If you live in a major city you know the joy of street food. NYC dwellers have a unique advantage as we have the Vendy Awards, an annual event that brings the best food trucks together in one convenient location for an afternoon of edible bliss. The awards were held on Governors Island a ferry accessible patch of land in NY Bay just a short trip from the southern tip of Manhattan. When we arrived we were met with an excited swarm of foodies bursting with excitement at the many options available. We started our trip around the carts with complimentary glasses of Santa Cristina wine. The tasty vino opened up our palates for the tasty foods offered by the various trucks.
Though we spent the better part of the day eating, we were there on serious business. Guests of the event are invited to sample then vote by anonymous ballot for their favorites in each category. The biggest winner of the night, the recipient of the coveted Vendy Cup were judged by a panel of celebrity judges including, Iron Chef Alex Guarnashelli, Food Expert Adam Richman, and E! News Correspondent Alicia Quarles. The winners of the day were:
The Vendy Cup: Cinnamon Snail
Masters Cup: Calexico
Best Dessert: Ice & Vice
Best Market Vendor: Zha Pan-Asian
Rookie of the Year: Snowday
People’s Taste Award: Nuchas
I am sure the judging was fair but our favorite of the day “El Rey Del Taco” was definitely robbed! Of all the trucks we only made a 2nd appearance at theirs. It’s been several days and I am still craving the amazing tostada. One of our favorites did win the best dessert, Ice and Vice serves up some of the most delectable flavors of Ice Cream we have experienced. Their Farmers boy Black Currant is absolutely amazing. A great day was had by all and next year we will surely have a new favorite, but our heart will always belong to El Rey.