2011 Vendy Awards

In the Fall of 2005, 150 people expectantly gathered in a garage where vendors store their equipment in the East Village to acknowledge some of New York City’s finest street vendors. The now coveted Vendy Cup was awarded for the first time that Autumn, and is now making its much anticipated annual return, to once again bestow the honor upon a worthy participant at the Vendy Awards. Anticipating a large crowd, the Awards will be held at Governor’s Island in NYC, tickets are already sold out. But your vote still counts! The nominees will be chosen based on the public votes and at the final showdown, these incredibly talented and humble culinarians battle for the title before a panel of celebrity judges. Not only can these hard working chefs win 1 of 4 titles including the cup, but this year a new title has been introduced in the running, “Most Heroic Vendor”. This award will be presented to the nominee who makes “non-culinary contributions to NYC. Including a vendor who spotted a car bomber in Times Square, to helping old people cross the street” reads a quote from the Vendy Awards website.

The winner of the competition not only adds the prestigious title to their resume, but all nominees see an increase in their sales thanks to the publicity and support from devoted fans. Money raised from the awards goes to the Street Vendor Project, a membership-based project (part of the non-profit organization Urban Justice) dedicated to being the voice of the widely diverse and often times under appreciated street vendors. They face discrimination, unprovoked attacks from the law and harsher punishments for simple violations. Violations and laws created to make becoming (and even staying) a vendor nearly impossible. If there is a street vendor you know who not only has great food but a wonderful attitude, a sense of community, or a vendor whom you consider an everyday hero, let your voice be heard. Nominate your “hero” and share your appreciation for their food and service. Stay tuned for coverage of the event, as well as exclusive interviews with the nominees!