What: The 5th Annual Vendy Awards
When: Saturday, Sept 26th, 2009, 2:00-7:00 p.m.
Where: Queens Museum of Art (Near the Unisphere), Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens
Why: Whether you’ve pined for a Belgian waffle topped with strawberries and confection in Park Slope, a Mediterranean chickpea falafels from “Freddy” in Astoria, a scoop of Giandujia from Van Leeuwen’s by the High Line, or steamed dumplings from the Rickshaw Truck in Dumbo, you’ve traveled far and boroughs-wide for a taste of street greatness.
This Saturday, these mobile foodie-preneurs along with a short list of finalists and favorites voted on by their consuming public will contend for this year’s Silver Vendy Cup—the Emmy of street vending. You’ll need to lace up your cushiony sneaks or slip on some comfy flats since the waiting lines will be long. But, hey, the Queens park view and the thrill of who you’ll meet in and at the end of the line should be as rewarding as a wait for….ahem…The Shake Shack.
Proceeds from the Awards support the Street Vendor Project, a nonprofit organization providing a voice for those who vend on the streets of New York. Your ticket buys an all you can eat pass for the day, free admission to the Queens Museum of Art, and an open bar of wine, beer, and soda.
Cost: $80 till day of, $100 at the door
How to get there: Take the E or F train uptown to the 7. Take the & from 74 Street Broadway Station headed to Queens/Flushing. Exit at Mets-Willets Point. Exit near Roosevelt Avenue and head East on Roosevelt. Make a left on 126th Street. The museum is a 5-10 minute walk through the park. A trolley will run from the subway station to the museum and bike parking will be available for those cycling over.
Photo: Courtesy of ultrateg