#29 Montana: Pork Chop Sandwich

 Sandwich #29: Montana, Pork Chop Sandwich

Some of these sandwiches have really great backstories. I have really missed the research aspect of these while covid pushed these entries down on my importance list. This specific story just screams America, and I mean that in the best way possible. 

I love Montana. I have never been to Montana, but I still love it. I imagine it as deep rivers full of trout and sky-scraping mountains, clear air, and all of the adventure you could fit in a state. I do love Massachusetts, but I have often told my kids that if they ever move to Montana, they can expect that I will be moving out there soon afterward with them. The story of this sandwich starts with Pork Chop John. Yes, Pork Chop John was a real man. He lived in Butte Montana in 1928 and sold these pounded out, pork chop sandwiches out of the back of his wagon to the local miners in the area. They loved them and soon his wagon took on stronger walls and a more sure foundation. Pork Chop John's storefront is actually still right there in Butte Montana serving up this meal of a sandwich. 

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If you have ever had a chicken cutlet grinder here in good ole MA, then you are close to what this sandwich tastes like. Nora absolutely loved this, giving it a 9 out of 10. I have to admit, these kinds of sandwiches kind of hit you on all levels. They are heavy on the salad, and still, have that crunchy/salty thing going on in the fried coating of the pork chop. Actually, the dredge for this chop is probably the best flour/spice mixture that I have ever used. I completely plan on using it for other shallow fries in the future.  I gave this an 8 and Henry came in a little lower at a 7. Jenny said the thing was way too big and she was a little disappointed in the pork, vs the chicken in a chicken cutlet grinder. She said she would give it a 6, which is still pretty good. Remember the score for Georgia's Pimento thing for comparison?? Actually, let's not ruin this great review with that memory.  

In the America I love, people become famous for hard work, and mass appeal hinges on good-natured and personal interaction. This sandwich's history certainly meets that ideal. It was a good sandwich from a great state.