After a long week of rainy days came a sunny weekend day, ideal for an outing. It was a perfect day (June 14) for foodies to attend the Fourth Annual Philadelphia Vendy Awards, a food truck competition to determine the best of the best among sidewalk chefs while bringing awareness to the sustainable food movement. As I entered Penn Treaty Park, there were 13 food trucks arranged around the perimeter of the park and a canned craft beer station was centered mid-field, awaiting the crowds. A live music lineup was performing, right by the bay, inviting all to sit and listen while enjoying the tasty bites from the finalists. Of course, it was a delicious challenge to decide which truck to visit first, but by the end of the afternoon, I had taste-tested what I was naming as the top contenders for the following competing categories: the Vendy Cup, Rookie of the Year, Dessert and the People’s Choice Awards. Full report below.
PA Eats Names Vendy Favorites
The Cow and the Curd
I had tried for a year and a half to get a chance to try the delicious and popular fried cheese curds from The Cow and the Curd, so I knew that standing in line was a must. As the plate was handed to me, I was happy to receive a variety of samples: a hearty portion of fried cheddar curds, fried goat cheese curds, and poutine with an assorted of dipping sauces (smoked ketchup, sriracha aioli, etc.). All proved absolutely scrumptious and well worth the wait.
The Whirly Pig
The Whirly Pig was another food truck that completely took me by surprise. As I sampled all three items from their menu, I immediately knew this was very gourmet and completely innovative kitchen-on-wheels. Whirly Pig served a chilled cucumber and avocado soup with a bacon stick, a braised pork cheek with a molasses and duck fat glaze and potted pork and duck confit riquettes that brought my food truck tasting to a whole new level.
Jimmies Cupcake Company
Despite tasting all the savory dishes offered by the competing food trucks, I made it a point to taste all the dessert options. It was tough to narrow down the choices, but the summer desserts with unique names from Jimmies Cupcake Company proved a winner for me. The LeBron James mini cupcake consisted of a vanilla cake with a fresh key lime glaze and a raspberry icing. It was very hard to stop at just one.
Even though only one of the three food trucks I voted for won in the People’s Choice category, the food was amazing and the experience was enjoyable. There was nothing like getting a taste from multiple trucks in one space that normally are in different areas around Philadelphia.
Curious About the 2014 Vendy Awards Winners?
Here is a list of the 2014’s food truck champions:
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Vendy Cup: Pie Stand
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People’s Choice Award: The Cow and the Curd
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Rookie of the Year: Oink and Moo BBQ
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Dessert: Bonjour Creperie
Speed over to the Vendy Awards website to read more information on the winning food trucks and to view past winners (all are well worth their acknowledgments). All proceeds from the event supported The Food Trust.
