Congrats to all the finalists, we would love to hear all of your comments and thoughts on these vendors. Be sure to get your tickets to the big NYC Vendy Awards Event on September 15th.

2012 NYC Vendys

The Cinnamon Snail Vegan Organic Food Truck
Schedule: Always on the move, for latest Manhattan coordinates, visit:@VeganLunchTruck

Piaztlan Authentic Mexican Food Truck
Schedule: Saturday & Sunday, 10am – 8pm, May-October at the Red Hook Ballfields, Brooklyn @PiaztlanBK

Uncle Gussy’s Traditional Greek Cuisine
Schedule: Monday-Friday, 11am -3pm at 51st St and Park Ave, Midtown, Manhattan@UncleGussys

Tortas Neza 
Schedule: Daily from 1pm-1am at 111th Street and Roosevelt, a few blocks away from Citifield, Queens

Hamza & Madina Halal Food
Schedule: Everyday, 10am – 4am at 254-05 Hillside Ave, Glen Oaks, NY

Xin Jiang Prosperity Kebabs
Schedule: Monday-Sunday 10:30am-8:30pm at the corner of Forsyth St & Division St, Chinatown

Where and when?

When: Saturday (12:30-5 pm), September 15, 2012

Where: Governors Island, located in the heart of New York Harbor

What happens at the Awards?

Finalists arrive with their carts/trucks and prepare their best eats for Vendy attendees and judges. Beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages will be plentiful, with tables and chairs for the food-weary. There will be live music, performances, and a raffle, culminating in a short ceremony naming the award winners!

Please wear comfortable shoes. Each year we work to shorten the lines, but standing in line is part of the Vendy – and street food – experience. We can’t say if any marriages have come out of people waiting in line together, but we do know that many friendships have been born as people wait for their chance to sample the finalists’ food.

Which awards will be given out this year?

One finalist will be awarded the Vendy Cup and title of Vendy Award winner. Additional awards will be given to the People’s Taste Award winner, the Dessert Category winner,  Rookie Vendor of the Year, and this year, for the very first time: The Market Vendor Award.

What is the new Market Vendor category?

Eligibility for the Vendy Awards has historically been restricted to full-time mobile food vendors working on the city streets and sidewalks; however, the recent growth and popularity of organized street fairs and outdoor markets has given birth to a new breed of mobile vendor and they deserve their own special category. Vendors from local hotspots like Smorgasburg, the Hester Street Fair, and the New Amsterdam Market have been pushing the envelope of traditional street-food often utilizing locally sourced ingredients and classic techniques to create new and exciting dishes. The Market Vendor category reflects a growing dynamic within the street food community that was made clear to us by the strong support of the voting public through the nomination process. We are thrilled to include these great vendors and welcome them to the Vendy family!

Can I help choose the Vendy winner?

Attendees choose our People’s Taste Award winner. Audience members will also choose winners in the Dessert, Rookie Vendor and Market Vendor of the Year categories.

What does my ticket get me?

All the food you can eat, and an open bar of wine, beer and non-alcoholic beverages. A portion of your entry ticket is a tax-deductible contribution to the Street Vendor Project, whose goal is to make sure that vendors are always a part of our city.

Can I buy my ticket later or at the door?

Last year we sold out before the event and there were no tickets available at the door. The event has grown every year and, in order to keep the lines manageable, we sell a limited amount of tickets ensuring a great experience for everyone involved. We strongly recommend buying your tickets early. We won’t run out of food, but we will run out of tickets.

Are kids welcome? Do they need tickets?

We love kids and kids love street food. Children 8 and under don’t need a ticket. Otherwise, they do.

How do I get to Governors Island?

Governors Island is easily accessible by ferry. Bicycles are allowed on the ferry and bike parking will be available on site; rental bikes are also available. Please note that cars and pets are not allowed on Governors Island.

The Vendy Awards location is a 5-minute walk from the ferry.

My company would like to sponsor the Vendy Awards. What should I do?

Now in its eighth year, the Vendy Awards has established itself as a classic NYC event that brings out hundreds of food-savvy guests and attracts local, national, and international media attention. We are actively looking for corporate sponsors, big and small, to partner with us to make this event a success. Please contact us at [email protected] or (917) 716-8253.

Can I volunteer at the Vendys, or help organize this year’s Vendys?

We are always looking for dedicated volunteers to help plan and work the event. Please email [email protected] if you are interested. Many 2011 volunteers have already signed up and spaces are limited so get on board early and start getting involved.

How can I help support the Street Vendor Project?

We receive NO government grants and depend on people like you to support our work. We always appreciate financial help, even if you can’t come to the Awards. You can make a tax-deductible contribution to the Street Vendor Project at the Street Vendor site.