Truckin'

What You Missed at the Vendy Awards: Lines, Lots and Lots of Long Lines

Multiple lines converege at Saturday's Vendy Awards at the Piazza.
Multiple lines converege at Saturday’s Vendy Awards at the Piazza. Photo: Collin Keefe

Judging from the lines that snaked across the Piazza, zig-zagging from each of the eight food trucks entered in Saturday’s first-ever Philly Vendy Awards, the event was a smash success. But for those who paid $55 per ticket, the 20-plus minute waits in those lines — even longer for beverages — while temps hovered in 90s, it was regrettably a drag. Though many complained, especially after the slow-moving beverage tent ran out of beer and soon after, cups for wine, most folks we spoke with were still enthusiastic about what they had a chance to eat.

Our informal polling found that Sugar Philly’s salted caramel macarons, Cucina Zapata’s thai short rib taco and Guapos Tacos’ mahi tacos were all formidable contenders. Ultimately though, Cucina Zapata took the “People’s Choice” award, while judges, which included Mayor Michael Nutter, Zahav’s Michael Solomonov and Top Chef alum Jennifer Carroll, picked Sweet Box for “Best Dessert.” The big winner was Philly food truck stalwart, Gigi and Big R Caribbean Soul Food, which was awarded Vendy Cup.

Earlier: Philly’s Vendy Awards: It’s More Than Just Cupcake Trucks

What You Missed at the Vendy Awards: Lines, Lots and Lots of Long Lines