; BBQ St. and LiL’ Charlie’s Restaurant and Brewery, both in Batesville; Waldron General in Waldron; and Pop’s Diner, Hometown BBQ and Mayasari Indonesian Grill, all in in Greensburg.

150 Courthouse Square, Greensburg; (812) 222-0037, facebook.com/tenderlointhrowdown

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Indiana landmarks inspire chefs

If the Coca-Cola building was food on a plate, what would it be? A pavlova perhaps, topped with spiky whipped cream and peaches the color of an Indiana sunset? Would Victory Field be a hot dog with relish made from sweet persimmons and Sechler's Pickles? Top Indy chefs are pondering those sorts of questions as they plan their menus for the Dig IN-sponsored tasting event Indulge. Imbibe. Imagine, also known as “i3.” Dig IN promotes locally grown food and stages the huge Dig IN: A Taste of Indiana food and drink festival every August. Indulge. Imbibe. Imagine is a primer to the big day. From 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. June 26 at Madame Walker Theatre, 15 teams consisting of a chef, bartender and artist will interpret Indiana landmarks as something to eat, drink and admire. For instance, Milktooth’s Jonathon Brooks has the Indiana War Memorial. Doug Spradley of Farm Bloomington is the bartender. Painter Emma Overman is the team’s artist. Brooks will prepare a dish, Spradely a drink and Overman a work of art. Your ticket allows you to experience the food and drink from each team while you witness the artists creating their pieces. Other participants include Circle City Sweets, Three Carrots vegetarian restaurant, Taxman Brewing, Plat 99, Bluebeard and The Local. Advance tickets, available until June 25, cost $45. Get tickets at the door for $50. The $95 option includes an early entry ticket to August’s Dig IN: A Taste of Indiana local food festival.

617 Indiana Ave., (317) 363-4625, digindiana.org

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The art and culture of Indiana food

I found some cool stuff last year at Food Con, a convention celebrating the art and culture of Indiana food. One guy was cooking on his vehicle’s engine. The event returns to the Harrison Center for the Arts courtyard 5 to 9 p.m. July 1. This year learn how to raise rabbits, compost kitchen scraps, use sheep as lawnmowers and plan an urban garden. You’ll also hear about locally grown food. Food trucks will supply stuff to eat and drink. One of them is the S’moremobile, serving all kinds of tasty s’mores. Food Con is presented by Basic Needs, Simple Solutions, which works to provide life’s basics to people who do not have access to things like clean air, clean water, shelter and proper nutrition. Admission is free.

1505 N. Delaware St., (317) 396-3886, harrisoncenter.org

Follow IndyStar food writer Liz Biro on Twitter: @lizbiro, Instagram: @lizbiro, Facebook and Pinterest. Call her at (317) 444-6264.