The Vendys Keep On Truckin’
Hopefully by now, those who attended the 8th annual Vendy Awards, which were held on Governors Island Saturday, have awoken from their food comas.
The weeks leading up the the awards, finalists did not only continue to feed hungry fans, they also spent time tweeting and posting pictures to Facebook/Instagram, maintaining momentum to hopefully gain votes.
Phil’s Steaks won Rookie of the Year
Melt Bakery melted judges hearts and won in the Dessert category.
Foodies brought their appetites and spent the day sampling the best eats and treats from 24 of New York City’s favorite street vendors. However, this is still an election year…so attendees were encouraged to vote for the finalists within the respective categories. Votes could be submitted electronically on mobile phones using the link fbdk.com/ven3 provided by sponsor fdbk, or scanning a QR Code, as well as in person the old fashion way, by dropping off the checked paper into the ballot box.
Many everyday essentials have been integrated into tech and food is no exception. From various apps and websites like Vendy Award Sponsors, Yelp and Mobilefoodnews.com, which foodies look to for news and reviews, there was an additional sponsor on site, introducing their app to food fiends.
For those of you who frequent food trucks, the LevelUp app is a must download. LevelUp, is a mobile application that uses QR codes allowing for mobile transactions to be made at local businesses via iPhone and Android. They were onsite promoting their app and giving out promo codes to new users.
Have you ever been stuck at the office and wished your favorite food cart would come to you? Or the weather is so bad, but you’re craving Uncle Gussy’s Pork chops & oven roasted lemon potatoes. Lunch Calling, (launching later this year), is a new socially-powered delivery website devoted to the gourmet lunch truck movement. Co-founder, Jamie Steiner was on site letting Vendy attendees know about the upcoming launch. Go to Lunchcalling.com to signup for more info.
Vendy Award Finalist, Uncle Gussy’s/Nicholas Karagiorgos (Chef/Owner)
For those of us who enjoy snacking or prefer a healthier alternative to candy bars, Sponsor Kind, gave out samples of their tasty fruit and nut bars.
Pairs are important, especially when it comes to food. Luckily, sponsors GUS, Volvic and Brooklyn Brewery had a bar set up where we wet our palettes.
GUS (Grown Up Soda) Organics
Our favorite was GUS’ newest flavor, Root Beer.
Bros enjoy their Brooklyn Brew
Vendy Volunteers look like they were also Brooklyn Brewery Brand Ambassadors
Since the Vendys are only one fun filled day of food, that leaves the rest of the year to explore the city’s unique street eats. For some that may seem overwhelming but Vendy Award Sponsor, Turnstile Tours, has already done the research and planning for you. Turnstile Tours offers Public and Private Food Cart Tours in Midtown and the Financial District. While on the tours, you will get to explore the history of New York’s food cart industry and the challenges of running these thriving but feverishly demanding small businesses as well as tastings from the vendors.
Cindy VandenBosch, Founder and her Mom, who came for the Vendys from Michigan!
For more information on the Vendys, to see who won this year’s awards or to support the Street Vendor Project, go to streetvendor.org. In addition many of the vendors actively use social media so follow your favorites on Twitter and Facebook to see where they are located.
Follow @Adweek on Instagram for more event photos.
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