Freddie the Falafel King of Astoria took home two top prizes — the Vendy Cup and the People’s Choice Award — at Saturday’s sixth annual Vendy Awards on Governor’s Island, according to Serious Eats. More than 18 nominated vendors battled it out in the competition that serves as a fundraiser for the Street Vendor Project, a non-profit organization that works on behalf of immigrant vendors, and the veritable Oscars of the street food world. Honest Tom’s Taco Shop, Birchrun on a Roll and Denise’s Soul Food Restaurant, the three Philly food trucks that were invited to take part in the competition made an impressive showing. Equally impressive was the announcement that Philly would host it’s own Vendy awards next year. “As a native [of Philadelphia] it was gratifying to be a judge at the Vendy Awards in New York when Philly made its debut and announced the launch of their own street food competition for 2011,” Stephen Starr told Grub Street via email. “It’s a chance for New Yorkers and beyond to come down and experience the Philly food scene.”
Philly’s trucks were invited as part of a partnership between the Street Vendor Project and Philly Homegrown, a program created by the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation to promote the Philadelphia region’s vibrant dining options and abundant food sources. “Philadelphia is a natural choice for a Vendy Awards and other celebratory gatherings that shine a light on Philly’s homegrown and diverse food cultures,” GPTMC President and CEO Meryl Levitz said. “Residents and visitors alike are eating their way through the Philadelphia region like never before.” Details of when and where Philly’s Vendys will take place are elusive, but GPTMC is committed to hosting the competition sometime in late 2011.
A Look at the 2010 Vendy Awards: Who Won the Street Food Oscars? [Serious Eats]
