11th Annual Vendy Awards To Name New York's Best Street Food In September

Now that the James Beard Awards ceremony, the S.Pellegrino World's 50 Best Restaurants announcement, and The Daily Meal's 101 Best Restaurants in America list have come and gone, it's time to celebrate the culinary craftsmanship that's a little less foie gras and a little more falafel. The New York chapter of the Vendy Awards is back at Governor's Island this year.

The Vendy Awards, sometimes referred to as "the Oscars of the street food world," highlight the tastiest and most popular food trucks and carts throughout the city. The 11th annual Vendy Awards cook-off will take place on September 12, and nominations are now open. Other similar events will celebrate the best street food in Los Angeles and Philadelphia.

"We're proud to say that the Vendys have become as iconic as New York street food itself," said Sean Basinski, director of the Street Vendor Project at the Urban Justice Center. "Vendors are an integral part of every community and every borough. We invite all New Yorkers to nominate their favorite cart or truck, and snag a ticket to the year's best celebration of our city's unparalleled curb-side cuisine."

Every year, dozens of food trucks and carts participate and vie for the "Vendy Cup." Last year, vegan food truck Cinnamon Snail won the top honors, with the People's Choice award going to mobile empanada purveyor Nuchas. The social justice-minded, maple syrup-themed Snowday truck was named Rookie of the Year.

Finalists for the 2015 awards will be announced in the coming months as the competition draws closer, but you can buy early bird tickets online now.  

Of course if you want to know what the best food truck is in America, you'll want to check out last year's list of The Daily Meal's Best Food Trucks in America, in anticipation of the upcoming 2015 list.