Vendy Awards Honor the City's Best Street Vendors

Street Vendor Project at the Urban Justice Center announce new award, judges Not sure which street vendor to eat at? Head to Governor's Island on September 15 for the [2012 Vendy Awards] and [you'll never go hungry again](http://youtu.be/Mrp86YdQT5k?t=1m32s)! Ok, maybe. The event, which travels throughout the country, sets out to determine which vendors you pass that are worth paying attention to. Using a cook-off, it awards the winners of the Vendy Cup (the Lombardi Trophy for venders), the Rookie of the Year, Best Dessert, Heroic Vendor of the Year, and the People's Taste Award. Also, to give you an even better idea of what's what, a new "Best Market Vendor" award will be determined. This new trophy "honors a new breed of mobile vendor popping up at local street fairs and outdoor markets." "Each, year the Vendy Awards shine a spotlight on New York City's most talented sidewalk chefs," said Director of the Street Vendor Project at the Urban Justice Center, Sean Basinki, according to the event's release. "Only on this day do the best of the best ? our concrete elite from across the city ? unite for a fantastic food fight." Among this year's judges are Food & Wine Mag's Restaurant Editor Kate Krader, chef and owner of BaoHaus Eddie Huang, and, surprisingly, the NY-based rap group Das Racist. The event has gained popularity of the past couple years, and saw 1,500 attendees last year. Ticket prices are from $80-95, which seems relatively steep, but you've probably wasted that much on ill-advised, uneatable food purchases around the city. --Nick Gallinelli P.S. Vendors, applications are currently being accepted.