For the culinary entrepreneur, Philly is a great testing ground. In addition to our
thriving BYO culture, the city supports a growing army of food trucks. To celebrate, the New York City-based
Street Vendor Project will host the third annual
Philly Vendy Awards at
Penn Treaty Park in Fishtown on Saturday, June 8.
While metal boxes carting cheesesteaks, fruit salad and breakfast sandwiches are nothing new, the new generation of Philly concessions are creating portable versions of national food trends -- Korean tacos, anyone? The Vendy Award finalists, selected thanks to thousands of public nominations, pay homage to the growing diversity.
"Vendors are giving us more options," says Helena Tubis, event coordinator for the Street Vendor Project. "They're creating a location-based experience. There's a fun factor that's just a little different than your traditional dining experiences."
The event will showcase six sweet trucks (offering frozen yogurt, baked goods and, of course, cupcakes) and 11 savory trucks (including Asian fusion, build-your-own mac and cheese and vegan delicacies). Attendees are given unlimited samples and will vote to decide the People's Choice award, Best Dessert and Messiest Food. There's also a judges' award determined by a panel of experts, including Paul Kimport, cofounder of
Johnny Brenda's and
Standard Tap, and Emilio Mignucci of
DiBruno Bros. Ticket proceeds benefit
The Food Trust.
Street Vendor Project has held the Vendy Awards in their home city for nine years. They brought the event to Philly because the local scene was booming: Over 15 trucks serve Love Park daily and The Food Trust has organized several packed Night Markets.
"There's just a huge influx in Philadelphia," says Tubis. "A tremendous amount of new vendors are doing unique offerings."
Source: Helena Tubis, the Street Vendor Project
Writer: Dana Henry