Kaya is up for rookie of the year at this year’s Vendy Awards, to be held on Governors Island on September 12 (photo by twi-ny/mdr)
Governors Island
Saturday, September 12, $60-$800 (includes tastings from more than twenty-five food vendors and unlimited beverages), 12:30 – 5:00
www.vendyawards.streetvendor.org
www.govisland.com
The eleventh annual Vendy Awards are set for Saturday on Governors Island, celebrating street food of the highest order. Following nominations from the public, this year’s judges — Marco A. Carrión, Mike “foodbabyny” Chau, Glenn Harris, Claus Meyer, KF Seetoh, Maya Sittisuntorn, and Steph Sumulong — will be choosing the winners in five categories. Up for best dessert are Booqoo Beignets, Butter & Scotch, Doughnuttery, Playjscream, and Squish Marshmallows. The Best of Market competitors are Burmese Bites, Carnitas El Atoradero, Home Frite, the Gumbo Bros, and Your Panadas. Fighting it out for rookie of the year are Coney Shack, Kaya NYC, Lil Zeus Lunch Box, Old Traditional Polish Cuisine, and Shuka Truck. Going after the Vendy Cup as best food truck are Biryani House, Hard Times Sundaes, Guandong Cheong Fun, Snowday, and Souvlaki Lady. New this year is Best Street Drink, with Best Juice Uptown, Catalina’s Champurrado, Coco & Co., Renegade Lemonade, and Tea and Milk seeking the prize. (There is also a surprise category and live entertainment.) A portion of the proceeds goes to the Street Vendor Project, which advocates for street vendors as part of the nonprofit Urban Justice Center.